Dutchess County Historical Society Yearbook Vol 063 1978

CONFLICT AND TRANSITION: POUGHKEEPSIE, CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE, 1778

By Melodye Andros and Radford Curdy This year marked the 200th anniversary of Poughkeepsie's becoming the Capital of the State of New York and this occasion was marked by an exhibition sponsored by the Dutchess County Historical Society at Mid-Hudson Arts and Science Center, Old City Hall, Poughkeepsie. The exhibit opened August 5th and closed October 29th, and included an audiovisual presentation depicting the complexion of the City and the County at that time.

Manuscripts and prints relating to various Dutchess County legislators, a pair of pistols owned by Assemblyman Derick Brinckerhoff, John Jay's copy of "The Votes of the Continental Congress," Walter Livingston's silver snuff box, and one of the lintel stones from the Van Kleeck house were among the items on display. Three scenes were created; one depicting the life-style of a tradesman, another a well-todo family's parlor, and the third a simulated legislative chamber of the period.

Poughkeepsie became Capital of New York by proclamation of December 15, 1777. The first official body to meet in the Village was the Assembly which was ordered to convene on January 5, 1778. The Assembly probably met in the Court House, with Walter Livingston presiding as Speaker. The Senate convened, also undoubtedly in the Court House, on January 15, 1778. Lt. Gov. Pierre Van Cortlandt was its President. Both the Assembly and Senate continued sessions until April 4 when they adjourned until June 22nd. They continued to meet until June 30th. The second session of the Legislature convened October 13, 1778 and lasted until November 6, 1778. The second part of the session was held from January 27 to March 17, 1779.

Gov. George Clinton had already established his residence here when the legislative sessions opened. The State's first Attorney General, Egbert Benson, took office at Poughkeepsie January 15, 1778. The first Secretary of State, John Morin Scott, took office March 13, 1778. The State Treasurer, Gerard Bancker, was appointed April 1, 1778. All exercised their duties from offices at Poughkeepsie. The State Auditor, Comfort Sands, had an office at Poughkeepsie, and State Commissary Agents operated from the Village. The second Council of Safety, with Evert Bancker as President, held their sessions here. The Supreme Court, John Jay and Richard Morris, Chief Justices, met at Poughkeepsie. Robert Yates and John Sloss Hobart were Puisne Justices. The Chancellor of the State at the time was Robert R. Livingston.

Other official state bodies which met at Poughkeepsie included the Commissioners of Conspiracies, the Commissioners of Sequestration, the Commissioners of Forfeitures, and the Council of Appointments.

Little has been previously known about some of the legislators from Dutchess County who served in this session.

One of the achievements of the Society's exhibit was to amass concise biographies of these eleven men.

Jonathan Landon, 1743-1815, of Northeast Precinct, married Isabella Graham. Member of the New York Provincal Congresses and Convention, 1775-1777. Member of the Commit132