Admiral of the Fleet The Hon. George Clinton (c.1686 – 10 July 1761) was a British naval officer and political leader who served as the colonial governor of Newfoundland in 1731 and New York from 1743 to 1753. Also through such means, Clinton acquired the royal governorship of New York Province in 1743, dealing with the northern French threat during King George's War. Nevertheless, he could not cope with the liberal politicians of the New York assembly who were led by the sagacious James De Lancey. Clinton spent his 12 year governorship confronting anti-monarchy attacks.