Clinch, Charles P. (Charles Powell), 1797-1880

Charles P. Clinch (1797-1880) was an American politician and government official. He was elected to the New York legislature three times (1834, 1835, 1836), and was editor of the Aurora, an early New York newspaper. He joined the Customs House of the Port of New York as Inspector of Customs in 1837, and remained there in various capacities until 1876. The position of Assistant Collector of the Port of New York was created for him.

In his obituary in the New York Times, he was described as a man of great integrity, "possessing more knowledge on the subject of American Customs, revenue, and navigation laws than any other living man, and his judgment was always trusted implicitly." He was also the author of three plays and an amateur actor.

Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence was a New York politician, and served as Collector of the Port of New York from 1845-1849.

From the guide to the Charles P. Clinch Letter, 1848, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)