Livingston, Robert (1746-1813)

Robert Livingston (1746-1813)

Source

Statesman and businessman

Early Years. Robert Livingston became one of the most important financial figures of the early republic, thanks in part to his position in one of the richest families of colonial New York. Livingston was born on 27 November 1746 and followed brothers, cousins, and other relatives in attending King’s College (now Columbia University) and becoming a lawyer. In 1770 he married Mary Stevens, whose brother John was an inventor and operator of steamships and who would later enter a profitable partnership with Livingston.

Revolutionary Career. Livingston represented New York in the Second Continental Congress and served on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, although his contribution was minimal. His later work was more important, and he became a pivotal figure in Congress, active in many areas of managing the war effort. His 14 December 1779 report on the financial aspects of the Revolution made a number of recommendations for funding the government which Congress continued to draw upon during the Confederation period. Livingston remained active in state politics as well, serving on the Court of Chancery as well as a number of committees. In 1777 Livingston, John Jay, and Gouverneur Morris drafted the state’s constitution. Livingston joined Hamilton in securing New York’s ratification of the Constitution, although he got no personal reward for that effort and gradually turned away from the Federalist Party to embrace the Jeffersonians.

Foreign Matters. In 1781 Livingston became head of the department of foreign affairs and in that post directed the negotiations for peace and commercial treaties carried on in Europe by Franklin, Adams, Jay, and others. After Jefferson’s election in 1800, he became minister to France. There he negotiated the purchase of Louisiana for an advantageous price of $15 million, securing much of America’s future wealth and security. While in Paris he met Robert Fulton, who was already experimenting with warships, submarines, and steam power.

Business Efforts. Like many early Americans, Livingston pursued private interests as well as a public career. He was very interested in agricultural reform, as were Washington and Jefferson, and pioneered the importing of Merino sheep. He was interested in science, like Franklin, and was a founder in 1791 of the Society for the Promotion of Useful Arts, supporting the practical application of scientific advances. His most significant ventures were related to steamships. He gave technical and financial help to innovators such as his brother-in-law Stevens and was an important backer of Robert Fulton, whose Clermont (named for Livingston’s New York estate) was the first steamship to travel the Hudson River, in 1807. New York gave a monopoly to Livingston for steamship service on the Hudson as early as 1798, which was renewed and modified several times over the years. Fulton got a share in its final form in 1808. Livingston used the profits from this enterprise to further develop steam technology, as well as to spread their business to the South and to the Mississippi River. Livingston died on 26 February 1813, before the heyday of steamship travel on America’s western rivers that he helped make possible by both his business ventures and his diplomacy.

Source

George Dangerfield, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston of New York, 1746–1813 (New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1960).