The mayor of New York pays contractors for Leatherheads. Printed document, accomplished in manuscript and signed.

New York: November 7, 1814. Very Good. 1 oblong leaf, 4 1/2 x 7 inches. Payment voucher to the Treasurer by order of the Common Council, signed by Clinton as Mayor of New York, releasing $474.25 to the partnership of Holden and Laurence for "City Watch." Clean cancel cuts through signature. Countersigned by Thomas Mercein, comptroller, and John L. Morton, clerk pro tem. Endorsed on verso by Asa Holden (1762-1854).

In 1814, New York was still policed by contracted watchmen. The City Watch system arched back to the 1740s and lasted a hundred years. The watchmen wore no uniforms apart from leather helmets, for which they became known as leatherheads. DeWitt Clinton, senator and twice governor of New York, nephew of New York's first Governor, George Clinton, and unsuccessful Peace Party candidate for President in 1812 against Madison, was serving his third term as Mayor of New York when he signed this document.