The Adjutant General of New York is the highest-ranking military official in the New York National Guard as the state adjutant general. They were appointed by the Council of Appointment from 1777 to 1822. Since 1822 they are appointed by the Governor of New York. They serve a four year term and hold the rank of Major General. The first adjutant general of New York was Nicholas Fish, who was appointed on April 13, 1784.