Vice-President Burr Kills Hamilton (history primer for upcoming Cheney comparisons)

http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/B/aburr/burr.htm ^

[clawrence3]

Perhaps this duel is the most famous in history. Its results certainly meant the end of both Hamilton and Burr. They carried Hamilton from the field and the next day he died. Burr lived for years, but the shadow of his own doom was ever before him. It is reported that late in life he observed that, had he been wiser, he would have known that there was room enough in the world for both Hamilton and himself. Had Hamilton been equally wise, he would have known that calumnies and lies bring forth but bitter fruit.

When the news of Hamilton's death spread abroad, a thunderous hue and cry went up against Burr. He was a murderer, a criminal, in spite of the fact that all of the rules required under the duelling code had been observed. The Federalists set upon him. He was indicted forthwith for murder, both in New Jersey and New York, and, while he was never brought to trial, he had reason to fear facing a jury, so thoroughly had the public been prejudiced against him.

[Cyclopean Squid]

Yes, it was innocuous. It wasn't so bad as to be removed. For the record, it was not I who erased it from existence.

[clawrence3]

Nor I - must be that Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy ; )

[RobbyS]

Cheney should have taken a shot at Leahy?

[Clemenza]

I've never been to One if by Land, Two if by Sea, although my father has on two occasions.

I have been to the Fraunces Tavern, which, although largely a replica, is where GW said goodbye to his staff. Its near Federal Hall and the food is not bad (just go in the evening to avoid the school crowds).

There is also a piano bar in the West Village called Marie's Crisis. You would otherwise not give it a second look, but the building that hosts this bar is none other than the house that Thomas Paine lived in during his New York years.

Let's also not forget Hamilton Park in Weehawken where "the duel" took place. Clemenza took a walk through that park with his Nonno (who lived next door in North Bergen) as a four year old.

[RobbyS]

Gore Vidal, a descendant of Burr, has an interesting view in his book, "Burr " it is that Hamilton and Burr were personally very much alike, that in killing Hamilton Burr was killing his mirror image. No doubt that Hamilton was jealous of Burr, whose career was rising as Hamilton's was descending. But the more interesting dynamic is the involvement of Jefferson, who was positively Machiavellian in his prosecution of Burr. He would have succeeded except for the intervention of John Marshall. Marshall was Jefferson (2nd?) cousin and from a distance the two men were so physically alike that one was often mistaken for the other. They also cordially detested one another. Marshall, a war veteran, regarded Jefferson as a coward for having fled his post as governor during the British invasion. Anyway, Marshall saved Burr's butt by holding the government to the letter of the Constitution. Nonetheless Burr had to flee the country to avoid assassination (It was rumored).

[nopardons]

A hunting accident is a far cry for a many years old feud, which culminated in a duel to the death.

Burr was a slimy, smarmy, nasty CYLMER of the first order; not to mention a political opportunist, backstabber, and all around hateful cur. He and Hamilton were NOT friends.

V.P. Cheney and the man whom he accidentally shot are friends, they aren't political RIVALS, they were hunting quail together, and this wasn't a duel to the death; it wasn't even a duel.

[clawrence3]

Thank you for posting all the differences - those differences are exactly why I started this thread - see above.

[clawrence3]

Unfortunately, dueling is illegal in all 50 States now ; )

[nopardons]

I suggest that you read up on Aaron Burr.

For all of the calumny you've heaped upon Hamilton, undeservedly so, Burr makes Alex look like a saint! Even Jefferson, whose V.P. Burr was, didn't like him; but found him "useful".

[nopardons]

Marie's Crisis ( THE ONE ON GROVE STREET? ) is in Tom Paine's house? I didn't know that. Thanks.

[nopardons]

You're welcome. :-)

[nopardons]

You're welcome. :-)

[clawrence3]

Both were fallible human beings. From the article above: "It is reported that late in life [Burr] observed that, had he been wiser, he would have known that there was room enough in the world for both Hamilton and himself."

[nopardons]

Oh yes, both men had "baggage"; however, Burr was a despicable CLYMER, with almost NO redeeming qualities.

[clawrence3]

Not sure what a "CLYMER" is, but if the report is correct, at least later in his life, Burr finally did accept the error of his duel.

[clawrence3]

Oh, NY Times reporter Adam Clymer - now I get it.

[firebrand]

I guess the reviewer who called it One If by Bridge, Two If by Tunnel wasn't correct. It sounds pretty good. Beef Wellington. I think I had that once, at Voisin. I would go there just for the history lesson.

[Pharmboy]

It was said that Burr aimed for Alex's leg, but the shot went high and hit his lower abdomen ("belly shot"). Peritonitis ensues, game over.

[RobbyS]

I think the shot hit Hamilton just below te breast bone. Burr was a good shot and was admired for it by Jackson, another famous duelist.

[nopardons]

FR slang...you need a crash course in FR SLANG!

Yes, it IS because of Adam CYMER and he is the person who then candidate Bush and Cheney whispered about...W calling him a name and Cheney replying "BIG TIME".

Now, I know that you weren't here then, but everyone really has to learn FR slang and history and inside jokes. There are several threads, in the archives, which explain a lot of this stuff.