Posted on 02/14/2006 11:29:19 AM PST by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at odur.let.rug.nl ...
This seems like a good place to post that Aaron Burr was actually the grandson of the great American theologian/philospher Jonathan Edwards. Very few people know this.
Hamilton threw his shot away. He fired at a nearby tree, leaving himself at Burr's mercy. Burr, then shot Hamilton in cold blood.
It was no "gentleman's duel".
I say bring back grudge dueling...with off track betting...
Cheney vs Kerry
Shotguns with quail shot at 50 paces (and full chokes)
The libbies are licking their chops hoping that Mr Whittington dies so they can brand Cheney a murderer. Get well soon Mr Whittington. Our prayers are with you.
Burr is a POS who killed the true genius of the American Founding.
Let's pray the press does not make Cheney into the next Aaron Burr (or worse, considering Cheney's OWN medical condition).
That was in the (full article) link above : )
I was always taught Hamilton was simply not a very good marksman - thanks for the info.
Argh!
Cheney vs. Edwards would be cooler. And forget guns; a chainsaw duel would be SO much cooler.
Hamilton may have been a genius in many ways but he was a little SOB to many. He repeatedly insulted Burr and would then recant when pressed, appologizing profusely. After several interations of the insult/appology cycle Burr finally had enough. Hamilton's NY Post was much closer to today New York Times in making very damning claims that were later retracted in small print well away from the front page. Burr is an interesting figure and one of many that have suffered over the years thanks to Thomas Jefferson's hand. but in the case of shoot Alex Hamilton, he was probably more than justified.
Uh.. Burr MEANT to shoot Hamilton and Hamilton was definitely not a friend or "hunting buddy".
There are plenty of comparisons that can be drawn by a cliff-notes take on history, but before we get too worked up, let's get the fact in order.
I don't trust anything on that site without checking it out - at least the entry is under "Trivia" - I am going to look into THIS entry as well:
"Years later, [Burr] returned to New York City to practice law and was tried and acquitted for his role in the duel. He died in 1836 in Staten Island, New York, having never apologized to Hamilton's family or shown any remorse for ending Hamilton's life.
Perhaps the best account of the event was catalogued in the writings of a local stable-boy, Jake Simons, who secretly watched the event from afar. His journal was later published, although his writings and record of his business are now lost."
I definitely want all the facts in order - you are mistaken if you think I am drawing ANY comparisons between these two events.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.