IMHO, it was indeed fortuitous for our young nation that Burr removed both himself AND Hamilton from the political arena at this stage of our development.
Burr had a few good years left in him, yet. Believe me, he would have rode out that disastrous gubernatorial run, shady Western speculation schemes and murder of one of our nation's founding fathers, to sweep back into the political spotlight. Trust me! I have the polls to prove it.
IMHO, it was indeed fortuitous for our young nation that Burr removed both himself AND Hamilton from the political arena at this stage of our development.
I have often thought the same thing.
From what little I've read on this Burr was suprised that the duel destroyed his career.
Actually it did not matter with regard to Hamilton since he was politically neutralized. His great deeds lived on since Jefferson did not change them and those who had fought tooth and nail against the Bank found themselves having to recharter it following the Congressional zealots and ideologes refusal to do so under Madison (though against his advice.)
Hamilton was more responsible for the growth and strength of the United States than any man but Washington who supported his policies to the letter. The Washington-Hamilton alliance was the most productive in American history and the most beneficial to the nation. Keeping Jefferson away from the presidency for almost a decade was perhaps their most important achievement. After that the damage he could do was survivable by a nation strengthened by Hamiltonianism.
He sacrificed himself to prevent a "Cataline" like Burr from regaining political power in his last great act for America.