The Great Duel

America’s history contains numerous stories, some heroic and patriotic and others which leave us with an ill feeling. One of the earliest mishaps of American history was the infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr which left Hamilton dead and Burr disgraced. To be honest, Burr and Hamilton never liked each other but their duel set their rivalry in the stony record of history.

The duel was based off what almost all duels back then were based off: honor. Hamilton and Burr were avowed political rivals and they clashed often in the public sphere. Hamilton attacked Burr when he ran for Vice-President in 1800 with Thomas Jefferson. This insulted Burr. Hamilton attacked Burr even more violently when he ran for the Governor of New York in 1804. This insulted Burr even more and eventually led to the great duel between the two men.

In July 1804, the two men met at a field in New Jersey. Although dueling was illegal in New Jersey, the two parties found ways to skirt the law and carry through with the planned fight. There is much debate among historians about what actually happened during the duel. Some say that Hamilton fired at Burr with full intention of missing but that Burr fired back with intent to hit. Others say that Burr fired at Hamilton meaning to miss but accidentally hitting him and mortally wounding him. Whatever the case may be, the consequence was set: Hamilton was mortally wounded and died the next day.

Burr was Vice-President when the duel occurred but he found himself facing murder charges from New York and New Jersey. His political career was ruined and this led him to seek power in other places. He spent some time allegedly plotting to take over Louisiana and Mexico with other American soldiers but this conspiracy failed. Burr’s public image never recovered from the duel with Hamilton and the scandal involving Louisiana.

The Great Duel between Hamilton and Burr was fought over honor but it only brought death and dishonor. It is a bitter story of our history but not one bereft of lessons. The Great Hamilton-Burr Duel demonstrates the foolishness of petty rivalries and political enmities. In an age of political bickering and dishonorable, stubborn in-fighting among government officials, the Great Hamilton-Burr Duel holds great lessons for us today.

Interesting Fact of the Week-The first time the Japanese people heard the voice of Emperor Hirohito was in 1945 when he announced the Japanese surrender. It is ironic that the people of Japan first experienced the address of their God-Emperor when they country’s defeat was made known.

Inspiring Quote of the Week-“Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees.” -Last words of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson