1To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 23, 1804. In describing the events of this day in his narrative, Van Ness wrote: “I sent a Note to Genl Hamilton’s Office and also to his house.” Notes not found. ] “Van Ness’s Narrative,” AD , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York; ADf , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
2William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [4 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I have engaged two gentlemen to dine with me tomorrow. If it be perfectly immaterial to you, I should prefer taking our ride on some subsequent day. I have the honor to be Your most obt & very hum Sert ALS , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
3William P. Van Ness’s Amendments to the Joint Statement Made by Nathaniel Pendleton and Him on the Duel between … (Hamilton Papers)
The second of G H having considered it proper to subjoin an explanatory note to the statement mutually furnished, it becomes proper for the gentleman who attended Col Burr to state also his impressions with respect to those points on which their exists a variance of opinion. In doing this he pointedly disclaims any idea disrespectful to the memory of G H, or an intention to ascribe any conduct...
4To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
In the afternoon of yesterday I reported to Col. Burr the result of my last interveiw with you, and appointed the evening to receive his further instructions. Some private engagements however prevented me from calling on him ’till this morning. On my return to the City I found upon enquiry both at your office and house, that you had returned to your residence in the Country. Least an interveiw...
5Disclaimer for Alexander Hamilton Prepared by William P. Van Ness, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Being apprised that expressions are ascribed to me impeaching the honor and affecting the private reputation of Col. Burr, and perceiving that reports to this effect have been widely disseminated, I feel it due to my own honor, as also to that of a gentleman thus traduced under the sanction of my name, to remove such injurious impressions. I therefore frankly and explicitly disclaim and...
6William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [11 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
If your attention to your friend will not be interrupted by it, I will be greatly obliged to you, to inform me of the situation of General Hamilton. I sincerely hope that his wound is not, as has been stated to me, pronounced mortal. The melancholy termination of this days contest renders it expedient I think, that we should have an interview as soon as your situation & feeling will justify...
7William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [27 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter which I had the honor to receive from you under date of yesterday, states among other things, that in Genl Hamilton’s opinion, Col: Burr has taken a very indefinite ground, in which he evinces nothing short of predetermined hostility; and that Genl Hamilton thinks it inadmissable that the enquiry should extend to his confidential as well as other conversations. To this Col. Burr can...
8William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, 16 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I went to the City yesterday for the express purpose of conferring with [you] on the subject of the contemplated publication. One of my children was extremely unwell when I left home and a short time after my arrival in town, a Servant was sent to inform me that she was in extreme danger. To this unfortunate situation of my family I beg you to ascribe my apparent inattention to the appointment...
9William P. Van Ness’s Regulations for the Duel, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. The parties to leave the City at 5 O Clock A. M Wednesday morning 11th Instant. 2. The distance between the parties to be 10 yards & the Pistols not to exceed 11 Inches in the barrel. The Seconds to determine by lot the choice of Positions and the Giving of the word. 3. The parties being placed at their Stations—The Second who gives the words shall ask them whether they are ready. Being...
10William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [26 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter which you yesterday delivered me and your subsequent communications, in Col Burrs opinion evince no disposition on the part of Genl Hamilton to come to a satisfactory accomodation. The injury complained of and the reparation expected are so definitely expressed in Col: Burr’s letter of the 21st Instant, that there is not perceived a necessity for further explanation on his part. The...
11Joint Statement by William P. Van Ness and Nathaniel Pendleton on the Duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr … (Hamilton Papers)
Col: Burr arrived first on the ground as had been previously agreed. When Genl Hamilton arrived the parties exchanged salutations and the Seconds proceeded to make their arrangments. They measured the distance, ten full paces, and cast lots for the choice of positions as also to determine by whom the word should be given, both of which fell to the Second of Genl Hamilton. They then proceeded...