1Introductory Note: The Duel Between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, [18 June–23 October 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Introductory Note The document printed below contains the first mention in this volume of the events relating to the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Each aspect of the encounter, undoubtedly the most famous duel in American history, intrigued contemporaries of every political persuasion and has fascinated generations of historians. Both before and after Hamilton’s death,...
Bergen County Ss: The Jurors for the Body of the County of Bergen in behalf of the State of New Jersey upon their oath present that Aaron Burr late of the Township of Bergen in the County of Bergen esquire not having the fear of God before his eyes but being moved and seduced by the instigation of the Devil on the eleventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four...
3David Hosack to William Coleman, 17 August 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
To comply with your request is a painful task; but I will repress my feelings while I endeavour to furnish you with an enumeration of such particulars relative to the melancholy end of our beloved friend Hamilton, as dwell most forcibly on my recollection. When called to him, upon his receiving the fatal wound, I found him half sitting on the ground, supported in the arms of Mr. Pendleton. His...
4The People v Aaron Burr: Indictment for Fighting a Duel [14 August 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
City and County of New York ss: The Jurors of the People of the State of New York in and for the Body of the city and County of New York upon their oath present That Aaron Burr late of the Eighth Ward of the City of New York in the County of New York Esquire on the Eleventh day of July in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four at the Ward City and County aforesaid with force...
5Coroner’s Inquest, [13 July–2 August 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
City & County of Newyork } ss An Inquisition Indented taken for the People of the State of Newyork At the third Ward of the City of Newyork in the County of Newyork, the thirteenth day of July in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and four, and Continued by adjournment until the Second day of August in the year Aforesaid, before me John Burger Coroner for the Said City and County...
6William 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...
7Statement of my Property and Debts July 1, 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Real Estate My share of Townships No. 9. 10. 15. 17 and 21 in Scribas Patent in connection with J B Church and John Lawrance viz ¹⁄₆ of the first purchase the whole being 31528 acres & ¼ of an acre & one third of the residuary purchase upon the suit in chancery being together nearly 20000 acres which now stand me in about } 33000 My ¼ of purchase in Nobleborough together with J Laurance Robert...
8List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton, [19 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
There were inclosed under this cover and delivered to me after the death of General Hamilton 1. His will 2. Deed of trust to John B Church, Jno Laurence, & Genl Clarkson 3. State of his Property & Debts with remarks 4 Remarks explanatory of his conduct motives & views in his expected interview 5 Note to myself 6. Letter to Mrs. Hamilton 7. Letter to John B Church inclosing an Assignment of...
9Nathaniel Pendleton’s Amendments to the Joint Statement Made by William P. Van Ness and Him on the Duel between … (Hamilton Papers)
The statement containing the facts that led to the interview between General Hamilton and Col. Burr, published in the Evening Post on Monday, studiously avoided mentioning any particulars of what past at the place of meeting. This was dictated by suitable considerations at the time, and with the intention, that whatever it might be deemed proper to lay before the public, should be made the...
10Joint 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...
11William 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...
12Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, 16 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
It will not be possible for me to give you another opportunity of seeing the Statement, before it is printed. Arrangements were made to have it appear this day, reserving a few lines of addition for your examination until after the hour you mentioned; as to which too we had before conversed. I have added in explicit terms the reason assigned by you for not having received the last paper I...
13Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, [15 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Having thought it expedient on consideration to make a small addition to the statement which I had the honor of communicating to you on Friday last, I wished to have given you an opportunity of seeing it previous to its publication; and for that purpose I called at your house in town this evening supposing you had been prevented from calling upon me at five oClock this afternoon according to...
14The Funeral, [14 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday last the remains of Alexander Hamilton were committed to the grave with every possible testimony of respect and sorrow. That distant readers may form some idea of what passed on this mournful occasion, we shall here present them with a regular and correct account of the whole scene. The Military, under the command of Lieutenant Col. Morton, were drawn up in front of Mr. Church’s...
15Bill for Alexander Hamilton’s Coffin, [13 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The Committee Appointed by the Corporation to Conduct the Funeral of the Late General Hamilton Dr 1804 To Fenwick Lyell July 13 To a Mahogany Coffin £10..0..0 $25 D , Historical Documents Collection, on deposit at Queens College, City University of New York. On July 13, 1804, the Common Council of the City of New York “Resolved unanimously that the Common Council of the City of New York...
16Aaron Burr to David Hosack, [12 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Burr’s respectful Compliments. He requests Dr. Hosack to inform him of the present state of Genl. H. and of the hopes which are entertained of his recovery. Mr. Burr begs to know at what hours of the [day] the Dr. may most probably be found at home, that he may repeat his inquiries. He would take it very kind if the Dr. would take the trouble of calling on him as he returns from Mr....
17To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 12 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai timbree du 10 , La quelle m’accuse reception de la Mienne du 2. ainssy que de L’Extrait de La Conssultation, des deux avocats de Bordeaux, Sur mon Afaire Contre Bouchereau, Et dépuis ai remis L’original avec deux autres Pieces importantes à Mr. harison, Le quel ma mandé avoir obtenue Le renvois de la Cause à la Court qui doit le tenir en Octobre, Ce qui me...
18Benjamin Moore to William Coleman, 12 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
The public mind being extremely agitated by the melancholy fate of that great man, Alexander Hamilton , I have thought it would be grateful to my fellow-citizens, would provide against misrepresentation, and, perhaps, be conducive to the advancement of the cause of religion, were I to give a narrative of some facts which have fallen under my own observation, during the time which elapsed...
19William 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...
20From Alexander Hamilton to Ann Mitchell, 28 June–10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 28–July 10, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the eighth item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to Mrs. Mitchell inclosing 400 dollars as was mentioned on the outside. Sealed.” Letter not found. ] Ann Mitchell, the daughter of James and Ann Lytton, was H’s cousin. Her mother was the sister of H’s mother, Rachel Lavien. In 1759,...
21From Alexander Hamilton to George Mitchell, 28 June–10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 28–July 10, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the ninth item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to Geo: Mitchell inclosing a lottery ticket, as mentioned on the outside. Sealed.” Letter not found. ] Mitchell, the husband of Ann Mitchell, H’s cousin, had died in the spring of 1797. See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,”...
22Statement on Impending Duel with Aaron Burr, [28 June–10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On my expected interview with Col Burr, I think it proper to make some remarks explanatory of my conduct, motives and views. I am certainly desirous of avoiding this interview, for the most cogent reasons. 1 My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of Duelling, and it would even give me pain to be obliged to shed the blood of a fellow creature in a private combat...
23From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 28 June–10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 28–July 10, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the seventh item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to John B Church inclosing an assignment of some debts.” Letter not found. ] See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,” July 19, 1804 . See “Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church,” July 9, 1804 .
24Debts Owed for Services Not Rendered, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
These sums having been received since my engagement & no services rendered I consider them as forming part of my debts. Franklin & Robinson 50 James Amory 20 D Ludlow & Co 50 Wilmerding 30 Murdock Masterson & Co 20 Steven Ray & David Dill 25 Scott & Tremaine 20 ADS , New-York Historical Society, New York City. This document is the tenth and final item on the
25From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Mitchel is the person in the world to whom as a friend I am under the greatest Obligations. I have ⟨not⟩ hitherto done my ⟨duty⟩ to her. But ⟨resolved⟩ to repair my omission as much as ⟨possible,⟩ I have encouraged her to come to ⟨this Country⟩ and intend, if it shall be ⟨in my po⟩wer to render the Evening of her days ⟨c⟩omfortable. But if it shall please God to put this out of my power...
26Nathaniel Pendleton’s Second Statement of the Regulations for the Duel, [10 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
1. The parties will leave town tomorrow morning about five o Clock, and meet at the place agreed on. The party arriving first shall wait for the other. 2. The weapons shall be pistols not exceeding eleven inches in the barrel. The distance ten paces. 3. The Choice of positions to be determined by lot. 4. The parties having taken their positions one of the seconds to be determined by lot (after...
27From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, 10 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received two letters from you since we last saw each other—that of the latest date being the 24 of May. I have had in hand for some time a long letter to you, explaining my view of the course and tendency of our Politics, and my intentions as to my own future conduct. But my plan embraced so large a range that owing to much avocation, some indifferent health, and a growing distaste for...
28Aaron Burr to William P. Van Ness, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I should with regret pass over another Day. It is left however to your discretion. If the Fort is agreed on, it will [be] impossible to make an early business without fatigue. What you shall do will be satisfactory to me—except an early Morning hour. I have no predilection for time. From 7 to 12 is the least pleasant—but anything so we but get on. If you go out, leave a line for me with your...
29From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 9 July 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, July 9, 1804. Nathaniel Pendleton described the seventh item on a list of ten, which were given to him after Hamilton’s death, as a “Letter to John B. Church inclosing an assignment of some debts.” Letter not found. ] See “List of Papers Given to Nathaniel Pendleton,” July 19, 1804 . See “Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church,” July 9, 1804 .
30Assignment of Debts and Grant of Power of Attorney to John B. Church, [9 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Alexander Hamilton of the City of New York Counsellor at law, in consideration of one Dollar to me in hand paid by John B Church Esquire, (the receipt whereof is hereby acknowleged) have bargained sold assigned and conveyed and hereby do bargain sell assign & convey to the said John B Church all and singular the debts due owing and payable to me: which...