Alexander Hamilton’s private remarks about Aaron Burr at John Tayler’s dinner proved fatal. On June 18, 1804 William Van Ness, Burr’s defender, visited Hamilton’s office. He presented Hamilton with newspaper clippings of Dr. Cooper’s account of Tayler’s dinner party. In those newspaper articles Cooper reported Hamilton’s private remarks. Hamilton accused Burr of being “a dangerous man, and one who ought not to be trusted with the reins of government.” [1]
Van Ness carried a note from Aaron Burr who wrote:
“You must perceive, sir, the necessity of a prompt and unqualified acknowledgment or denial of the use of any expression which would warrant the assertions of Dr. Cooper.”[2]
Aaron Burr
Hamilton spent two days pondering his response. He had much to think about. Timothy Pickering and Roger Griswold had organized rank and file New York Federalists challenging his leadership of the party. Pickering and Griswold had thrown their weight behind Burr.
Hamilton’s reply challenged Burr to a duel.
“I trust on more reflection you will see the matter in the same light with me; if not, I can only regret the circumstance, and must abide the consequences”[3]
The duel was set for July 11, 1804.
Next: What Hamilton Thought about Disunion. Hamilton’s Reasons for Engaging Burr in a Duel
Look for it Monday, March 10.
