Burr’s first post military job was as a clerk for attorney Thomas Smith where he established a reputation for excessive reading and study. After the war ended in 1781 he passed the New York bar and opened a law office in Albany.

When Burr learned that Theodosia’s British husband had been killed six months earlier, he waited for the appropriate time then asked her to marry him.

In June of the following year Theodosia gave birth to a girl. She had planned to name it sally after Aaron’s sister but he insisted that she also be named Theodosia. When baby Theodosia was only two weeks old Burr then told his wife that he had plans for his daughter’s education. He believed that a woman’s brain was equally as good as a man’s and it was ridiculous to believe that women were in anyway intellectually inferior to men. He wanted to be sure that his daughter had every opportunity to develop her mind and talents.

Lured by the growth and opportunity of the big city the Burrs then moved from Albany to New York where they came in social contact with their new neighbor Alexander Hamilton who had recently married the daughter of General Philip Shuyler, a wealthy and influential member of Washington’s staff.

It is interesting to note that while Alexander Hamilton came from a common background and had no claim to aristocratic heritage he favored a conservative approach to democratic reforms with special privileges to the upper class. Aaron Burr, who was born in to a known and respected New England family, favored a democratic process which reflected the will of the people, and rejected favoritism based on class status.

Burr had taken up an interest in politics, and in 1784 was elected to the New York legislature. A bill was introduced that would grant freedom to children born of slave parents. Burr was completely opposed to slavery so he added an amendment that would completely abolish slavery in New York State. His amendment was defeated and the bill passed in its original form, but Burr continued to sponsor bills and amendments opposing slavery.

Theodosia’s children from her previous marriage came from England to live with them. They had a happy home and it was decorated with the kinds of pictures, tapestries, porcelains, and sculptures that Burr had always admired. But his wife had one complaint, too many books. Burr then explained that there was no such thing as too many books. If the house was full of books, they would buy another house.

In 1787 a convention was held in Philadelphia to revise the articles of confederation. But many delegates, including George Washington, said the Articles were not worth amending. The problem now was finding a new system of government to replace them. Aaron Burr, who had returned to his private law practice, stayed out of the battle as Federalist and Anti-Federalist fought over the ideas and plans for a new government.

Burr became attorney general for New York in 1789. Two years later he was elected to the U.S. Senate having defeated Philip Shuyler . Alexander Hamilton was establishing himself as one of America’s first political bosses. He had hoped that his father in law, Philip Shuyler, would join the Senate as one of the members loyal to the “Hamilton” agenda. He was greatly disappointed when Burr was elected.

In 1791 Burr bought Richmond Hill, the house he worked in while serving with Washington. He added with a smile, “There will be plenty of room for books”. John Adams had been the homes previous occupant.

In 1792 Senator Burr was writing a history of the American Revolution. He enjoyed visiting with Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and discussing Western expansion and settlements. Already over 200,000 people had settled along the Mississippi Valley.

Burr stayed in touch with New York Republicans and was a member of the Society of St. Tammany, later to be known as The Columbian order, and then Tammany Hall. It was an outgrowth of the old Sons of Liberty. It was composed largely of working class tradesmen and small farmers.

Hamilton did not share Burr’s believe in the equal democracy of Tammany. He thought it must be a corrupt organization driven by selfishness and greed.

In 1794 Burr’s wife was gravely ill. He had Dr. Benjamin Rush of the University of Pennsylvania, one of America’s most prominent physicians, come to their home. But there was little he could do for her, and she died on May 18^th.

The national election of 1796 pitted former friends and Revolutionary War colleagues Thomas Jefferson and John Adams against each other in America’s first truly contested Presidential election. Hamilton’s forces worked hard to insure that Adams would defeat Jefferson since Jefferson had been a major opponent of Hamilton’s policies. And in New York Burr was defeated for reelection to the Senate, this time losing to Philip Schuyler. The politicians supporting John Adams and led by Alexander Hamilton were known as Federalist, and those that supported Thomas Jefferson were known as Republicans. Although he lost his Senate race, Aaron Burr a Republican was elected to the New York state legislature.

In 1800 President Adams was renominated and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney was selected to seek the office of Vice President. The Republicans countered by nominating Vice President Jefferson and selected Aaron Burr as their candidate for Vice President. During the election a letter written by Hamilton, that was highly critical of Adams, fell in to the hands of Aaron Burr. Burr distributed the letter to any paper that would publish it hoping it would embarrass the Federalist and show they were not united behind their candidate.

After the election Thomas Jefferson was confident that he had won and wrote a letter of congratulations to Aaron Burr on his election to Vice Presidency. But when the votes of the electors were counted Jefferson had 73, Burr had 73, Adams had 65, and Pickney had 64. Under the rules of the Constitution the House of Representatives, which was dominated by Federalist, would have to decide which Republican they wanted for the Presidency. The House voted and re-voted and each time it was a tie. Finally after 36 ballots two New York representatives were persuaded to cast blank ballots, Jefferson would be President and Burr would be Vice President.

The election of 1800 was much closer than many people think. In John Adams David McCullough wrote that John Adams lost New York city by only 250 votes, and had it not been for the rule which allowed Southern states to count slaves as 3/5ths of a person for the purposes of congressional representation John Adams would have been reelected.

After being sworn in President Jefferson made it quite clear that Vice President Aaron Burr would not be welcomed at the White House. Burr was excluded from all policy meetings.

We all know Thomas Jefferson as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, the man who purchased the Louisiana Territory, and as one of the large granite heads on Mt. Rushmore, and probably wonder why Aaron Burr didn’t simply step aside and ask the House to elect Jefferson to the presidency. But in 1800 just how popular was Thomas Jefferson? What was the exact agreement Jefferson and Burr had made before the election? Did Burr honestly believe that he and Jefferson were equal competitors for the office of president, or did Burr violate his part of the agreement by failing to act in support of Jefferson during the election in the House?

During his time as Vice President Burr proved to be a master parliamentarian and earned the respect of the Senators for his skill and fairness. He had hoped that the vice presidency would eventually lead to the presidency as it had for Adams and Jefferson, but with Jefferson keeping him locked out of all administration activities he knew he would have to find political success elsewhere.

In 1804 Burr announced that he would be a candidate for Governor of New York. Knowing that he would have no support from Jefferson’s Republicans he ran as an independent candidate.

During the election a smear campaign was started to discredit Aaron Burr. James Cheetham’s American Citizen accused Burr of being a dishonest lawyer, and a poor and incompetent soldier during the Revolution. The most scathing attack was the accusation that he had been an unfaithful and neglectful husband.

Burr claimed that the accusations could not be proven, and certain that Hamilton was behind the attacks demanded an apology. Hamilton defended the attacks as no more than simple election banter and refused to respond to Burrs accusations.

An anonymous letter from “Aristides” was published in a pamphlet. It attacked Burr’s enemies and defended Burr’s record against the negative reports in the American Citizen. John Cheetham’s paper would later have to retract and apologize for its unproven accusations, but it was too late to change the election.

After the election an angry Aaron Burr believed that had been unfairly maligned and blamed Hamilton for his defeat. Burr decided that he and Hamilton should settle their differences once and for all. He sent his personal attaché to deliver a letter officially challenging Hamilton to a duel and offered him his choice of weapons. Hamilton was all too familiar with duels having lost his son to one only two years earlier. Despite the best efforts of both men’s personal representatives the two opponents met at Weehawken in New Jersey. Hamilton’s aide opened the brace of pistols. Nothing was said; they gave the other the traditional military salute and took their positions. They walked in opposite directions, and when they heard the command they turned and fired. The only people to witness the event were Burr, his aide, Hamilton’s aide, and the doctor. It was reported that Hamilton’s weapon fired first. As Hamilton fell to the ground Burr started towards him, but his aide said, “No, it’s over”. They said nothing as they passed the doctor. Hamilton died later that day.

What was Burr thinking, or not thinking, when he pulled the trigger? How much time had passed between Hamilton’s missed shot and Burr firing? Did Burr know that Hamilton was standing before him unarmed or did he just instinctively pull the trigger? Did he feel any remorse for having wounded Hamilton?

Another thing to consider is honor and parental responsibility. Aaron Burr’s young daughter had already lost her mother. What would have been better, A father who had the bravery to stand on the dueling field and defend the honor of his family name even if it cost him his life, or a father who would have put his life and well being above all else so he could be alive to give his child all that she needed in the World?

New York grieved for Hamilton. He was lauded in the papers, and thousands of mourners dressed in black marched in funeral processions. In his attempt to put an end to Hamilton’s “lies and deceit” had Burr only succeeded in making him a martyr?

People took up sides, some arguing that Burr and Hamilton were equal participants in the duel, while others said that Hamilton had intentionally missed and then Burr shot him in cold blood. Some lawyers at the New York bar pointed out that Burr had been justified when he demanded a public apology from Hamilton.

Aaron Burr stayed in his home at Richmond Hill for eleven days. During this time the paper which had been highly critical of Burr during the election, renewed its attacks upon Burr. It said the Burr had target practiced for weeks prior to the duel and gloated over the body of the dying Hamilton.

A letter, written by Hamilton, was found on his desk expressing his opposition to dueling for religious and moral reasons. He had written that his criticisms of Colonel Burr may have been too severe, but he had never borne him any ill will. “… By throwing away my first shot and reserving my second, I shall give him the opportunity to pause and reconsider.”

Burr’s defenders would later argue that if Burr had known of Hamilton’s aversion to dueling he would have withdrawn the challenge. He had no knowledge of Hamilton’s plan to “throw away” a first shot and truly believed that they were both placing their lives in mortal danger. So why was Burr being called a murderer?

Burr traveled to the plantation home of his friend Senator Pierce Butler, then traveled to Florida. As Vice President he was greeted as a celebrity in the Southern towns, and they regarded the duel as an honorable contest between two men.

Isn’t it interesting that a man who had been opposed to slavery in New York would find refuge in the Southern states?

When Burr decided to return to the capitol his daughter begged him not to go fearing that he would be arrested. He assured her that he would not be arrested in Washington and that it was his duty to return and preside over the senate.

When Burr returned Supreme Court justice Samuel Chase was being tried for treason. Burr’s legal and parliamentary skills maintained order and fairness during the proceedings. Judge Chase was found not guilty.

When his term as Vice President came to an end he made his farewell speech to the Senate. Burr expressed his gratitude and appreciation. The Washington Journal reported, “The Senators never listened to a better speech”.

Burr then traveled to Pittsburgh and took a boat down the Ohio River. He had a plan to buy 350,000 acres at Bastrop strip on the Washita River in Louisiana and make it available for settlers to start a new colony.

General James Wilkinson had been Burr’s friend when they were together with Benedict Arnold, and he was now the commander of the Federal forces in the western Louisiana territory. Burr trusted Wilkinson with his plans for a new colony and a possible war to liberate Mexico from Spain. What Burr didn’t know was that Wilkinson had been working as a spy for the Spanish government.

When Burr stopped in Nashville Tennessee he met the state’s first Congressman, Andrew Jackson. He was a Republican but he did not always agree with President Jefferson. Burr was welcomed in Nashville with a parade and a public banquet, and was a guest for three days at Jackson’s Hermitage plantation.

During his stay Burr, using information obtained from Wilkinson, told Jackson that a war with Spain may be imminent. Jackson replied that the Tennessee militia would be ready to fight the invaders.

After his visit with Andrew Jackson Burr met again with Wilkinson to discuss what would become of Mexico after its liberation from Spain. Burr proposed that it would be annexed by the Union, but Wilkinson argued that Mexico was ill prepared for democracy and would be better off under the leadership of king.

A district attorney in Kentucky, Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, had written letters to Jefferson accusing Burr of planning a conspiracy that would cause the western states to secede from the Union. Daveiss had admired Hamilton and made “Hamilton” his middle name.

Burr and his friends had recruited settlers and investors for the new colony when he was served a summons to appear before the Grand Jury in Frankfort Kentucky.

The charges were dismissed at a first inquest, but Daveiss was able to bring Burr back before the Grand Jury for a second time. Burrs defense attorney was a young Kentucky lawyer Henry Clay. The case against Burr collapsed and the people of Frankfort gave a party in Honor of Aaron Burr.

While Burr was enjoying his escape from the wrath District Attorney Daveiss, his old “friend” Wilkinson was delivering letters to President Jefferson. Jefferson issued a proclamation claiming that United States citizens were committing an illegal act by collecting arms for a war against the Spanish territories. He repeated the same warning in a message to congress five days later.

Burr had been brought before a court in Washington Mississippi. The Grand Jury said there was no legal authority to hold Burr. The Judge disagreed with Jury and wanted to hold Burr until more evidence could be produced.

Fearing that he would not receive a fair treatment Burr fled to the Mississippi wilderness with his friend Chester Ashley. His only hope was to find a port with a ship that would take him to Europe.

While seeking food and drink the exhausted fugitive was spotted by an army patrol. He was arrested and detained at Fort Stoddard.

Nicholas Perkins, who had first identified Burr, volunteered to take him to Washington D. C. where his was to stand trial for treason. Perkins’ was given $3,300.00 in reward money and hoped to receive more after his party of eight guards and one prisoner finished their thousand-mile trek.

Aaron Burr was brought before the Federal District Court of Richmond Virginia. The court had ruled that Burr was a civilian prisoner, not military and did not have to face a court-martial.

As was the rule of the day US Supreme Court Justices served on the lower courts when needed. Chief Justice John Marshall had administered the Oath of Office when Aaron Burr was sworn in as Vice President, now he would preside over his indictment to stand trial for treason.

Burr was released on $10,000 bail and stayed in a room at a Richmond tavern. He wrote to his daughter Theodosia that the people of Richmond were very kind to him, offering their support and inviting him to dinner.

When the indictment started the newspaper reporters took their reserved seats, including a young reporter from the New York Weekly Washington Irving.

It took a week for the attorneys to select the Grand Jury. Kentucky’s John Randolph had excused himself but Burr stood up and personally appealed to the Judge to let Randolph remain on the Jury even though he had expressed the prejudgment that Burr was guilty of treason.

The prosecutions chief witness, James Wilkins failed to appear. Burr himself rose and argued that if the President had documents given him by General James Wilkinson relevant to the case he should be ordered to bring them to the court.

The attorneys scrambled. Was it possible to subpoena the President of the United States?

After a heated debate Justice Marshall issued an order that a subpoena be issued to Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, for his appearance in the District Court.

President Jefferson refused to respond to the subpoena. He wrote, “The Particular duties laid upon me by my office supercede the general law.”

When Wilkinson finally arrived in the courtroom he gave four days of testimony. In all of his recollections he was the hero, a brave loyal American who had rescued the nation from the treachery of Aaron Burr.

Wilkinson faced tough cross-examination and much of his testimony was dismissed when he could produce no evidence to substantiate his claims. While speaking to a crowd in Capitol Square Andrew Jackson argued that it was Wilkinson who should be standing trial for treason because he had been a pensioner of the Spanish.

John Randolph announced that Aaron Burr was to be charged with treason against the United States of America, and a misdemeanor for preparing for a war against Spain.

Burr was taken to the Richmond municipal jail. He wrote to his daughter in South Carolina and said she could come to the trial only if could remain strong and not show signs of weakness.

The defendant, Aaron Burr, was confined to the home of his attorney Luther martin during the trial. Justice Marshall appointed his wife’s brother to be the jury foreman, which made observers say, “Coincidence?” The trial was mostly a repeat of the testimony that had been given to the Grand Jury.

When attorney’s for both sides rested Justice Marshall gave his instructions to the jury, “If proof of treason existed then he must be convicted and condemned. If the charges of treason could not be incontrovertibly proved, he must be acquitted and freed.”

The jury took a surprisingly short time to reach a verdict. Jury foreman Edward Carrington explained that Aaron Burr was not proved guilty by the evidence presented in the indictment.

Was the Jury implying that Burr was probably guilty but they just didn’t have enough evidence to convict him? The defense protested, and demanded that the verdict should be not guilty.

Justice Marshall made his decision, the verdict would stand on the bill as the jury had presented it, but it would be recorded in the court record as Not Guilty.

Did the prosecutors truly believe that they had a strong case against Burr or were they only following the wishes of Thomas Jefferson? Would the case have even come to trial if Burr had not killed Hamilton?

Even though he had escaped conviction, Burr was convinced that Jefferson would continue to press for future prosecutions. On June 7^th 1808 the Clarissa Ann, a British ship set sail from the port of New York with a passenger named mister E.H. Edwards. By chance, William Hosack, the younger brother of Dr. David Hosack was also on board. He had been at Weehawken to serve as Dr. Hosack’s assistant and immediately recognized E.H. Edwards as Aaron Burr. By the time they arrived in London Hosack and Burr had become well acquainted and Hosack offered his services as a secretarty.

In London Burr visited the homes of the diplomats with whom he was acquinted. But the British, not wishing to alienate the American President, refused to meet with Mr. Burr.

Burr was enjoying his stay in England when he received news that his daughter Theodosia was ill. He had wanted his daughter to join him in London but the British were making it clear that Burr was a visiting alien whose welcome was ending.

In 1810 Burr traveled to Scotland, and then to Sweden, Denmark, and France. During his travels he met Sir Walter Scott in Edinburgh, and the artist John Vanderlyn in Paris.

During this time Theodosia was writing letters Dolly Madison. They had been friends for a long time and now Theodosia was pleading with her to intervene on behalf of her father.

When Aaron Burr returned to England in 1812 he was suffering from lack of funds, and showing sign of weight loss due to the lack of a proper diet. Fortunately he was able to get some much needed financial help from an traveling American Banker that he had known while living at Richmond Hill.

Traveling under the pseudonym Monsieur Arnot Burr landed at Boston Harbor aboard the HMS Aurora. This was only five weeks prior to America’s declaration of war against Great Britain. When the officials at the port didn’t question his true identity was it due to their lack of knowledge, or was it the result of Theodosia’s letters to Dolly Madison?

Sam Swartwout, who had accompanied Burr when he fled south after the duel, invited Burr to be his guest at his home in New York City. Later, with a loan of ten dollars from Swartwout, Burr rented a small office on Nassau Street. He hung shingle above the door that read A. Burr Attorney. Over 500 people came to the tiny office. Many were just curiosity seekers, but a large number of them were old friends and supporters.

Theodosia wrote to her father that she would leave South Carolina aboard the Patriot and sail for New York. The Patriot never arrived. The grim expanatrion, it was destroyed in a storm off of Cape Hatteras. It was said that Burr would not accept the death of his beloved daughter and often stared at sea looking for the sails of the Patriot.

Eventually Burr was getting many clients. He often took cases for people who could not afford to pay, and cases that other attorneys refused because they were impossible to win. As his practice grew he moved to a larger office that he shared with his new law partners.

Taking an interest in politics Burr was disappointed in President Monroe and had hoped that Andrew Jackson would have been the nominee. His old Republican party was now being called the Democratic Republicans, or Democrats.

Aaron Burr, now 73 years old, married Madame Eliza Jumel the widow of a wealthy French Wine merchant. As a child Eliza was known as Betsy Brown, a poor child from Providence, but now she lived in a colonial mansion originally built for Roger Morris.

A return to life in a big a luxurious home was not to be for Aaron Burr. The marriage ended in divorce only five months after they said their vows.

In 1836 Burr suffered a stroke and was paralyzed. He lived briefly at a Staten Island hotel provided by his nephew Judger Ogden Edwards. When he died his body was taken to Princeton Chapel for services. He received a honorable funeral, respectful of one of their most accomplished graduates. He was buried at the college cemetery.