User:Atcovi/VA and US History/Aaron Burr: The Duel and His Downfall


 * Aaron Burr ran for the governor of NY after he lost the election of 1804
 * Hamilton's "despicable comment".
 * Burr requested an explanation/apology. Hamilton refuses.
 * Duel: Weehawken, NJ: July 11, 1804.

Hamilton's second wanted to fire into the end. Burr's second wanted to fire at Hamilton. Hamilton fires first and nearly hits Burr's head. Burr shoots at Hamilton's abdomen. Burr commits political suicide... so in response, he heads west. He makes a plan with Wilkinson along the Mississippi River to attack Texas.
 * Treacherous Plot
 * Planned to attack Texas away from Mexico, unite it with Louisiana, and Aaron Burr became its leader.
 * Treason Trial

Jefferson finds this to be an act of treason. John Marshall said there weren't 2 witnesses (not enough evidence). Burr is acquitted.

This is somewhat interpreted as Jefferson's revenge. Aaron Burr's reputation is destroyed.