Outstanding Autographed Letter Signed about the Alexander Hamilton / Aaron Burr duel

FOOTE, Charles A. (1785 - 1828)

Published by New York, 1804

About this Item

2 pages (front and back), 8 x 6.25 inches, (New York), docketed in Charles Foote's hand, circa September 1804, to his brother, admonishing Aaron Burr and both participating "Seconds." in part: ".Mr. White or anybody else can do but little good by swearing at Burr. He has laid low the greatest man in America. Let him enjoy his triumph. I fancy his feelings are by no means available. He will die in obscurity and instead of having a monument created to his memory; it shall be said on his tomb 'There Lies The Murderer of Hamilton.' Mr. Pendleton and Van Ness were both at the . . . a few days since. The first had returned to Albany. Van Ness I know what is become of. He makes but short stops. I conjecture he has now and then a glimpse of the gallows in his waking as well as debilitating dreams. For he is an accomplice to the commission of murder, cannot be punished until his principal is convicted. Pendleton has nothing to do with until the murder but he is punishable by state law." NOTE: "Seconds" were men chosen by the principal participants whose job it was to ensure that a duel was carried out under honorable conditions, on a proper field and with equally deadly weapons. In this case Nathaniel Pendleton was chosen by Hamilton to be his "Second" and to ensure that the duel proceeded with honor. William P. Van Ness fulfilled the same role for Aaron Burr. It is interesting that Foote would hold such animosity against Nathaniel Pendleton, a lifelong friend of Hamilton and the executor of his estate. Pendleton, aware of the fact that Burr was a marksman had actually tried to persuade Hamilton to apologize with dignity. Hamilton refused to budge. At the conclusion of the event Pendleton and Van Ness filed a joint statement to the world attesting to the fact that the duel was carried out with honor. A rare memento directly related to one of America's greatest tragedies. Small chip at the bottom margin not affecting the text; neat pencil notations at the top of the first page; evenly toned with neat folds. Very good condition. American politician who served as a Representative of the State of New York in the 18th United States Congress.

Seller Inventory # 278871

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Outstanding Autographed Letter Signed about the Alexander Hamilton / Aaron Burr duel
• Publisher: New York
• Publication Date: 1804
• Binding: unbound
• Condition: very good
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • AMERICANA
  • POLITICS