Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr may best be known for his duel and victory against Alexander Hamilton, however, there are numerous important events about his life that go unmentioned. While many know Aaron Burr was elected vice-president of the United States in 1800 under Thomas Jefferson. However, what most don't know is that Burr was also extremely intelligent, receiving admittance to Princeton when he was at the ripe old age of thirteen. (www.odur.let) He was a colonel for the Continental Army, and helped tirelessly with the war efforts. Burr was also a great father, he resigned from war after his daughter, Theodosia, was born. (www.odur.let) His political skills were also extraordinary. He was the Senator of New York, along with many other minor stints in office. (www.odur.let) However, one of his most unknown attribute is the one that should most certainly be associated with his name. He was tired for treason, and the whole ordeal started in 1804. (www.law.edu) It started when Burr began preparations for a military expedition after his term of vice-president was up. While many believe Burr's motives where treasonous, he believed they were patriotic, saying, "There! You see? What was treason in me thirty years ago is patriotism now!" (Daniels) Many believe Aaron Burr should be forgotten for his evilness, however, I believe he should be praised for his outspoken voice and his superior intelligence of his time. Aaron Burr is a man worth knowing because of his political career, his wonderful efforts as a father, his notorious duel with Alexander Hamilton, and for his treason trial and acquittal.

Aaron was a very precocious youngster. When Burr was in his teens, he took up the family practice of going into the ministry. (www.odur.let) However, in 1774, when he was eighteen, he broke away from theology. He ventured to Connecticut, where he entered the law school of Tapping Reeve. (www.odur.let) He was growing restless there, and in July of 1775, Burr discovered Colonel Benedict Arnold's regiment and volunteered to join him in his quest for independence. (www.odur.let) It was a strenuous expedition; starvation, poor weather conditions, and moody men were always present, but Burr kept on trekking without any complaints. Soon, realizing what a fine young man he had on his hands, Arnold appointed Burr captain of the headquarters staff. (www.odur.let) After his promotion, Burr fought in the assault of Quebec and had General Montgomery die in his arms. (www.odur.let) After Quebec, Burr was sent to Montreal, then on to Camp Sorrel, and finally to Fort Chambly. (www.odur.let) He then returned home and was met with a job offer from General George Washington to be on his staff. However, Burr was very critical of Washington. George was just a good old Virginia boy, while Burr was very educated and far more intelligent than Washington, and Burr made that be known. Because of this, Burr was sent away to aide General Israel Putnam in Manhattan. (www.odur.let)

In 1777, Burr was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of Malcom's regiment. (www.odur.let) Under Colonel Burr, Malcom's regiment repulsed a raid of 2,500 Tories into New York. (www.odur.let) Colonel Burr's men respected him for his valiant efforts, and for his way of providing punishment. Although Burr was a very strict disciplinarian, he never administered or permitted corporal punishment to be inflicted on his regiment. (www.odur.let) Burr was not a mean man, he was fair with his troops. After his stint in New York, Burr was sent to Valley Forge, where once again he never complained once about the terrible conditions. Then, in June 1778, Burr led his regiment to the Battle of Monmouth where he suffered a severe sunstroke. (www.odur.let) He took a short leave, but in January of 1779, he was good to go. During this time, Burr had been transferred to Westchester County under General McDougal. (www.odur.let) During these hard months, Burr slept in his clothes and led his men to surprise attacks on the enemy during the nights. (www.odur.let) This dedication shows Burr's pride and love for his country. He would never do anything to intentionally hurt America. Burr was too dedicated to the cause for that nonsense. During these hard months, Burr developed into a great leader, however, Burr's health was deteriorating, and he was forced to resign his post under McDougal. (www.odur.let)

In March, 1779, General Washington accepted Colonel Burr's resignation. (www.odur.let) However, Burr continued to help on military matters until the end of the Revolution. (www.odur.let) Although he had continued to study law after his resignation, he became sick and invalid with melancholia. (www.odur.let) However, many accounts show that he had grown very fond of Mrs. Theodosia Prevost, who at the time, had no interest in him. He was love sick and crazy, not actually suffering from melancholia as many historians believe. (www.odur.let) After his resignation, Burr had been studying law, and did so for six months until he took his bar examination. He passed, and was accepted to practice law in Albany in April, 1782. (www.odur.let) He soon married Prevost after he opened a law practice in Albany. Seems a little suspicious, but Prevost truly enjoyed Burr's company. Despite their ten year age difference they were a very happy couple. Theodosia was very loyal to Burr, calling him "my Aaron" until her death. (www.odur.let) Theodosia and Aaron had a daughter in June, 1783. Burr was ecstatic, and he believed that his daughter's birth was the most important event in his life. (www.odur.let) His love for his wife and daughter show the compassionate, loving side of Burr, not the so called "treasonous" and "evil" side that many believe Burr was.

When Theodosia was six months old, peace with England was achieved, and Burr soon moved to New York City. (www.odur.let) He was in the city only a mere six months when he was elected to the State Assembly. (www.odur.let) Soon after he was elected, he supported a motion to abolish slavery in New York, and was made chairman of a committee to revise the laws of the state. (www.odur.let) Burr was a good man, he wanted freedom for everyone, not just a select few. Burr was a true patriot, wanting America to truly be the land of the free. After his stint in Congress, he returned to practice law. Burr soon became one of the leaders of the New York bar. (www.odur.let) During this time, Burr met his rival, Alexander Hamilton. Burr was a liberal, a revolutionist who believed America was our proper place to live. (www.odur.let) In contrast, Hamilton didn't agree with Burr's liberal thoughts and showed his discontentment with Burr. Because Burr was so far ahead of his times in his thinking, he suffered isolation from Hamilton and his group. (www.odur.let) Burr wasn't wrong in his thinking, he was just a greatly misunderstood

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