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Aaron Burr Jr. , the son of Ester Edwards Burr and Reverend Mr. Aaron Burr was born on February 6, 1756 in Newark, New Jersey. He was also the grandson of the famous theologian, Jonathan Edwards. His father earned his living as a pastor at The Newark Presbyterian Congregation and the president of The College of New Jersey, which later became the Ivy League school, Princeton University. Upon graduating from Princeton University at the age of 16, Burr Jr. became a lawyer, although his studies were limited to theology.
Following this, he delivered an oration entitled Building Castles in the Air. These castles, it has been said, were lying in the West waiting for Burrs competence. After retiring from the Continental Army as a field officer, Burr practiced law. He was then appointed as the attorney general of New York in 1789 and served as a United States senator from 1791 to 1797. But this soon ended as he joined the Thomas Jefferson group led by James Monroe in the Senate and James Madison in the House of Representatives. He served under Thomas Jefferson as the third Vice President in United States history.
As the Election of 1800 drew near, Burr took the allure to set up an impeccable ticket. It would place both him and Jefferson on the same Ballot so it would be a sure win. He would be the first politician that took advantage of party organization. Thus, as the votes were counted, it would be that the Republicans prevailed. During the election, Burr favored funds to end Indian raids. Burr fought hard to win the election and was sure he was going to win.
In fact, it was a tie between him and his running mate, Thomas Jefferson. The electoral votes enumerated as 73 for both Burr and Jefferson. However, Jefferson went on to win the election by decision of the House of Representatives. Much to do with crushing Burrs dreams of serving in the highest office, was Alexander Hamilton. He introduced personalities and most importantly, slandered Burr to do everything in his strength to knock him out. Burr attempted to reassemble his political career but this only brought an altercation with Hamilton.
Increased animosity between the two men only became improving. In 1804, after his term of vice presidency, Burr ran for the governorship of New York State. In turn, Burr was defeated once again at political office. Burr resented the fact that Hamilton was lying about him and simply looking to make an enemy. Burr then challenged Hamilton to a dual under the Palisades at Weehawken, New Jersey in 1804. The gun Hamilton used was fired but missed Burr.
Historians are not sure what really happened on that mid-summer day. It has been proposed that Hamilton tried to make an edge by using a gun with a hair-like trigger. If this is so, then he was either not ready, was nervous, missed on purpose, or was merely a bad shot. Burr took advantage, shot and killed Hamilton.
Not noticeable to Burr at first, this action at length, ended his political career. It has been said that this is the most famous duel in history. Certainly it was the end of Hamilton's career, but who was to say it was the end of Burrs? Despite all the rules of the dueling code had been recognized, news of Hamilton's death spread like wildfire and hatred towards Burr quickly brewed. Eventually, indictments were brought against Burr for murder.
He was a wanted man in both New Jersey and New York. However, to his good fortune, he never had to face a jury. As if nothing happened, Burr returned to Washington to fulfill the rest of his term. Although this was the official end of Burrs political career, it was just a beginning in his eyes. Primarily because of the murder indictments, Burr decided to flee westward. In attempts to rally back his political career, he strived to set up an independent republic east of the Mississippi River.
He was about to enter the anticipated war with Spain by invading Mexico and making himself that countrys king. He schemed to raise an army along the Tombigee River and take over Florida. Burr seldom joined groups, but groups often joined him. (Nail, Great Lives from History 360) His plans included receiving support from Great Britain in case of a war between Spain and the United States. The blueprints also included raising an army that would emancipate Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Western territories of Spanish authority. Notwithstanding, his plot to create a republic did not seize here. The plan extended to taking over all of Mexico, hence, freeing it from Spanish dominion.
Burr recruited several men to join and support (financially) his army. At this time, he ran into a man by the name of John Wilkinson. Failing as both a tobacco farmer and land speculator after retirement from the army, he was appointed as the General of Burrs army. As the Washington of the West, Wilkinson attempted to muster thousands of soldiers to travel down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. This would be the foundation for Burrs supplies and recruitment. The scheme was to move west and south until all land was snatched from the Spanish so Burr could have himself a new nation.
And Mexico was ripe for a revolt, and the revolt needs a leader. (Chidsy, The Great Conspiracy 46) This plan, however, had a blemish. The only way it would work was if the United States and Spain went to war. Even though Nine out of ten Americans believed a war with Spain was inevitable, (Chidsy 40) the United States never went to war with Spain. Burr thought for sure that there would be a war. All he needed was more funds.
He went to Philadelphia for his daughter Theodosia, and ventured out west once again, with the intention of never to return. Burrs blemish in his plan became noticeable around this time. Jefferson declared peace between the United States and Spain about the same time he caught wind of Burrs movements. Startled that the fiber of American society is at stake, he ordered Burr to be captured and brought to punishment. Finally, in need of funds, he encountered a wealthy man by the name of Blennerhasset. This man owned an island a few miles down the Ohio River from Muskingham.
The old indian burial ground was a narrow 300 acre space that would be crucial for his scheme. Blennerhasset, who was fond of Burr, often had chats with him saying how he would be King Aaron I of Mexico and his daughter would be a princess. Blennerhasset, analogous to Burr, was indeed a separatist. Facts have it that Burr approached many officers for support.
More for the money than military abilities, Burr requested a one General Eaton. Also, Commodore Thomas Truxton, the most capably mariner on land, according to Burr was approached. However, much to Burrs despise, these men wanted nothing to do with Burr and his outrageous projects. Not everyone denied Burr though. Comfort Tyler accepted the plan with open arms since Burr rescued him by bailing him out of jail.
And of course, Burr had the might James Wilkinson ready to fight, or so Burr thought. Burr had a constant flow of troops coming to Blennerhasset Island. The island was to be covert to the point where he would not allow bugles or parades. He did not want anyone knowing about the expedition. Nevertheless, neighbors of the nearby island noticed something peculiar.
The rumors of what they saw all varied but consisted of observing a myriad of soldiers amongst the island. Estimates ran as high as 30, 000 people...
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