Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis

In the book, Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis, was an interesting book some of the times. On of my most favorite chapters in the book was chapter one: The Duel.

On the morning of July 11, 1804 Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton were rowed across the Hudson River in Separate boats to a secluded spot near Weehawken, New Jersey. There, in accordance with the customs of the Code Duello, they exchanged pistol shots at ten paces. Hamilton was struck on his right side and died the following day. Though unhurt, Burr found that his reputation suffered an equally fatal wound. In this, the most famous duel in American History, both participants were casualties (20). Colonel Burr left his home on Richmond Hill at first light. He was a military man with service in the American Revolution and his grandfather, the great theologian John Edwards. But Burr’s entire life had been a sermon on the capacity of the sagacious spider to lift himself out of hellish difficulties and spin webs that trapped others (21). Just north of Richmond Hill Hamilton boarded a small boat. Hamilton outranked Burr by being a General and was called “the little lion of Federalism.” since Hamilton was challenged by Burr he had the choice of weapons. He had selected a custom -made pair of highly decorated pistols (24). After the pistols were loaded with a .54-caliber ball, Pendleton whispered to Hamilton,” should I set the hair trigger ?” Hamilton responded: “not this time” (24). Hamilton chose to face in the direction of the sun. both men were required to walk ten paces each and then fire. Two shots were fired and Hamilton fell. The one ounce ball had struck him on the right side (25). Burr seemed surprised and regretful at the outcome of his shot (25). Wanting to speak to Hamilton, Van Ness stopped him and ushered him towards the boat. Hamilton died at two o’ clock on the afternoon of July 12, 1804 and two days later was an extravaganza of mourning.

This being one of my most favorite chapters in the book, the death of one well-known man shot by another. On of the part in the chapter that I found a little sad and interesting was the pistols that were chosen. As the information was found on page 24 + the custom-made pair of highly decorated pistols, owned by his wealthy brother-in-law, john Church.