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Today marks the 216th anniversary of the Burr-Hamilton duel. Hamilton has been the topic of a big conversation recently since the release of #Hamiltonfilm 
, so here is a thread on that duel: /1
, so here is a thread on that duel: /1
On July 11, 1804, at 5am, A. Hamilton, accompanied by his Second, Nathaniel Pendleton, and physician Dr. Hosack departed from the Manhattan docks, separately from A. Burr who was accompanied by his Second, William Van Ness. They rowed across the Hudson River to Weehawken, NJ. /2
AB arrived at 6:30am, followed by AH shortly after.
In a joint statement, Van Ness and Pendleton described that they “cast lots for the choice of positions...also to determine by whom the word should be given, both of which fell to [Pendleton].” /3
In a joint statement, Van Ness and Pendleton described that they “cast lots for the choice of positions...also to determine by whom the word should be given, both of which fell to [Pendleton].” /3
At 7am, Hamilton had chosen a north side position, facing the Hudson river, 10 paces apart from Burr, who was therefore given “the advantage of peering deep into a shaded area, with his opponent clearly visible under overhanging heights.” /4
Prior to firing the guns, the Second which the lots fell to (Pendleton), ought to ask if both parties are ready, and when the answers are “in the affirmative, he shall say ‘present’ after which the parties shall present & fire when they please.” /5
Getting ready for P’s word, AH stopped the scene & took out his glasses, saying, “I beg pardon for delaying you but the direction of the light renders it necessary.”
Historians have questioned his intentions behind this, if he did so to aim at or to avoid aiming at Burr. /6
Historians have questioned his intentions behind this, if he did so to aim at or to avoid aiming at Burr. /6
Seconds later, both guns were fired. Hamilton immediately collapsed—almost lifeless—and knowing he was mortally wounded, he exclaimed, “I am a dead man.” /7
Burr was said to advance “toward Genl Hamilton with a manner and gesture that appeared to Genl Hamilton’s friend to be expressive of regret, but without speaking turned around & withdrew.” /8
By 9am, Hamilton was rowed back with Dr. Hosack by his side. Believing he never fired his pistol, he told the doctor, “Take care of that pistol—it is cocked. It may go off and do mischief. Pendleton knows I did mean to fire at Col. Burr the first time.” /9
Arriving back in Manhattan, Hamilton sent for his wife, Eliza. “Let the event be gradually broken to her, but give her hopes.” At this point, Hamilton had written her two farewell letters. News had also begun to spread quickly around the city. /10
In the letter Hamilton wrote to Eliza on July 4, he expressed, “I need not tell you of the pangs I feel, from the idea of quitting you and exposing you to the anguish which I know you would feel…Adieu best of wives and best of Women. Embrace all my darling Children for me.” /11
Eliza, Angelica, and his children stayed w/ him during his last hours.
On July 12, 1804, at 2pm, Hamilton took his last breath.
Hamilton would be buried at Trinity Church, next to his son Philip, who also died from a duel. Angelica and Eliza would also be buried there. /end
On July 12, 1804, at 2pm, Hamilton took his last breath.
Hamilton would be buried at Trinity Church, next to his son Philip, who also died from a duel. Angelica and Eliza would also be buried there. /end
As a bonus, here is a video of me playing the piano to my favorite Burr line from “The World Was Wide Enough” in the @HamiltonMusical:
“History obliterates, in every picture it paints, it paints me and all my mistakes.” #Hamiltonfilm #Hamilfilm
“History obliterates, in every picture it paints, it paints me and all my mistakes.” #Hamiltonfilm
#Hamilfilm
