[American Newspapers] [Burr-Hamilton Duel] A Scarce Issue of this Connecticut Newspaper Largely Dedicated to the Aftermath of the Fatal Duel Between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr

The Connecticut Courant
Hartford: Printed by Hudson & Goodwin, Wednesday, July 25, 1804. Vol. XL, Numb. 2061. Printed newspaper. Folio. (4) pp. Printed black mourning border on each page. Disbound; dampstaining at bottom of each sheet; scattered spotting.

Printed 13 days after the duel, this black mourning-bordered issue prints the correspondence between the two men and others regarding the duel. Further printed is Hamilton's will, various tributes to him, and his funeral obsequies with a woodcut print of his coffin.

At dawn on July 11, 1804, Vice-President Aaron Burr and former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton met at Weehawken, New Jersey, a popular dueling ground. The meeting was the result of a long-simmering feud between the two men, brought to a climax by what Burr considered to be numerous instances of dishonor against his character, as well Hamilton's interference against Burr in both the 1800 presidential election and in the 1804 election for governor of New York. Eyewitness accounts vary, but what is known is that two shots rang out and Alexander Hamilton lay crumpled on the ground, mortally wounded. The duel is widely regarded as one of the most consequential in American history, as Hamilton's death contributed to end of the influence of the Federalists in American politics. Immediately following the duel Burr was charged with murder in New York and in New Jersey, but never stood trial.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

[American Newspapers] [Burr-Hamilton Duel] A Scarce Issue of this Connecticut Newspaper Largely Dedicated to the Aftermath of the Fatal Duel Between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr