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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01523 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1804 |
| Title | Aaron Burr to Joseph Alston, mainly in cypher, concerning Burr's duel with Alexander Hamilton |
| Date | ca. 13-21 July 1804 |
| Author | Burr, Aaron (1756-1836) |
| Recipient | Alston, Joseph |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes in partial cypher to his son-in-law after his duel with Alexander Hamilton. In the text that is not in cypher, Burr states that the jury has adjourned until Monday, 23 July, and that the results will determine whether or not he flees. He indicates that there is sentiment against him by Governor DeWitt Clinton and his allies. Thanks him for an earlier letter of support. At the end of the text is "Enclose to Ch. Biddle, Phila." Charles Biddle was a friend of Burr's. The second and third pages are in cypher. Date is from docket. The letter was written no earlier than 13 July 1804 and probably not later than 21 July 1804. |
| Subjects | Codes and Signals Duel Judiciary Law Politics Criminals and Outlaws Vice President |
| People | Burr, Aaron (1756-1836) Alston, Joseph (1778-1816) Biddle, Charles (1745-1821) Clinton, DeWitt (1769-1828) |
| Place written | New York, New York |
| Theme | Law; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | At 10 AM on 21 July Burr left his home at Richmond Hill and traveled to Perth Amboy, finding his way eventually to St. Simon's Island, Georgia. The cypher has not yet been decoded. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |