Colonel Aaron Burr died at his residence, on Staten Island,
near New York, a few days before the last packet sailed for England. He was eighty years of age. Colonel Burr was one of the most remark- able men of the American Revolution. As a soldier, few dis- played greater gallantry or capacity for command; though he never rose above the rank of Colonel. He was educated as a lawyer ; and during the latter part of his life, was engaged in some important causes. He was elected Vice-President of the United States in 1801, in Jefferson's first Presidency. On tile 10th of July 1804, while he was yet in office, be fought the celebrated duel with General Hamilton, which frustrated all his ambitious schemes; though be supposed, that, could he put Hamilton out of the way, his own election as President was certain. A more deliberate murder than that of Hamilton was never perpetrated. Burr had determined to kill him; and, for this purpose, practised pistol-firing assiduously. He then sought a quarrel with Hamilton; who went to the field with a certainty of being shot. Burr fastened a handkerchief to his wrist, and held it with his left hand to steady his right when he fired. Hamilton fell : and such was the horror, even among a nation of duellists, of the atrocious conduct of Burr, that from the day of the duel to the day of his death he was looked upon as an outcast by the great body of his countrymen. He headed an expedition destined to attack Mexico, contrary to the American laws. It was, in fact, a buccaneering expedition. Burr was taken and tried at Richmond; but, owing to some legal flaw, escaped. He lived in great poverty for some time ; but having recovered a considerable property for two ladies, received as his reward an annuity, on which he lived till his death. In person, Burr strongly resembled Grahame of Claverhouse as described by Scott. He was low of stature, and slightly made ; but had a piercing eye, a finely chiselled mouth and nose, and a noble forehead. His voice, too, was remarkably sweet, and his manners mild and persuasive.
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