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Fuller Collection of Aaron Burr (1756-1836), 1771-1851 (bulk 1778-1834): Finding Aid
C0081

Document signed by George Clinton as governor of New York in 1792
One Washington Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08544 USA
Phone: (609) 258-3184
Fax: (609) 258-2324
rbsc@princeton.edu
http://www.princeton.edu/~rbsc
Published on November 30, 2005
©2005 Princeton University Library
Summary Information
- Creator:
- Burr, Aaron, 1756-1836.
- Title and dates:
- Fuller Collection of Aaron Burr (1756-1836), 1771-1851 (bulk 1778-1834)
- Abstract:
- The collection consists of correspondence and documents collected by C. P. G. Fuller relating to Aaron Burr (1756-1836), vice president of the United States under Jefferson.
- Size:
- 1 linear foot (2 archival boxes, 1 half-size archival box)
- Call number:
- C0081
- Location:
- Princeton University Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.
Manuscripts Division.
Princeton, New Jersey 08544 USA - Language(s) of material:
- English
- Storage note:
- This collection is stored onsite at Firestone Library.
Biography of Aaron Burr (1756-1836)
Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey on February 6, 1756, to Aaron Burr, a theologian and second president of the College of New Jersey, and Esther Edwards Burr, daughter of famous revivalist pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards. The younger Burr’s parents died before he was three, and he was raised by his maternal uncle, Timothy Edwards. Burr entered the College of New Jersey at age thirteen, and graduated in 1772 with distinction. After graduation, he studied theology privately before switching his concentration to law.
Burr interrupted his studies when he enlisted in the American army attacking Boston in 1775. He rose quickly through the ranks because of his skills on the battlefield, but did not get along well with George Washington. Although promoted to Washington’s secretarial staff, Burr transferred to the staff of Washington’s second-in-command, Israel Putnam, to avoid conflicts with the general. Burr was successful under Putnam, valiantly leading troops in combat and securing important camps, such as in Brooklyn Heights and later at the battle of Monmouth Courthouse in New Jersey in 1778.
Burr resigned from the army in 1779 due to poor health, which was aggravated by the high temperatures and humidity at Monmouth. He continued to study law after leaving the army and recovering from illness, and became a member of the bar of New York in 1782. He married Theodosia Prevost in the same year, with whom he had one child, Theodosia Burr. Professionally, Burr entered a rivalry with Alexander Hamilton, another prominent lawyer in New York.
Burr began his political career in 1784 when he was elected to the state assembly. He continued in politics to serve in the United States Senate and ultimately as Vice President of the United States under Jefferson. He was a controversial character in Albany and Washington D.C., not siding clearly with any single faction and repeatedly being accused of self-interested legislation, political conspiracy, and generally unfair and dishonest practices, some of which can be confirmed. Burr’s political career was thus tumultuous and he found himself regularly in and out of favor with the ruling powers. He ultimately lost his second candidacy for Vice President when he alienated Republican leadership with sympathies for the Federalists. In the same year, he lost a bid for the governorship of New York.
Burr blamed much of his political downfall on Alexander Hamilton and his compatriots. After failing to force Hamilton to apologize for statements made against Burr in the gubernatorial race, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. When Burr killed the prominent politician, popular opinion cast him as a cold-blooded murderer, and warrants were put out for his arrest in New York and New Jersey. Burr fled to Philadelphia and then the South to escape capture.
On these travels, Burr began dreaming of a new nation formed in the Southwest. Burr believed that conflict between Americans and the Spanish could encourage an occupation of Mexico, allowing a new nation to form. One of his allies in these plans, however, revealed the scheme to President Jefferson, and Burr was indicted for treason. He was acquitted by John Marshall, whose narrow interpretation of the Constitution’s definition of treason was influenced by the justice’s dislike of and disagreements with Jefferson.
In Burr’s later life, he lived abroad, attempting to gain support for his plan for a new nation in the Southwest. Upon returning to the United states in 1812, he began again to practice law in New York. He remarried to a wealthy widow, who divorced him for adultery. He died on September 14, 1836, the same day the divorce was granted.
Description
Consists of Burr (Class of 1772) correspondence and documents, collected by C. P. G. Fuller. Included are papers relating to the case of the Bank of the United States vs. Aaron Burr and John Nicholson, other court cases of Burr, and letters from his friends and comrades during the Revolution as well as persons involved in the famous duel between Burr and Hamilton. Among the correspondents are Burr’s daughter, Theodosia Burr Alston, Nicholas Biddle, Henry Clay, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Marshall, John Vanderlyn, William Peter Van Ness, George Washington, and James Wilkinson. Specific items include the coroner’s report regarding the duel, a letter recommending Burr as a presidential candidate, and General Schuyler’s letter to his daughter upon the death of her husband, Alexander Hamilton.
Arrangement
Organized into the following series:
- Series I: Correspondence, 1778-1834
- Series 2: Legal Papers, 1787-1833
- Subseries 2A: United States v. Aaron Burr and John Nicholson, 1795-1803
- Subseries 2B: Charles Wilkins v. Aaron Burr, 1809-1814
- Subseries 2C: Thurman Litigation, 1825-1827
- Subseries 2D: Miscellaneous Legal Matters, 1787-1833
- Series 3: Other Documents, 1786-1816
- Series 4: Papers of Others, 1771-1851
- Series 5: Miscellaneous Material, n.d.
Access and Use
Access
The collection is open for research.
Restrictions on Use and Copyright Information
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Permission to publish material from the collection must be requested from the Associate University Librarian for Rare Books and Special Collections. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.
Acquisition and Appraisal
Provenance and Acquisition
Purchased from Nora C. Fuller on December 13, 1956.
Related Materials
Related Archival Material
See also the Aaron Burr (1756-1836) Collection.
Processing and Other Information
Works Cited
- Alexander, Holmes, Aaron Burr, The Proud Pretender (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1937)
- Beveridge, Albert Jeremiah, The Life of John Marshall (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1916-1919), 4 vols.
- Jacobs, James Ripley, Tarnished Warrior, Major-General James Wilkinson (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1938)
- Parton, James, The Life and Times of Aaron Burr (Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1882), 2 vols.
- Roberts, Kenneth Lewis, March to Quebec: Journals of the Members of Arnold’s Expedition (New York: Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc., 1938), compiled and annotated by Roberts, during the writing of Arundel.
- Schachner, Nathan, Aaron Burr, a Biography (New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1937)
- Schachner, Nathan, Alexander Hamilton (New York: D. Appleton-Century Co, 1946)
- Wandell, Samuel H., and Meade Minnigerode, Aaron Burr: A Biography Compiled from Rare, and in Many Cases Unpublished, Sources (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1925), 2 vols.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Anna Bialek in July 2005. Finding aid written by Anna Bialek in July 2005.
Descriptive Rules Used
Finding aid content adheres to that prescribed by Describing Archives: A Content Standard.
Encoding
Machine-readable finding aid encoded in EAD 2002 by John Delaney in November 2005.
Finding aid written in English.
Preferred Citation
Citations should be as follows: Fuller Collection of Aaron Burr (1756-1836), Box #, Folder #, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library.
Subject Headings
These materials have been indexed in the Princeton University Library online catalog using the following terms. Those seeking related materials should search under these terms.
- Burr, Aaron, 1756-1836--Career in law
- Burr family
- Burr Conspiracy, 1805-1807
- Burr-Hamilton Duel, Weehawken, N.J., 1804
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Sources
- Legal correspondence
- Legal documents
- Fuller, C. P. G., collector
Browse other finding aids related to the following terms:
Contents List
Series 1: Correspondence, 1778-1834
(83 folders)
Series Description
This series consists of correspondence of Aaron Burr.
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Alden, Roger (1754-1836), May 4, 1780
ALS, 4 pp.: to Burr, giving intelligence as to the state of the Revolution. ALDEN (1754-1836) was aide to Gen. Greene in the Revolution and later agent of the Holland Land Co. Also storekeeper at West Point. (See Schachner, pp. 154-159.)
Box 1, Folder 1 Alston, Theodosia Burr (1783-1813), January 7, 1794
ALS, 2 pp.: by Burr, commenting upon and correcting her letters. Theodosia Burr (1783-1813) was Burr's daughter. She married Joseph Alston and was lost at sea.
Box 1, Folder 2 Benson, Robert (1797-1844), August 2, 1778
ALS, 2 pp.: to Burr, instructing him to convey the Tories to British lines. Benson was Governor Clinton's secretary.
Box 1, Folder 3 Biddle, Charles (1745-1821), December 10, 1800
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding Theodosia Burr and the South Carolina vote for Jefferson.
Box 1, Folder 4 Biddle, Charles (1745-1821), January 12, 1801
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, referring to Wilkinson and Theodosia Burr.
Box 1, Folder 5 Biddle, William S., July 26, 1804
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, written in the same month as Burr's duel with Hamilton.
Box 1, Folder 6 Biddle, William S., April 20, 1816
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding an insurance case.
Box 1, Folder 7 Biddle, William S., April 24, 1816
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding a Commission "in the hands of Hosack".
Box 1, Folder 8 Biddle, William S., April 26, 1816
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding W. Hosack's Commission.
Box 1, Folder 9 Biddle, William S., March 28, 1817
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 10 Biddle, William S., December 14, 1818
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 11 Biddle, William S., January 11, 1819
ALS, 1 p.: to Burr, regarding the suit against the Marine Insurance Company.
Box 1, Folder 12 Biddle, William S., May 21, [n.y.]
AL (third person), 1 p.: by Burr, announcing Burr's arrival.
Box 1, Folder 13 Biddle, William S., January 29, 1819
ALS, 3 pp.: by Burr, referring to Daniel Pettibone.
Box 1, Folder 14 Bradstreet, Mrs., March 30, [1830?]
ANS (initialed), 1 p.: by Burr, regarding a committee which is deliberating on a matter concerning her.
Box 1, Folder 15 Carey, Mathew (1760-1839), ca. 1797
AL (third person), 1 p.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 16 Casanove, Theophile, November 4, 1797
ALS (in French), 1 p.: on behalf of Aaron Burr to P & C Van Eighen of Amsterdam. CASANOVE was the American agent of the Holland Company, land speculators, and retained Burr after dismissing Hamilton as counsel to put through the Foreign Land Tenure Act of 1792. (See Schachner, "Hamilton," pp. 373-383.)
Box 1, Folder 17 Chase, Nelson, January 20, 1834
ALS (initialed), 1 p.: by Burr, referring to "Madame of the Heights" (Mme. Jumel), to Col. O, and other matters.
Box 1, Folder 18 Denning, William (1740-1819), n.d.
AL (third person), 1 p.: to Burr regarding the purchase of real estate.
Box 1, Folder 19 Edens, Miss, October 20, 1823
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding personal matters.
Box 1, Folder 20 Edwards, Jonathan (1745-1801), June 30, 1788
ALS, 3 pp.: to Aaron Burr, regarding a legal agreement. EDWARDS (1745-1801) was Burr's uncle and the son of the Great Divine. He was President of Union and Schenectady Colleges, a linguist in Indian dialects, a theologian and metaphysician.
Box 1, Folder 21 Field, John, July 26, 1804
ALS, 1 p.: to Aaron Burr.
Box 1, Folder 22 Flandrau, T. H., February 15, [1834?]
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, a law partner of Aaron Burr. Probably written soon after his separation from Madame Betsey Bowen Jumel Burr. FLANDRAU was a law partner of Aaron Burr. (See Schachner, p. 508.)
Box 1, Folder 23 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), August 21, 1794
AL, 1 p.: written at Herkimerton to Burr, regarding business transactions with "D. Baldwin." COL. TIMOTHY GREEN was a business associate of Aaron Burr in real estate transactions. He was lost while returning to New York with Theodosia Burr. (See Alexander, pp. 146, 335, 336; Parton, Vol. I, p. 121.)
Box 1, Folder 24 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), November, 1794
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 25 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), February 16, 1795
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, authorization from the author for the recipient "to draw on [the author] for any sum not exceeding five thousand dollars".
Box 1, Folder 26 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), June 25, 1795
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding business affairs with Mr. Prevost and Mr. Shultze.
Box 1, Folder 27 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), September 8, 1795
ADS, 1 p.: receipt signed by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 28 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), May 4, 1796
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding business affairs.
Box 1, Folder 29 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), [May 9, 1796]
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 30 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), May 10, 1796
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 31 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), May 17, 1796
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding business affairs, including the payment of a large sum to [Wm. Thomas].
Box 1, Folder 32 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), July 7, 1796
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, accompanying a note from Pierpont Edwards and calling upon the recipient for an endorsement.
Box 1, Folder 33 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), October 13, 1796
ADS, 1 p.: signed by Burr, regarding payment to Francis Crooks.
Box 1, Folder 34 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), January 22, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding business affairs, primarily with [Mr. Adams].
Box 1, Folder 35 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), July 24, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding the preparation of maps, apparently to be used to sell real estate.
Box 1, Folder 36 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), July 27, 1797
ALS, 2 pp.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 37 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), July 28, 1797
ALS (initialed), 1 p.: by Burr, regarding the completion of certificates.
Box 1, Folder 38 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), August 1, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding a letter from the recipient and describing that the barricade of the Thames by mutineers will soon subside.
Box 1, Folder 39 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), August 7, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding the affairs and reputation of "Mr. D."
Box 1, Folder 40 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), December 4, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding the political situation in England in relation to the recipient's views.
Box 1, Folder 41 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), May 4, 1800
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding a note from the Johnson's.
Box 1, Folder 42 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), January 27, 1802
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, requesting the recipient to inform J. M. Forbes that his application has been accepted and that he will soon receive notice of an appointment "to a respectable and profitable place".
Box 1, Folder 43 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), January 4, 1803
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, receipt for five dollars.
Box 1, Folder 44 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), May 22, 1804
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding Burr's upcoming trip to town to see [W. G.?], the result of which Burr will notify the recipient as soon as possible.
Box 1, Folder 45 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), April 22, 1805
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding affairs involving [W. Wely?].
Box 1, Folder 46 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), September 9, 1808
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding affairs for the recipient to carry out in the author's absence, until he can return to America, which he hopes to be able to do after the "3 March next".
Box 1, Folder 47 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), n.d.
ALS, 1 p.: memorandum signed by Aaron Burr.
Box 1, Folder 48 Green, Timothy (1737-1796), n.d.
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, address sheet to Timothy Green.
Box 1, Folder 49 Greenwood, John (1760-1819), March 10, 1815
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, requesting the recipient to arrange for certain medicine from Boston.
Box 1, Folder 50 Hale, Daniel, September 30, 1782
ALS, 1 p.: to Burr, relating to a claim against a sloop.
Box 1, Folder 51 Hope, Alexander (1769-1837), April 5, 1807
ALS, 3 pp.: to Burr, addressed to him in care of Jeremy Bentham. HOPE (1769-1837) was an M. P., governor of R. M. C. at Sandhurst and the son of Earl Hopetown.
Box 1, Folder 52 Ireson, William, January 13, 1799
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, giving the recipient instructions on matters of business. Includes small, unmarked portrait of [Burr?], probably added later.
Box 1, Folder 53 Johnson, Robert G. (Robert Gibbon) (1771-1850), May 3, 1800
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr and Timothy Green, regarding a payment to Robert G. Johnson.
Box 1, Folder 54 Laight, Mrs. Ed. W., July 2, 1804
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, introducing Dr. BolIman. Written while Burr was being held for trial for treason in Richmond. DR. ERIC BOLIMAN (1769-1821) was a German doctor and adventurer, Burr's agent in New Orleans, and an author. ( Mrs. Ed. W. Laight not known)
Box 1, Folder 55 MacDougall, Alexander (ca. 1790-1864), October 12, 1781
ALS, 1 p.: to Burr. MACDOUGALL (1731-1786) was a major general in the Revolution, a member of the Continental Congress and the New York State Senate. He fought at the Battles of White Plains, Germantown, and Whitemarsh.
Box 1, Folder 56 Malcolm, W., November 26, 1782
ALS, 3 pp.: to Col. Burr, regarding legal matters. Includes written transcript of letter.
Box 1, Folder 57 Morris, Robert (1734-1806), May 15, 1785
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding a settlement between the Baldwin and Prevost estates.
Box 1, Folder 58 Morris, Thomas (1771-1849), September 18, 1801
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, introducing John Vanderlyn. VANDERLYN (1775-1852), an American artist, studied under Gilbert Stuart, painted "Marcus", "Ariadne", and many portraits. Supported by Burr during his early training.
Box 1, Folder 59 Power, William, December 30, 1796
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, introducing Timothy Green.
Box 1, Folder 60 Prévost, Augustine, December 26, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr. MAJOR PREVOST was the son of General Augustine Prevost (1725-1786) of the British Army, whose widow Aaron Burr married.
Box 1, Folder 61 Prévost, Augustine, March 26, 1789
ALS, 3 pp.: by Burr to Major Augustine Prevost, Burr's stepson, regarding business matters, disapproving West Indian voyage in sugar and other subjects.
Box 1, Folder 62 Prévost, Augustine, December 22, 1791
ALS, 4 pp.: by Burr, to Augustine, Burr's stepson, regarding British Minister Hammond's appointment and Col. Croghan's claims.
Box 1, Folder 62 Randolph, Edmund (1753-1813), January 31, 1813
ALS, 1 p.: to Col. Aaron Burr, speaking of his destitution. RANDOLPH (1753-1813) was attorney general and secretary of state in Washington's cabinet and one of Burr's attorneys at the trial.
Box 1, Folder 64 Stevenson, William E., June 12, 1800
TD, 1 p.: by Burr, transcript of letter transferring stock to Timothy Green (transcript is part of letter to William E. Stevenson from an unidentified correspondent).
Box 1, Folder 65 Troup, Robert (1757-1832), June 7, 1819
ALS, 2 pp.: to Aaron Burr, suggesting the retaining of George Brinkerhoff in the Eden cases.
Box 1, Folder 66 Van Ness, William Peter (1778-1826), December 1, 1803
AN, 1 p.: by Burr. VAN NESS (1778-1826) was Aaron Burr's second in duel with A. Hamilton. He became the Judge of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. He was the brother of Congressman John Peter Van Ness of Washington.
Box 1, Folder 67 Van Ness, William Peter (1778-1826), December 11, 1803
AN, 1 p.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 68 Van Ness, William Peter (1778-1826), February 13, 1803
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, requesting the shipment of articles and mentioning Swartwout.
Box 1, Folder 69 Western, Ann, et al., June, 1794
ADS, 1 p.: to Burr, receipt.
Box 1, Folder 70 Western, H. M., November 27, 1829
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, counselor at law, asking him for a few "minutes of conversation on topicks of business."
Box 1, Folder 71 Willett, Marinus (1740-1830), November 7, 1801
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, referring to Caesar Rodney and Mr. Dickinson at Wilmington. CAESAR RODNEY was Jefferson's attorney general. MARINUS WILLETT was sheriff of New York and a friend and creditor of Aaron Burr. (See Schachner, pp. 95, 123-4.) DICKINSON was probably John Dickinson, a publicist of Arlington who died on February 14, 1808.
Box 1, Folder 72 Witbeck, Thos. L., September 5, 1796
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, introducing Timothy Green.
Box 1, Folder 73 Unknown Author, n.d.
ANS, 1 p.: to Burr, by unknown author who may possibly have been Burr's mistress.
Box 1, Folder 74 Unknown Recipient, May 28, 1817
AL (third person), 1 p.: by Burr.
Box 1, Folder 75 Unknown Recipient, December 1, 1795
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, signed legal opinion to unknown recipient, regarding the obligations of a fiduciary.
Box 1, Folder 76 Unknown Recipient, December 20, 1809
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, to a consul in Germany.
Box 1, Folder 77 Unknown Recipient, November 9, 1795
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, relating to certain lands and other business.
Box 1, Folder 78 Unknown Recipient, December 15, 1795
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, enclosing a bill of J. Greenleaf on La Garenne for $4,000.
Box 1, Folder 79 Unknown Recipient, February 2, 1797
ADS, 2 pp.: by Burr and Timothy Green, regarding a payment.
Box 1, Folder 80 Unknown Recipient, November 4, 1797
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr and Timothy Green, statement of accounts.
Box 1, Folder 81 Unknown Recipient, August 1, 1812
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr and Timothy Green, Catalogue of books.
Box 1, Folder 82 Unknown Recipient, November 2, [1830?]
ANS, 1 p.: Probably to Mrs. Bradstreet, a note by Burr sending his old Negro servant, Isaac, to inquire about her health.
Box 1, Folder 83 Series 2: Legal Papers, 1787-1833
(47 folders)
Series Description
This series consists of correspondence and documents relating to specific legal cases in which Burr participated.
Arrangement
It is organized by subject in chronological order.
Subseries 2A: United States v. Aaron Burr and John Nicholson, 1795-1803
(16 folders)
Subseries Description
This subseries consists of the letters and documents relating to the court case United States v. Aaron Burr and John Nicholson. The case was brought against Burr for treason after his conspiracy to create a separate Southwestern empire was revealed by a fellow conspirator. The charges against Burr were strongly supported by Jefferson, a political rival of Burr. Burr was acquitted due to Justice John Marshall's strict and narrow interpretation of the Constitutional definition of treason, that it was solely the waging of war against the nation. COL. JOHN NICHOLSON, a friend and client of Aaron Burr, was a wealthy land speculator involved in the "Pennsylvania Population Co." in which Burr was a stockholder. (See Schachner, pp. 123, 154; see also Wandell, Vol. I, pp. 123, 124. ) William Rawle (1759-1836), lawyer and head of the Philadelphia Bar, was counsel to Nicholas Biddle and the Bank of the United States.
Arrangement
Units, arranged chronologically, are named by participant when known or by topic.
Lohra, Peter, February 3, 1795
DS (printed and autographed), 1 p.: Protest of Peter Lohra, Notary Public, of a note of $5,000 payable to John Nicholson and endorsed by him to the Bank of the United States.
Box 1, Folder 84 Rawle, William (1759-1836), November 7, 1795
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, promise to answer letter sent by Rawle.
Box 1, Folder 85 Rawle, William (1759-1836), November 8, 1795
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, complete description of the case from Burr's perspective.
Box 1, Folder 86 Williamson, William, June 21, 1796
AD, 1 p.: receipt of William Williamson of his note to John Jack and endorsed by John Jack for $5,550, conditioned on collection of judgment against Nicholson.
Box 1, Folder 87 Williamson, William, June 21, 1796
AD, 1 p.: copy of receipt of William Williamson of his note to John Jack and endorsed by John Jack for $5,550, conditioned on collection of judgment against Nicholson.
Box 1, Folder 88 Rawle, William (1759-1836), November 26, 1796
ALS, 2 pp.: by Burr, referring to Williamson note, including copy of answer by William Rawle dated Philadelphia, November 30, 1796, on over leaf.
Box 1, Folder 89 Rawle, William (1759-1836), December 1, 1796
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding Williamson's note, with note appended, initialed W. M.
Box 1, Folder 90 Rawle, William (1759-1836), December 2, 1796
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding Williamson's note.
Box 1, Folder 91 Rawle, William (1759-1836), January 24, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding settlement of Nicholson affair.
Box 1, Folder 92 Rawle, William (1759-1836), January 25, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding the case of United States v. Aaron Burr and John Nicholson.
Box 1, Folder 93 Rawle, William (1759-1836), March 4, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, effecting assignment of Nicholson judgment to Robert S. Stevens.
Box 1, Folder 94 Biddle, William S., January 12, 1803
ALS, 2 pp.: by Burr, reviewing the case.
Box 1, Folder 95 Rawle, William (1759-1836), n.d.
AD, 1 p.: Draft of escrow deposit on A. Burr note of $5,000 conditioned on collection of judgment against Nicholson drafted by William Rawle.
Box 1, Folder 96 Computation of costs in suit, n.d.
ADS, 1 p.: notes and additions of costs relating to suit.
Box 1, Folder 97 Computation of amount due on judgment, n.d.
ADS, 2 pp.: Computation of amount due on judgment, with itemized costs.
Box 1, Folder 98 Record of suit and payment, n.d.
ADS, 2 pp.: record of suit and payment including dated descriptions of related events, probably written by William Rawle.
Box 1, Folder 99 Subseries 2B: Charles Wilkins v. Aaron Burr, 1809-1814
(9 folders)
Subseries Description
This subseries consists of letters related to the case of Charles Wilkins v. Aaron Burr. Nicholas Biddle (1786-1844) was president of the Bank of the United States. (See Schachner, p. 446.)
Arrangement
Units are named by correspondent and are arranged chronologically.
Biddle, Nicholas (1786-1844), January 19, 1809
ALS, 2 pp.: copy of letter to Rudolph Bunner regarding details of the case.
Box 2, Folder 1 Biddle, Nicholas (1786-1844), July 7, 1809
ALS, 2 pp.: to Henry Clay, regarding details of the case.
Box 2, Folder 2 Clay, Henry (1777-1852), August 7, 1809
ALS, 3 pp.: to Nicholas Biddle, regarding objections of Mr. [Gratz] to a compliance with the order of Mr. Wilkins.
Box 2, Folder 3 Biddle, Nicholas (1786-1844), July 20, 1810
ALS, 1 p.: to Henry Clay, regarding the affairs of Mr. Wilkins.
Box 2, Folder 4 Clay, Henry (1777-1852), February 13, 1812
ALS, 1 p.: to Nicholas Biddle, regarding the establishment of "facts connected with the order given by Mr. Wilkins".
Box 2, Folder 5 Clay, Henry (1777-1852), April 30, 1812
ALS, 1 p.: to unknown recipient, regarding the case of Wilkins and Burr.
Box 2, Folder 6 Biddle, William S., June 25, 1812
ALS, 2 pp.: to S. Swartwout.
Box 2, Folder 7 Biddle, William S., July 27, 1814
ALS, 1 p.: to Burr, regarding the opinion of the court in Wilkins' suit.
Box 2, Folder 8 Biddle, William S., August 10, 1814
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding Wilkins' suit.
Box 2, Folder 9 Subseries 2C: Thurman Litigation, 1825-1827
(4 folders)
Subseries Description
This subseries consists of letters by Aaron Burr relating to Thurman's suit against his wife.
Arrangement
Units are named by recipient and are arranged chronologically.
Thurman, James L., March 10, 1825
ALS, 1 p.: concerning a release from the heirs under a will, and asking for biographical information about Thurman and various members of his family.
Box 2, Folder 10 Thurman, John, August 13, 1827
ALS, 1 p.: regarding reviving and prosecuting a suit brought by Thurman's father against Mrs. Thurman.
Box 2, Folder 11 Thurman, John, March 4, 1827
ALS, 1 p.: regarding the suit brought against Mrs. Thurman by her husband.
Box 2, Folder 12 Thurman, John, March 16, [n.y.]
ANS (third person), 1 p.: request for a visit from the recipient.
Box 2, Folder 13 Subseries 2D: Miscellaneous Legal Matters, 1787-1833
(18 folders)
Subseries Description
This subseries consists of letters and documents relating to miscellaneous legal matters.
Arrangement
Units are named and organized alphabetically by participant, such as the plaintiff, defendant, litigant, or official, or case name, where available.
Bail Bond (unknown defendant), April 19, 1787
DS (printed and autographed), 2 pp.: bail bond endorsed Burr Atty and signed by Marinus Willett, as Sheriff.
Box 2, Folder 14 Bail Bond (unknown defendant), February 23, 1788
DS (printed and autographed), 2 pp.: bail bond endorsed Burr Atty.
Box 2, Folder 15 Chase, Nelson, January 5, 1833
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, referring to Col. K. and Col. O. and Chase's negligence in a legal matter. NELSON CHASE, husband of a cousin (illegitimate) of Madame Jumel, claimed inheritance; he was a law clerk in Burr's office.
Box 2, Folder 16 Colden, Cadwallader D. (Cadwallader David) (1769-1834), November 9, 1788
ALS, 1 p.: to Burr, regarding a legal matter. Includes small portrait, unlabelled. COLDEN was assistant attorney general of New York; tried Levi Weeks for murder of Elma Sands in March, 1800, and was opposed by Burr, Hamilton and Brookholst Livingston at the trial. (See Wandell, Vol. 1, p. 135.)
Box 2, Folder 17 Court Notice, September 26, 1787
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, notice in a series of court cases involving Daniel Phoenix, Philip Van Rensselaer, and others.
Box 2, Folder 18 Flandrau, T. H., December 3, 1823
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding legal matters. Included in folder is a small portrait of unknown person.
Box 2, Folder 19 Foote, Judge, April 15, 1818
ALS, 2 pp.: by Burr to Judge Foote, a relative of Post-Captain (ret.) Clermont, a confessed forger, asking for intercession in order to obtain a suspended sentence.
Box 2, Folder 20 John, a Negro servant, May 5, 1790
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, a writ to the Sheriff of Albany County to summon a jury to try an assault and battery case against John, a Negro servant.
Box 2, Folder 21 Lathrop, Gurdon William (1790-1832), August 15, 1814
ALS (initialed), 1 p.: by Burr, providing instructions on various legal matters. LATHROP was Burr's office manager. (See Schachner, p. 507.)
Box 2, Folder 22 Lewis, A., [1790?]
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, a notice of entry in legal proceeding, addressed to A. Lewis.
Box 2, Folder 23 Lyon, David, September 1, 1803
ADS, 1 p.: receipt in the case of Burr v. Lyon.
Box 2, Folder 24 McVicker, James, March 16, 1825
ALS, 6 pp.: to Burr, presenting a legal problem for advice.
Box 2, Folder 25 Morris, Robert (1734-1806), April 1, 1790
ALS, 1 p.: to Aaron Burr, regarding the case of Remsen v. Van Buskirk. MORRIS (1734-1806) was the grandson of Lewis Morris and a New York attorney.
Box 2, Folder 26 Morris, Staats Long (1728-1800), August 28, 1790
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, memorandum of an agreement for the sale of a large tract of land in New Jersey by Staats Long Morris to John Ramsey, John Dickson, and Thomas Coyle. Signed by Aaron Burr as attorney for Morris. STAATS LONG MORRIS (1728-1800), son of Lewis and half-brother of Lewis, the signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a general in the British Army and governor of Quebec.
Box 2, Folder 27 Oliver, Richard, November 15, 1788
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding legal matters.
Box 2, Folder 28 Smith, Richard (1792-1876), September 30, 1827
ALS, 1 p.: by Burr, regarding a lawsuit against Tench Coxe on the Owego Patent and other legal matters. TENCH COXE (1755-1825) was a friend of Jefferson, a political economist, a Tory, a federalist, then a republican, leader of the "quids", a member of the Continental Congress, and an author.
Box 2, Folder 29 Somers, et al. v. Wilson, et al., September 13, 1828
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, to George Wilson in the case of Somers, et al. v. Wilson, et al..
Box 2, Folder 30 Stephen Oakley v. William Van Waert, November 12, 1789
AN, 1 p.: by Burr, written in the case of Stephen Oakley v. William Van Waert, filed with the Supreme Court.
Box 2, Folder 31 Series 3: Other Documents, 1786-1816
(8 folders)
Arrangement
This series is arranged alphabetically by author.
Box , Folder Allen, William Van, February 1, 1790
DS (printed and autographed), 1 p.: by Burr, check to the order of William Van Allen for £ 2.5.0.
Box 2, Folder 32 Cutler, Joseph, and John Fuller, August 3, 1786
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, a receipt for £ 118.18.0.
Box 2, Folder 33 Hamilton, James (1763-1829), June 8, 1790
ADS, 2 pp.: by Burr, a certificate to James Hamilton. MAJOR JAMES HAMILTON was a favorite side of Gen. George Washington.
Box 2, Folder 34 Hill, Samuel, September 10, 1792
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, check to the order of Samuel Hill for £100.0.0.
Box 2, Folder 35 Hunter, James, August 6, 1816
ADS, 1 p.: by Burr, forged check to the order of James Hunter for $100.
Box 2, Folder 36 Low, Nicholas (1739-1826), November 18, 1791
DS, 1 p.: by Burr, receipt to Nicholas Low for payment of money on order of R. Benson.
Box 2, Folder 37 Saltonstall, Mr., November 23, 1793
ADS, 2 pp.: by Burr, acceptance in favor of Mr. Saltonstall for two casks of rum and a bale of cotton.
Box 2, Folder 38 "W. M.", December 19, 1796
DS (printed and autographed), 1 p.: by Burr, check to the order of "W. M." for $300.
Box 2, Folder 39 Series 4: Papers of Others, 1771-1851
(101 folders)
Series Description
This series consists of the papers of Burr's relatives and early friends, comrades in the Revolution, political associates, persons involved in the Southwestern conspiracy, persons involved in the duel between Hamilton and Burr, historians and biographers of Burr, and others.
Arrangement
Units are arranged alphabetically by author.
Box , Folder Adams, Henry (1794-1842), n.d.
ALS, 4 pp. ADAMS (1794-1842), Historian who wrote of the Burr trial.
Box 2, Folder 40 Alston, Joseph (1778-1816), December 12, 1803
ALS, 1 p.: to Theodosia Burr. ALSTON (1744-1823) married Theodosia Burr and was Governor of South Carolina in 1812. Served in South Carolina legislature for many years.
Box 2, Folder 41 Alston, Joseph (1778-1816), January 25, 1815
ALS, 3 pp.: to Charles Biddle, an early friend of Burr, regarding financial matters. Folder also includes a typed transcript of the letter.
Box 2, Folder 42 Alston, Theodosia Burr (1783-1813), February 18, 1802
AL, 1 p.: to J. B. Prevost, her half-brother, regarding family matters. THEODOSIA BURR (1783-1813) daughter of Aaron Burr, wife of Joseph Alston, Governor of South Carolina, was one of the most brilliant women of her day. JOHN BARTOW PREVOST son of Jacques M. Prevost (d. 1779), Colonel in the British Army, whose widow married Aaron Burr, was Judge of the Superior Court at New Orleans.
Box 2, Folder 43 Alston, Theodosia Burr (1783-1813), July 20, 1808
ALS, 2 pp.: to Dr. William Eustis, regarding her health and inquiring with respect to the taking of mercury. Folder includes later responses the letter and a modern diagnosis of her illness by Dr. Theodore B. Russell, dated 1952. DR. WILLIAM EUSTIS (1753-1825) Surgeon in the Revolution, Member of Congress, Secretary of War in 1807, Minister to Holland, Governor of Massachusetts.
Box 2, Folder 44 Alston, Theodosia Burr (1783-1813), October 3, 1808
AL, 3 pp.: to Dr. William Eustis, providing complete details of her illnesses and symptoms. Includes typed pamphlet from Goodspeed's Books Shop, dated Nov.-Dec. 1951.
Box 2, Folder 45 Alston, Theodosia Burr (1783-1813), October 5, 1808
ALS, 2 pp.: to Dr. William Eustis, thanking him for taking an interest in her case.
Box 2, Folder 46 Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801), October 8, 1779
ALS, to Col. Mitchell, a comrade of Burr in the Revolution. TRANSFERRED TO BENEDICT ARNOLD COLLECTION.
Box 2, Folder 47 Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801), November 27, 1775
LS, to Captain Joseph Page, a comrade of Burr in the Revolution, ordering him to keep watch on men of war, Written before the attack on Quebec December 31, 1775. TRANSFERRED TO BENEDICT ARNOLD COLLECTION.
Box 2, Folder 48 Blennerhassett, Harman (1765-1831), August 21, 1800
ADS, 1 p.: to Dudley Woodbridge & Co. BLENNERHASSETT (1764-1831) owned the famous island estate in the Ohio River and joined Burr in the Western Adventure. He was tried for treason and ruined.
Box 2, Folder 49 Burger, John (1746 or 7-1828), et al., August 2, 1804
ADS, 3 pp.: Official Manuscript Inquest held upon the body of Alexander Hamilton by Coroner's Jury finding Hamilton murdered by Burr, dated August 2, 1804, signed by John Burger, Coroner, Alexander Anderson (1775-1870 - pioneer, engraver and doctor), George Minuse, John A. Hardenbrook, Peter Bonnett, Elan Williams, John Coffin, John Mildeberger, David H. Brown, David Lydig, Abraham Bloodgood, James Cummings, Amos Curtis, Isaac Burr (a cousin - Post Warden and Harbor Master of New York), Benjamin Strong (founder of East River Savings Bank and others) and John D. Miller, the Jury.
Box 2, Folder 50 Burger, John (1746 or 7-1828), et al., August 2, 1804
ADS (photostat), 3 pp.: Official Manuscript Inquest held upon the body of Alexander Hamilton by Coroner's Jury finding Hamilton murdered by Burr, dated August 2, 1804, signed by John Burger, Coroner, Alexander Anderson (1775-1870 - pioneer, engraver and doctor), George Minuse, John A. Hardenbrook, Peter Bonnett, Elan Williams, John Coffin, John Mildeberger, David H. Brown, David Lydig, Abraham Bloodgood, James Cummings, Amos Curtis, Isaac Burr (a cousin - Post Warden and Harbor Master of New York), Benjamin Strong (founder of East River Savings Bank and others) and John D. Miller, the Jury.
Box 2, Folder 51 Cambell, Donald, May 6, 1787
ALS, 6 pp.: to John Hancock, petitioning for back army pay and reciting his military record. CAMPBELL served with Montgomery in Quebec and after his death was in command of the Army and ordered retreat. He was court martialled by Arnold but the court martial was overruled by Gates. Held Wolfe in his arms when he died on the Plains of Quebec. (See Schachner, pp. 41, 42; Roberts, pp. 103, 152, 563.)
Box 2, Folder 52 Carrington, Edward (1749-1810), December 5, 1800
ALS, 1 p.: to General Wood. Includes portrait of Carrington. CARRINGTON (1749-1810) was a Member of the Continental Congress and foreman of the petit jury that tried Burr for treason. (See Beveridge, Vol. 3, pp. 513-514.)
Box 2, Folder 53 Claiborne, William C. C. (William Charles Cole) (1775-1817), August 8, 1814
ALS, 2 pp.: to General Andrew Jackson, recommending Capt. Thomas Farrar. CLAIBORNE (1775-1817), lawyer, territorial judge, Governor of Mississippi, Commissioner to and later Governor of Louisiana. Senator elect from Louisiana but died before taking office. Was Governor when General Wilkinson enforced martial law at the time of the Burr adventure.
Box 2, Folder 54 Clay, Henry (1777-1852), March 14, 1831
ALS, 1 p.: to Hon. Chancellor Quitman at Natchez, introducing Lee White. CLAY (1771-1852), Burr's lawyer in Kentucky proceedings, U.S. Senator, Speaker of the House, Author of the Missouri Compromise, Candidate for President. QUITMAN (1799-1858) JOHN ANTHONY. Soldier, minister, professor, Chancellor of Mississippi, President of State Senate, General in Mexican war, Governor of Mexico City, Governor of Mississippi, Congressman. (His daughter, Mrs. Lovell, was the mother of Joseph Lovell, classmate and friend of A. S. Cleveland, who lived with the Lovells at Suwanee, Tenn.)
Box 2, Folder 55 Clinton, George (1739-1812), March 26, 1792
DS (printed and autographed), 1 p.: appointment of Sandford Williams to "Captain of a Company in the Battalion of Militia in the county of Ontario". CLINTON was many times Governor of New York and also Vice President of the United States. He supported Burr politically.
Box 2, Folder 56 Daveiss, Joseph Hamilton (1774-1811), October 1, 1798
ALS, 2 pp.: to T. Stewart. DAVEISS (1774-1811) arrested Burr on his Western trip. Famous Kentucky lawyer, Colonel in the Army. He was killed at the Battle of Tippecance. (See Schachner, pp. 344, 345, 347-352, 360.)
Box 2, Folder 57 Daveiss, Joseph Hamilton (1774-1811), November 11, 1804
ALS, 1 p.: to Thos. Witting concerning a legal case. DAVEISS (1774-1811), District Attorney of Kentucky, Prosecuted Burr in Kentucky in 1806 where Burr was discharged. An active agent of Jefferson. Killed in the Battle of Tippecanoe. Brother-in-law of John Marshall, a Federalist. (Wandell, Vol. II, pp. 90-94.)
Box 2, Folder 58 Dayton, Jonathan (1760-1824), December 13, 1806
ALS, 1 p.: to James Heaton relating to surveys of land on the Little Miami River, Ohio. DAYTON (1760-1824), Revolutionary soldier, U.S. Senator, Dayton Ohio, named after him; was associated with Burr in the Western Adventure, but tried to sell out to Yrujo after Spanish war plans collapsed; was indicted with Burr and released after Burr's acquittal.
Box 2, Folder 59 Dayton, Jonathan (1760-1824), n.d.
ALS (fragment), 1 p.: regarding land transactions.
Box 2, Folder 60 Dickson, William, [1806?]
ALS, 2 pp.: to General Andrew Jackson, stating it was Jefferson's intention to call upon Jackson and his militia to intercept Burr on his descent of the Ohio and referring to collapse of Burr's plan.
Box 2, Folder 61 Eaton, William (1764-1811), September 20, 1800
ALS, 2 pp.: to Rufus King, U.S. Minister to England, concerning business with the Bay of Tunis and recommending Lewis Hargreaves for certain services. EATON (1764-1811) Revolutionary soldier, U.S. Consul at Tunis, Naval agent to the Barbary States, Conqueror of Derna in Tripoli but deprived of the fruits of his victory by the Treaty of Tobias Lear, Consul General at Algiers, solicited by Burr to join him in his venture and a witness against Burr at his trial. KING (1775-1827), soldier in Revolution, lawyer, member of Continental Congress, Minister to England, U.S. Senator, Federalist, Presidential candidate against Monroe.
Box 2, Folder 62 Eaton, William (1764-1811), December 10, 1804
ALS, 1 p.: to Major Missett announcing his arrival in Cairo and referring to Harriet Bashaw. MISSETT was the British Resident in Cairo.
Box 2, Folder 63 Eaton, William (1764-1811), February 15, 1802
ALS, 2 pp.: to Stephen Pynchon, discussing Clark Brown, his return to Tunis and other matters.
Box 2, Folder 64 Eaton, William (1764-1811), August 30, 1800
ALS, 1 p.: to Otto Frank & Co., Leghorn, relating to drawings of the Danish Commodore Korford.
Box 2, Folder 65 Eaton, William (1764-1811), January 5, 1801
ADS: certifying completion of delivery of cargo (inserted in "General William Eaton" by Rodd.) MISSING FROM FOLDER
Box 2, Folder 66 Eaton, William (1764-1811), March 13, 1799
DS, 1 p.: to J. L. Cathart at Tripoli endorsed by O'Brien at Algiers, endorsement at Tunis on letter of William Smith. CATHCART, JOHN LEANDER, was U. S Consul at Algiers and was removed after trouble with the Bay. O'BRIEN, RICHARD (1758-1824) was U.S. Consul at Algiers and was generally opposing demands of the Bay of Algiers. Assisted Preble in his negotiations with Tripoli.
Box 2, Folder 67 Edwards, Pierrepont, May 1800
ALS, 1 p.: to Justus Reely, asking for money. Folder includes portrait of Edwards by J. W. Jarvis. P. EDWARDS (1750-1826) was Burr's uncle and a son of Jonathon Edwards. He was a Member of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention and Federal District Judge.
Box 2, Folder 68 Edwards, Pierrepont, November 4, 1790
ALS, 2 pp.: to the Sheriff of the County of New Haven.
Box 2, Folder 69 Edwards, Timothy (1738-1813), February 21, 1787
ALS, 4 pp.: to Hon. Samuel Phillips, Jr. (founder of Phillips Andover Academy), regarding Indian affairs.
Box 2, Folder 70 Edwards, Timothy (1738-1813), 1779
ADS, 1 p.: receipt signed by Timothy Edwards and others. T. EDWARDS (1738-1813) was Burr's guardian and uncle and the oldest son of Jonathon Edwards. Judge of Probate in Berkshire County, Member of the Continental Congress.
Box 2, Folder 71 Gallatin, Albert (1761-1849), April 19, 1813
ALS, 1 p.: to James Monroe, regarding the taking of a Russian as a passenger. GALLATIN (1761-1849) led the Jefferson forces in Congress against Burr; Secretary of Treasury under Jefferson. (See Schachner, pp. 179-182.)
Box 2, Folder 72 Greene, Christopher (1737-1781), April 22, 1779
DS, 1 p.: signed payroll. GREENE (1737-1781) was an officer on the Arnold Expedition to Quebec and there taken prisoner. He was a comrade of Burr in the Revolution. (See Schachner, p. 37; Roberts, pp. 173, 302.)
Box 2, Folder 73 Griffin, Cyrus (1748-1810), May 25, 1797
ALS, 1 p.: to unknown recipient. GRIFFIN (1748-1810) sat as co-judge with Marshall at the trial as he was district Judge for Virginia. He took no part in the trial. He was president of the Continental Congress in 1788.
Box 2, Folder 74 Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804), February 12, 1799
ALS, 1 p.: to Governor Jay, recommending Burr to superintend the fortification of the Port of New York.
Box 2, Folder 75 Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804), October 3, 1789
LS, 1 p.: to William Webb, Collector for Bath, Mass. (now Maine), transmitted Act regulating cleaning of vessels.
Box 2, Folder 76 Hancock, John (1737-1793), November 25, 1779
DS, 1 p.: to Silas Deane. HANCOCK (1737-1793), Signer of the Declaration, Governor of Massachusetts, sponsored Burr to George Washington and obtained his appointment to Washington's staff. (See Schachner, pp. 32, 44.) DEANE (1737-1789), United States Agent in France 1776 with Franklin, was the cause of Lafayette's coming to America.
Box 2, Folder 77 Harper, Robert Goodloe (1765-1825), January 16, 1806
ALS, 1 p.: to Dr. Green recommending Mr. Hughs. HARPER (1765-1825) was a prominent Baltimore lawyer, Member of Congress from South Carolina, defended Judge Chase, and was counsel to Bollman and Swartwout in their trial for treason. (See Schachner, pp. 192, 264, 394.)
Box 2, Folder 78 Hay, George (1765-1830), March 24, 1830
ALS, 5 pp.: to Daniel Webster. HAY (d. 1830) was a son-in-law of President Monroe, and as U.S. Attorney in Virginia prosecuted Burr. He wrote under the name of "Hortensius" and became a Judge of the U.S. District.
Box 2, Folder 79 Hosack, David (1769-1835), December 15, 1823
ALS, 1 p.: to Dr. Lewis C. Beck, concerning the Lyceum at Albany and a gift of books thereto. HOSACK (1769-1835) doctor and naturalist, was the surgeon in attendance at the duel between Burr and Hamilton, founder of the New York Historical Society.
Box 2, Folder 80 Jay, John, (1745-1829), n.d.
portrait with signature of John Jay. JAY (1745-1829), First Chief Justice of the United States, author of The Federalist, was not reelected Governor of New York due to Burr's support of Clinton in 1801.
Box 2, Folder 81 Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) and James Madison (1749-1812), October 10, 1804
DS, 2 pp.: Monroe's commission as Minister to Spain. JEFFERSON (1743-1826) Author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia, Burr's implacable enemy, defeated him for the Presidency.
Box 2, Folder 82 Jumel, Eliza Bowen (1775?-1865), December 1, 1826
ALS (in French), 4 pp.: to Stephen Jumel, regarding business matters. Folder includes a typed English translation of the letter. ELIZA BOWEN JUMEL BURR (1775-1865) Rich widow of Jumel, a French merchant in New York, a second wife of Aaron Burr. Born a bastard, in youth a prostitute, in middle age a social climber, died an eccentric.
Box 2, Folder 83 Jumel, Eliza Bowen (1775?-1865), September 21, 1826
ALS (in French), 4 pp.: to Stephen Jumel, regarding matters relating to property. Folder Includes a written English translation of the letter.
Box 2, Folder 84 Jumel, Stephen (1755-1832), June 29, 1817
ALS, 4 pp.: to Elena [Eliza?]. STEPHEN JUMEL (1755-1832) French wine merchant, came to United States in 1798 (or 1795), tricked into marriage in 1804 with, and tricked out of his fortune in 1826 by, Eliza Jumel, his mistress.
Box 2, Folder 85 Jumel, Stephen (1755-1832), October 14, 1827
ALS (in French), 1 p.: to Madame Jumel.
Box 2, Folder 86 Jumel, Stephen (1755-1832), December 23, 1827
ALS (in French), 1 p.: to Madame Jumel.
Box 2, Folder 87 King, Rufus (1755-1827), May 11, 1793
ALS, 3 pp.: to George Thatcher, regarding dividends and values of New York Bank Stock. KING (1775-1827) Senator from New York, friend of Hamilton and actively opposed Burr's campaign in 1800.
Box 2, Folder 88 Lyon, Matthew (1749-1822), May 7, 1795
ALS, 1 p.: to Stephen Jacobs, regarding legal matters. LYON (1746-1822) was the member of Congress who cast the deciding vote for the election of Jefferson over Burr.
Box 2, Folder 89 Marshall, John (1755-1835), September 24, 1814
ALS, 1 p.: to the Bank of Columbia. Includes portrait of Marshall. MARSHALL (1755-1835) Chief Justice of the United States; presided at the trial of Burr in Richmond.
Box 2, Folder 90 Marshall, William, June 29, 1807
DS (printed and autographed), 1 p.: subpoena in the case of U.S. vs. Burr, to J. N. Distrehan, signed by William Marshall, Clerk of the Court, and W. G. Garland, Sheriff. DISTREHAN was elected Senator from Louisiana in 1812, but was opposed to Louisiana joining the Union and so did not serve.
Box 2, Folder 91 Martin, Luther (1748-1826), April 29, 1784
ALS, 4 pp.: to unknown recipient. Includes portrait of Martin. MARTIN (1748-1826) was Burr's principal counsel at the treason trial; Attorney General of Maryland, Delegate to Constitutional Convention, opposed Constitution; counsel for Judge Chase.
Box 2, Folder 92 Morgan, Daniel (1736-1802), June 19, 1782
ALS, 1 p.: to Benjamin Harison, Governor of Virginia, asking for money for a horse. Morgan was a comrade of Burr in the Revolution.
Box 2, Folder 93 Morgan, Daniel (1736-1802), October 16, 1784
DS, 1 p.: authorizing George Champlin to settle an account. Folder includes portrait of Morgan. MORGAN (1736-1802) was a Brigadier in the Revolution and was with Burr on the Arnold Expedition to Quebec. He also fought in the Battles of Saratoga and Cowpens and with Braddock.
Box 2, Folder 94 Morgan, Daniel (1736-1802), November 20, 1793
DS, 1 p.: certifying as to the service of Samuel Moore. Folder includes portrait of the author, who was a comrade of Burr in the Revolution.
Box 2, Folder 95 Morris, Gouverneur (1752-1816), February 1, 1801
ALS, 2 p.: to Stephen Van Rensselaer, Lt. Governor of New York at Albany, mentioning Burr as a Presidential possibility and discussing Van Rensselaer's candidacy for the Governorship of New York. Mentions Robert Troup, lawyer, friend and political enemy of Burr. (See Schachner, pp. 72, 124.) MORRIS (1752-1816), brother of Lewis, was a Federalist who supported Burr; he delivered Hamilton's funeral oration but deplored the outcry against Burr; he was Minister to France and when withdrawn, Burr was suggested to succeed him - but Washington refused the appointment; his brother, Staats Long Morris, was a client of Burr's.
Box 2, Folder 96 Ogden, Matthias (d. 1791), July 29, 1777
ADS, 1 p.: order regarding rations and other items, itemized by military official. OGDEN (1775-1791) was a friend of Burr and was with him on the Arnold Expedition in Quebec.
Box 2, Folder 97 Parton, James (1822-1891), February 5, 1876
ALS, 1 p. Includes portraits of Parton. PARTON wrote the life of Aaron Burr (1857) and other biographies.
Box 3, Folder 1 Patterson, William (1745-1806), November 13, 1777
ADS, 1 p.: oath certifying that John Sanders appeared before the author. PATERSON (1745-1806) was a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Governor of New Jersey, United States Senator, and a Member of the Constitutional Convention. He was a college friend of Burr, who studied law under him. (See Schachner, pp. 25-27,73.)
Box 3, Folder 2 Pendleton, Nathaniel (1756-1821), May 20, 1806
ALS, 1 p.: to William Bard. PENDLETON (1756-1821) was Hamilton's second in the duel between him and Hamilton. Aide to General Greene, a New York lawyer and Judge of the U.S. District Court.
Box 3, Folder 3 Pendleton, Nathaniel (1756-1821), May 15, 1806
ALS, 1 p.: to Amos Eaton.
Box 3, Folder 4 Pendleton, Nathaniel (1756-1821), February 10, 1807
DS, 1 p.: to Amos Eaton.
Box 3, Folder 5 Phelps, Oliver (1749-1809), June 11, 1806
ALS, 3 pp.: to Justin Ely, regarding a land contract. PHELPS (1749-1809) was Burr's running mate when he ran for Governor of New York in 1804. (See Schachner, p. 241.)
Box 3, Folder 6 Phelps, Oliver (1749-1809), February 16, 1805
ALS, 3 pp.: to Messrs. Ely, regarding land transactions. Includes small portrait of Phelps.
Box 3, Folder 7 Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth (1746-1825), 1785
DS, 1 p.: legal document. PINCKNEY (1746-1826) also ran for President in 1800 and received 64 votes for Vice President. He was Minister to France in 1796, a Senator and a Revolutionary soldier.
Box 3, Folder 8 Pinckney, Thomas (1750-1828), July 15, 1794
ADS, 1 p.: regarding William Newman. T. PINCKNEY (1750-1828) Governor of South Carolina, was run by Hamilton against Jefferson as Vice President in 1796.
Box 3, Folder 9 Platt, Ebenezer S., October 7, 1784
ADS, 4 pp.: Indenture executed by Platt and witnessed by Burr.
Box 3, Folder 10 Putnam, Israel (1718-1790), n.d.
DS, 1 p. Burr was aide to Gen. Putnam in the Revolution.
Box 3, Folder 11 Randolph, John (1773-1833), February 17, 1808
ALS, 3 pp.: to George Tucker, regarding a recent accident of Randolph's. Randolph was a political associate of Burr.
Box 3, Folder 12 Reeve, Tapping (1744-1823), April 17, 1807
ALS with portrait, MISSING FROM FOLDER. REEVE (1744-1823) married Burr's sister, was Judge of the Supreme Court of Connecticut and was a celebrated teacher of law.
Box 3, Folder 13 Rodney, Thomas (1744-1811), November 6, 1771
ALS, 1 p.: to Betsey Rodney, regarding an operation for cancer on his brother, Caesar Rodney. RODNEY (1744-1811) U.S. Judge for the Territory of Mississippi, and Burr appeared before him for trial after his arrival in New Orleans; the grand jury, however, refused to indict. (See Schachner, pp.376-379.)
Box 3, Folder 14 Ross, James (1762-1847), January 12, 1807
ALS, 4 pp.: to James McHenry, refers to Burr's expedition and the numbers from Pittsburgh joining it and comments on the dismemberment of the Union and on Wilkinson's possibly changing his course and arresting Burr. Also discusses international affairs. ROSS (1762-1847) Federalist, Senator from Pennsylvania, quelled Whiskey Rebellion. Friend of Washington. McHENRY (1753-1816) Federalist, surgeon in the Revolution. Secretary to Washington. Secretary of War in Washington's Cabinet and in that of Adams.
Box 3, Folder 15 Ross, James (1762-1847), February 27, 1807
ALS, 4 pp.: to James McHenry, refers to Wilkinson's patriotism in defeating Burr's plans, Yrujo's part in the matter, and expresses some suspicions.
Box 3, Folder 16 Schuyler, Philip (1733-1804), July 8, 1780
ALS, 2 pp.: to John Mathews and Nathaniel Peabody, offering reward of $1000 for two deserters who had turned highway men. SCHUYLER (1733-1804) General in Revolution, father-in-law of Hamilton, Senator, but Burr defeated him for reelection.
Box 3, Folder 17 Schuyler, Philip (1733-1804), July 13, 1804
ALS, 1 p.: to the author's daughter, Mrs. Alexander Hamilton, consoling her on the loss of her husband, written on the day after the duel.
Box 3, Folder 18 Smith, Melancton (1744-1798), February 6, 1792
DS, 1 p.: being a power of attorney to transfer stock of Bank of U.S. Includes small portrait of Smith. SMITH (1744-1798) was a member of the Continental Congress, a New York businessman, and ran with Burr for the Assembly in 1788 and was defeated by the Federalists, this being Burr's first political candidacy.
Box 3, Folder 19 Swartwout, Samuel (1783-1856), June 10, 1812
ALS, 1 p.: to William Biddle relating to Aaron Burr lately back from Europe. SWARTWOUT (1783-1856) was Collector of the Port, friend of Burr and assisted his departure after the duel.
Box 3, Folder 20 Swartwout, Samuel (1783-1856), October 18, 1804
ALS, 2 pp.: to Charles Biddle, referring to "interview with H" and the "violencing abating". Refers to Burr's visit in Savannah. SWARTWOUT (1783-1856) was a friend of Burr, visiting New Orleans, arrested for treason, and tried for his part in the Western Adventure. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Jackson.
Box 3, Folder 21 Troup, Robert (1757-1832), December 22, 1801
ALS, 1 p.: to James McEvers. TROUP (1757-1832) Revolutionary Soldier, Federal District Judge, was an intimate friend of Hamilton and, in his youth, of Burr. (See Schachner, pp. 72, 74.)
Box 3, Folder 22 Tyler, Comfort (1764-1827), December 28, 1806
DS, 1 p.: receipt signed by Israel Smith and Tyler to Herman Blumehassett for $440. TYLER, part of the Burr party from New York, escaped militia at Blumehassett Island, arrested at Natchez and acquitted of treason. SMITH, MAJOR, relation of Swartwout, agent of Burr from Cayuga, New York also acquitted of treason.
Box 3, Folder 23 Van Ness, William Peter (1778-1826), August 14, 1813
ALS, 1 p.: to G.H. Worth of Albany. VAN NESS (1778-1826) was a friend of Burr, his second in the duel between him and Hamilton, and a Federal Judge in the Southern District of New York (appointed by Madison).
Box 3, Folder 24 Vanderlyn, John (1775-1852), November 20, 1851
ALS, 1 p.: to C. Edwards Lester, referring to the panel (Landing of Columbus) he is to paint. VANDERLYN (1775-1852) American painter, student of Gilbert Stuart, supported by Burr, painted many portraits of American statesmen.
Box 3, Folder 25 Washington, George (1732-1799), August 4, 1775
ALS, 2 pp.: to Col. Lewis Morris, a comrade of Burr in the Revolution, rejecting recommendation that he commission M. Ogden and A. Burr and discussing the system of granting commissions.
Box 3, Folder 26 Wickham, John (1763-1839), November 8, 1812
ALS, 2 pp.: to George Carter concerning a lawsuit. WICKHAM (1763-1839) was a prominent Richmond lawyer and one of Burr's attorneys at the trial. Gave the dinner during the trial attended by both Burr and Marshall. (See Schachner, pp. 432-433.)
Box 3, Folder 27 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), May 19, 1815
ALS, 1 p.: to Henry Thompson of Baltimore, regarding the ship "Marmio". (See Jacobs, p. 317.) WILKINSON (1757-1825) was a General in the Revolution, Governor of Louisiana, associated with Burr in the Western Adventure, and an agent in the pay of Spain.
Box 3, Folder 28 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), November 16, 1815
ALS, 7 pp.: to General Henry Dearborn asking for details concerning the Battles of Breed's Hill (Bunker Hill), Saratoga and Quebec. HENRY DEARBORN (1751-1829) Revolutionary Soldier participated in Battles of Stillwater, Saratoga, Monmouth, Newtown and the Expedition to Quebec and the Siege of Yorktown. Secretary of War under Jefferson. Senior Major General in the War of 1812. Collector of the Port of Boston. Minister to Portugal.
Box 3, Folder 29 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), June 11, 1798
ALS, 1 p.: to Col. Miegs concerning Col. Miegs' retirement. MIEGS was probably RETURN JONATHON MIEGS, JR. (1765-1825) who was son of Miegs of the Quebec Expedition and a famous revolutionary soldier. Miegs, Jr. was Col. in the Army, Chief Justice of Ohio Supreme Court; Judge of U.S. District Court of Michigan; Senator from Ohio, Governor of Ohio; Postmaster General in Madison's cabinet.
Box 3, Folder 30 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), 1807
3 ALsS: regarding Burr’s trial, in a bound volume. Includes transcripts and other documents.
Box 3, Folder 31 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), April 25, 1804
ALS, 1 p.: to H. Dearborn, referring to his departure and that of the French and Spanish Commissioners.
Box 3, Folder 32 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), April 13, 1796
ANS, 1 p.: order for food for one in quest of horse for Commissary General.
Box 3, Folder 33 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), March 28, 1812
ALS, 1 p.: to William Eustis, Secretary of War, enclosing a letter from Admiral Gaines and recommending commission for Jonathan Bell.
Box 3, Folder 34 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), May 23, 1800
DS, 1 p.: Return for Indian Goods Destined for Fort Stoddard on the Tombigby River. Endorsed by Capt. B. Schaumberg.
Box 3, Folder 35 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), May 19, 1797
DS, 1 p.: return for clothing for Capt. Solomon Van Renssalaer's troop of dragoons.
Box 3, Folder 36 Wilkinson, James (1757-1825), September 16, 1790
DS, 1 p.: Bond to Eli Cleveland, Sheriff, to secure Wilkinson's appearance in a suit of Donald Brodhead.
Box 3, Folder 37 Willett, Marinus (1740-1830), September 2, 1793
DS, 1 p.: Legal document signed as well by John Elsworth, Magnus Beekman and others. Folder includes portrait of Willett. WILLETT (1740-1830) served with Burr on the Arnold Expedition to Quebec and at the Battle of Monmouth. He was mayor of New York in 1807.
Box 3, Folder 38 Wirt, William (1772-1834), September 17, 1817
ALS, 3 pp.: to John E. Hale, regarding a telescope. WIRT (1772-1834) aided the U.S. Attorney in the prosecution of Burr; lawyer and teacher of lawyer, Attorney General (1817-1829).
Box 3, Folder 39 Wirt, William (1772-1834), May 31, 1805
ALS, 3 pp.: to Alexander McCrae, resigning as attorney for Mutual Assurance Society.
Box 3, Folder 40 Wirt, William (1772-1834), n.d.
AMsS, 22 pp.: draft answer by author as Attorney General to complaint of John Van Ness, et al.
Box 3, Folder 41 Wirt, William (1772-1834), August 18, 1807
AMs, 4 pp.: the author's summary of argument of Hay to Jury at the trial of Burr.
Box 3, Folder 42 Yates, Robert (1738-1801), November 13, 1779
DS, 2 pp.: order relative to the license of Jeremiah Lansing. YATES (1738-1801), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was run for Governor of New York by Burr but was defeated by Clinton in a close race as a result of which Burr was adopted by Clinton as a rising young politician. (See Schachner, pp. 95, 96.)
Box 3, Folder 43 Series 5: Miscellaneous Material, n.d.
(2 folders)
Series Description
This series consists of miscellaneous materials. Units are named by type of material.
Box , Folder Pictures, n.d.
21 black and white portraits, 1 colored picture, of assorted subjects, including Hamilton, Burr, the Constitutional Convention, and other men whose papers are included in the collection.
Box 3, Folder 44 Other Aaron Burr Letters (Xerox Copies), n.d.
Xerox copies of Aaron Burr (1756-1836) Correspondence from Bixby Collection of the Missouri Historical Society.
Box 3, Folder 45
Permanent URL: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/sf268510w