Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Burr’s Coded Letter about the Duel, 1804
A letter about the possibility of criminal charges against the vice president
Supporting Document
“Notorious for—a Sally,” 1805
A satirical poem ridiculing Thomas Jefferson for fathering children with an enslaved woman, Sally Hemings
Supporting Document
Mercy Otis Warren on Hamilton’s Economic Plan, 1805
An ardent revolutionary on Washington’s unquestioning acceptance of Hamilton’s financial plan
Supporting Document
Peter Kiteredge’s Petition for Veteran’s Aid, 1806
A formerly enslaved disabled soldier requests aid to support his family
Supporting Document
A Sermon on the Abolition of the Slave Trade, 1808
A commemoration of the abolition of the slave trade focusing on the forced separation of families
Supporting Document
Theodosia Burr Alston, on Her Father’s Exile, to Dolley Madison, 1809
A letter from Burr's daughter emphasizing the past friendship between the exiled Burr and Madison
Supporting Document
Hercules Mulligan Writes about Alexander Hamilton as a Soldier, ca. 1810
Impressions of Hamilton as a soldier written years after his death
Supporting Document
Hercules Mulligan Writes about Meeting Alexander Hamilton, ca. 1810
Impressions of Hamilton when he first came to New York published years after his death
Supporting Document
Jefferson’s Opposition to the Federalists, 1810
A letter reflecting on the differences between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans
Supporting Document
Theodosia Burr Alston to Albert Gallatin on Her Father’s Exile, 1811
A letter to the secretary of state asking about the consequences of the exiled Burr’s potential return to the United States
Supporting Document
A Biography of Captain Paul Cuffee, 1811
A biographical sketch printed in the Liverpool Mercury highlighting Cuffee’s activism
Supporting Document
Jemima Hunt Petitions the Virginia Assembly, 1811
A petition challenging the law that prevented emancipated people from remaining in Virginia
Supporting Document