Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Hamilton-Burr Duel, 1804
A fatal confrontation between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that stemmed from political and personal animosities and shaped American political history
Event
A Letter from Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson on the Presidency, 1804
A letter rebuking Thomas Jefferson for his unflattering words about John Adams
Supporting Document
Newspaper Account of the Duel, August 2, 1804
An anti-dueling article in an Antifederalist newspaper three weeks after the Burr–Hamilton duel
Supporting Document
Article II of the Constitution and the Twelfth Amendment
The initial rules for electing the president and vice president and the constitutional amendment that resolved some issues arising in 1796 and 1800
Supporting Document
Burr’s Coded Letter about the Duel, 1804
A letter about the possibility of criminal charges against the vice president
Supporting Document
Hamilton’s Farewell Letter to His Wife, July 4, 1804
A letter offering insight into Hamilton's views on marriage, honor, and masculinity a week before the fatal duel
Supporting Document
Aaron Burr Challenges Alexander Hamilton, 1804
A condemnation of Hamilton’s refusal to retract his insulting statements
Supporting Document
Angelica Church to Philip Schuyler about the Duel, 1804
An emotional and hurried letter breaking the news of the duel
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