Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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A Democratic-Republican on the Election of 1800
A letter discussing the historic presidential election of 1800, party shifts, and Adams’s presidency
Supporting Document
“The Nature and Importance of True Republicanism,” 1801
A treatise by Haynes that expresses his only public statement during his lifetime on race or slavery
Supporting Document
John Adams on the Abolition of Slavery, 1801
A letter discussing the growth of slavery and advising caution about radical abolitionism
Supporting Document
Alexander Hamilton on Peggy’s Death, 1801
A letter carrying news of Peggy’s death to Eliza and offering his warm condolences
Supporting Document
Burr Writes to Jefferson about Hamilton, 1801
A letter on political matters and Hamilton's reaction to Democratic-Republican success in New York races
Supporting Document
John Quincy Adams’s Poetic Message to Thomas Jefferson, 1802
A poem mocking Thomas Jefferson for his affair with Sally Hemings
Supporting Document
“A Valedictory Discourse,” 1804
An anti-slavery poem delivered in speech to Revolutionary War veterans
Supporting Document
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
Angelica Church to Philip Schuyler about the Duel, 1804
An emotional and hurried letter breaking the news of the duel
Supporting Document
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
Aaron Burr Challenges Alexander Hamilton, 1804
A condemnation of Hamilton’s refusal to retract his insulting statements
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