Burr Writes to Jefferson about Hamilton, 1801
Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)
The conflict between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton built up for years before their duel in 1804. In this letter to President Thomas Jefferson, primarily dealing with political appointments in New York, Vice President Burr mentions Hamilton’s bitterness about the defeat of Federalists in New York.
A Letter from Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801
New York 21 Apr 1801
Dear Sir
I have written to Mr. Madison respecting the Consul of Madeira, the Marshall of Massts. Bay and the Marshall of N Jersey – To Mr. Gallatin respecting the supervision of N Jersey and something of Bailey, Davis and Willett, and to Genl Smith something further of [Name cut out] to all which I take the liberty to refer you.
Upon my arrival in this City I found it noised about that [Name cut out] was destined for the office, either of Supervisor or Naval officer, and it is with regret I declare that I have not been so fortunate as to meet the cold approbation of any one of our friends to either appointment – We talk of placing him on the bench of our S. Court; but of this we can better determine a few weeks hence – after the Election. Edwards, Kirby, A. Wollcott and Bishop have asseperately been with me since my return and we have talked over Connecticut – They all urge the necessity of a pretty speedy change in the offices, of Collector of N Haven, Collector of Middletown & Supervisor – as to the first of these offices they yielded to the reasons which opposed Mr. [Name cut out]. A. [Name cut out][illegible]. would not do for a reason of which you and I were ignorant – They unite however in recommending Samuel Bishop father of the orator – a pretty rigorous & active man of about fifty five; always used to business – has been some twenty or thirty times “deputy” – now enjoying two or more offices of trust – besides being a Deacon of long standing – this appointment, will not only be unexceptionable; but will appear to accord with the fashion of that Country.
Kirby mentioned to me Judge Bull as Supervisor; but the other gentlemen think that office, in point of influence, much the most important in that State, and that the superior energy and activity of Kirby are necessary to it’s due & effectual execution. In this Case and when Bradley shall resign, John Welch of Litch [text loss] is the man they unanimously recommend for Marshall –
Judge Bull, they Say will be as well satisfied & better suited, with the Post office at Hartford – A. Wolcott is recommended to succeed the Collector in Middletown.
Mr. Swan has written me from Paris and Mrs. Swan from Boston, that he has settled his accounts with the french govt. to their entire Satisfaction &, proposing to remain in Paris would be gratified by the appointment of Consul General: all of which I promised to communicate to you – I have often met Mr. Swan in Society: he appears to be a Sensible well informed man and to be entitled to respect as a gentleman; but there must be persons about you who know more than I do of Mr. Swan – I cannot pretend to give an opinion of the preference due to him above others who may d [text loss] the office & of whose names even I am ignorant.
Hamilton seems to be literally mad with Spleen and envy and disappointed – as far as I can yet judge, his efforts are perfectly impotent.
Respecfully & [illegible]
A. Burr
Source: Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC04882
A Letter from Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801
New York 21 Apr 1801
Dear Sir
I have written to Mr. Madison respecting the Consul of Madeira, the Marshall of Massts. Bay and the Marshall of N Jersey . . .
Upon my arrival in this City I found it noised about that <Name cut out> was destined for the office, either of Supervisor or Naval officer, and it is with regret I declare that I have not been so fortunate as to meet the cold approbation of any one of our friends to either appointment – We talk of placing him on the bench of our S. Court; but of this we can better determine a few weeks hence – after the Election . . .
Kirby mentioned to me Judge Bull as Supervisor; but the other gentlemen think that office, in point of influence, much the most important in that State, and that the superior energy and activity of Kirby are necessary . . .
Judge Bull, they Say will be as well satisfied & better suited, with the Post office at Hartford . . .
Mr. Swan has written me from Paris and Mrs. Swan from Boston, that he has settled his accounts with the french govt. to their entire Satisfaction &, proposing to remain in Paris would be gratified by the appointment of Consul General . . . I have often met Mr. Swan in Society: he appears to be a Sensible well informed man and to be entitled to respect as a gentleman; but there must be persons about you who know more than I do of Mr. Swan – I cannot pretend to give an opinion of the preference due to him above others . . .
Hamilton seems to be literally mad with Spleen and envy and disappointed – as far as I can yet judge, his efforts are perfectly impotent.
Respectfully & [illegible]
A. Burr
Source: Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC04882
approbation - approval
gratified - thankful
impotent - powerless
Background
The conflict between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton built up for years before their duel in 1804. In this letter to President Thomas Jefferson, primarily dealing with political appointments in New York, Vice President Burr mentions Hamilton’s bitterness about the defeat of Federalists in New York.
Transcript
A Letter from Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801
New York 21 Apr 1801
Dear Sir
I have written to Mr. Madison respecting the Consul of Madeira, the Marshall of Massts. Bay and the Marshall of N Jersey – To Mr. Gallatin respecting the supervision of N Jersey and something of Bailey, Davis and Willett, and to Genl Smith something further of [Name cut out] to all which I take the liberty to refer you.
Upon my arrival in this City I found it noised about that [Name cut out] was destined for the office, either of Supervisor or Naval officer, and it is with regret I declare that I have not been so fortunate as to meet the cold approbation of any one of our friends to either appointment – We talk of placing him on the bench of our S. Court; but of this we can better determine a few weeks hence – after the Election. Edwards, Kirby, A. Wollcott and Bishop have asseperately been with me since my return and we have talked over Connecticut – They all urge the necessity of a pretty speedy change in the offices, of Collector of N Haven, Collector of Middletown & Supervisor – as to the first of these offices they yielded to the reasons which opposed Mr. [Name cut out]. A. [Name cut out][illegible]. would not do for a reason of which you and I were ignorant – They unite however in recommending Samuel Bishop father of the orator – a pretty rigorous & active man of about fifty five; always used to business – has been some twenty or thirty times “deputy” – now enjoying two or more offices of trust – besides being a Deacon of long standing – this appointment, will not only be unexceptionable; but will appear to accord with the fashion of that Country.
Kirby mentioned to me Judge Bull as Supervisor; but the other gentlemen think that office, in point of influence, much the most important in that State, and that the superior energy and activity of Kirby are necessary to it’s due & effectual execution. In this Case and when Bradley shall resign, John Welch of Litch [text loss] is the man they unanimously recommend for Marshall –
Judge Bull, they Say will be as well satisfied & better suited, with the Post office at Hartford – A. Wolcott is recommended to succeed the Collector in Middletown.
Mr. Swan has written me from Paris and Mrs. Swan from Boston, that he has settled his accounts with the french govt. to their entire Satisfaction &, proposing to remain in Paris would be gratified by the appointment of Consul General: all of which I promised to communicate to you – I have often met Mr. Swan in Society: he appears to be a Sensible well informed man and to be entitled to respect as a gentleman; but there must be persons about you who know more than I do of Mr. Swan – I cannot pretend to give an opinion of the preference due to him above others who may d [text loss] the office & of whose names even I am ignorant.
Hamilton seems to be literally mad with Spleen and envy and disappointed – as far as I can yet judge, his efforts are perfectly impotent.
Respecfully & [illegible]
A. Burr
Source: Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC04882
Excerpt
A Letter from Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801
New York 21 Apr 1801
Dear Sir
I have written to Mr. Madison respecting the Consul of Madeira, the Marshall of Massts. Bay and the Marshall of N Jersey . . .
Upon my arrival in this City I found it noised about that <Name cut out> was destined for the office, either of Supervisor or Naval officer, and it is with regret I declare that I have not been so fortunate as to meet the cold approbation of any one of our friends to either appointment – We talk of placing him on the bench of our S. Court; but of this we can better determine a few weeks hence – after the Election . . .
Kirby mentioned to me Judge Bull as Supervisor; but the other gentlemen think that office, in point of influence, much the most important in that State, and that the superior energy and activity of Kirby are necessary . . .
Judge Bull, they Say will be as well satisfied & better suited, with the Post office at Hartford . . .
Mr. Swan has written me from Paris and Mrs. Swan from Boston, that he has settled his accounts with the french govt. to their entire Satisfaction &, proposing to remain in Paris would be gratified by the appointment of Consul General . . . I have often met Mr. Swan in Society: he appears to be a Sensible well informed man and to be entitled to respect as a gentleman; but there must be persons about you who know more than I do of Mr. Swan – I cannot pretend to give an opinion of the preference due to him above others . . .
Hamilton seems to be literally mad with Spleen and envy and disappointed – as far as I can yet judge, his efforts are perfectly impotent.
Respectfully & [illegible]
A. Burr
Source: Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson, April 21, 1801, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC04882
approbation - approval
gratified - thankful
impotent - powerless
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