Changes

Para.1.  First line typo(?) Burr was born in Newark, not "Neubik"(?) New Jersey.

Para.1.  First line typo(?) Burr was born in Newark, not "Neubik"(?) New Jersey.

Para.1  "...several times running away from home..." This implies that Burr was a rebellious, troubled youth.  Maybe so, but he only ran away twice, once at six (an old lady scared him) and at ten, when he chaffed at the many whippings from a stern but loving Calvinistic Uncle. No troubles after that. (Lomask, vol.1)  Not to give the boy's age is important, for if he ran away when he was an older, teenager it would create another impression entirely. My detail here is important, for it is crucial details that convince us most readily. Great care must be taken when writing about a deceased person -- only the truth can defend him.

Para.1  "...several times running away from home..." This implies that Burr was a rebellious, troubled youth.  Maybe so, but he only ran away twice, once at six (an old lady scared him) and at ten, when he chaffed at the many whippings from a stern but loving Calvinistic Uncle. They both agreed that the boy  would be punished for deliberate disobedience, but not for mere mistakes in conduct. No record of discord in the family after that. (Lomask, vol.1)  Not to give the boy's age is important, for if he ran away when he was an older, teenager it would create another impression entirely. My detail here is important, for it is the crucial details that convince us most readily of a man's character. Great care must be taken when writing about a deceased person -- only the truth can defend him.

Para. 1 Burr graduated in 1773, not 1772. (Check with Princeton or any biography).

Para. 1 Burr graduated in 1773, not 1772. (Check with Princeton or any biography).

2.His "plan" to separate the "western states."?  There were no states in the Louisiana Purchase at the time.  This "plan" was only proffered by some of Burr's enemies.  There is no record of Burr ever having said as much to his friends. It is reported that Ambassador Merry said Burr gave him an opportunity to get control of part of Louisiana territory, but Merry was never explicit (i.e.,no written account nor specifics offered).  I am not absolving Burr, but he did lead Merry to believe that there was a chance to get land in the west (again,the Purchase) in order to get money for his venture into Texas - he got $1500.00 from Merry.

2.His "plan" to separate the "western states."?  There were no states in the Louisiana Purchase at the time.  This "plan" was only proffered by some of Burr's enemies.  There is no record of Burr ever having said as much to his friends. It is reported that Ambassador Merry said Burr gave him an opportunity to get control of part of Louisiana territory, but Merry was never explicit (i.e.,no written account nor specifics offered).  I am not absolving Burr, but he did lead Merry to believe that there was a chance to get land in the west (again,the Purchase) in order to get money for his venture into Texas - he got $1500.00 from Merry.

3.  Wilkinson did not arrest Burr. He was still in New Orleans when Federal soldiers arrested Burr in Mississippi Territory.  Years later it was discovered (Spanish Archives) that Wilkinson had been a spy for Spain for 20 years.  Bad character judgement on the part of Burr;also for Jefferson,who appointed him, despite the General's suspicious background.  Wilkinson's charm was legendary.

3.  Wilkinson did not arrest Burr. He was still in New Orleans when Federal soldiers arrested Burr in Mississippi Territory.  Years later it was discovered (Spanish Archives) that Wilkinson had been a spy for Spain for 20 years.  Bad character judgement on the part of Burr;also for Jefferson,who appointed him, despite the General's suspicious background.  Wilkinson's charm was legendary. [User: Dav123 20-21 May 2010]

SOURCES:

SOURCES:

Library of Congress. New York Historical Society.   

Library of Congress. New York Historical Society.   

Burr biographies by: M. Lomask (1979-82). N. Isenberg (2007). and N.  

Burr biographies by: M. Lomask (1979-82). N. Isenberg (2007). and N.  

Schachner (1937).

Schachner (1937). [User: Dav123 20-21 May 2010)