California
gional
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
AT LOS ANGELES
AN
EXAMINATION
OF THE VARIOUS CHARGES EXHIBITED AGAINST
AARON BURR, Esq.
VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ;
AND A DEFELOPEMENT
OF THE .
CHARACTERS AND VIEWS
OF HIS
POLITICAL OPPONENTS.
Br ARISriDES.
-^
u / am not of the number of thofe men . 24.
18
It is impoffible that in retirement he could have been en-
gaged in any thing but mifchicf. What! abfent from a pub-
lic meeting, and not plotting'againil the welfare of the ftatc ?
Oh ! prepofterous ! When inattentive, and not writing in
fupport of freedom? Is not the natural inference, that he was
meditating the overthrow of the government? Surely this pe-
riod of Mr. Burr's political life, merited more attention, and a
flri&er examination. Prefumptions numerous and violent, could
have been raifed, to prove that he was not attached to the
principles of his party, but meditated the elevation of their op-
ponents. The author of THE VIEW muft have laboured under
fome temporary imbecility of mind in examining thefe proceed-
ings of Mr. Burr, or has been guilty of grofs injuftice to his
employers.
BUT the fucceeding year, (1798) was pregnant with porten-
tous events. A lift of the vice-prefident's political tranfgref-
fions are here prefented, long enough to bear conviction to the
moft obdurate and incredulous mind. In this year the triennial
election for governor again occurred. Mr. Burr, however, it
feems mamfefted no difpofition on this occafion, to be held up
as a candidate. It is left for the author of the' View to recon-
cile this with his " immeaiurable ambition."
To gratify the extreme anxiety and officious folicitude of
Chancellor Livingfton, as well as to pacify the clamorous vanity
of his relatives, the republican party after much iiefitation,
agreed to fupport that " learned" perfonage for the chief ma-
giftracy. His want of popularity was fo well known that no-
thing could have induced this inexpedient meafure, but a defire
to fliew the futility of his pretenfions, and thus in future avoid
his hitherto unceafmg importunities. For about this period,
this gentleman, and his numerous connections, though notori-
oufly deftitute of claims upon the public, and of all attachment"
to the principles of republicanifm, ftrenuoufly advanced claims
19
to power; founding their pretenfions upon the rirtues of an
ancient name, and hereditary- wealth. Although at the period
that ftttled the coaftitution of the ftates, they had boldly
fought under the banners of federalifm, they had conveniently
changed with times, and become zealous friends of the people,
the better to deceive them ; unperceived to climb the ladder of
ambition, and ufurp political authority. The juft odium, at-
tached to their inftability of principle, and their perfevering in-
duftry, in interefted purfuits, to the exclufion of honeft views,
to the infraction of private engagements, and the violation of
public truils, had hitherto excluded them from the confidence
of the people, and almoft from all participation in the honors
or emoluments of public offices. The juft eftimation of their
pretenfions is perhaps the moft decifive inftance of found judg-
ment that chara&erifed the former adminiftration of Mr. Clin-
ton. And notwithstanding the late apparent reconciliation
with him, which I fhall prefently notice, it has made impreflions
that nothing can eradicate. It has engendered a hatred in
their bofoms that no time can cool, nor no ingenuity can long
conceal. The refult of the election terminated as was forefeen,
in the defeat, and mortification of Mr. Livingfton, and confirm-
ed the conviction of the party, that the people had no confi-
dence in his political integrity, and had been difgufted by his
unwarrantable expectations.
IN returning to Mr. Burr, and his conducl during the legif-
lative feflion of 1798, as detailed in the " View* we have a
picture prefented fo diverfified and curious, as to captivate the
moft capricious attention, fo bold and ftriking, fo vigorous and
rariegated, as to amufe the moft juvenile fancy, and confound
the fcber gravity of age. We find him reprefented at the fame
time as " fliff and referved, diftrufted ! y the federalifts, and
fufpefted by his own party. On delicate queftions, backward
in exhibiting his sentiments. OccafionaZly manifefting a dou-
20
ble front, and furniming abundant reafon, to fufpe& the purity
of his intentions, and the fincerity of his political proftffions."*
THESE vague affertions are certainly unworthy of notice, un-
fupported as they are by circumftances, or a fingle fact; they arc
infidious furmifes, calculated to prejudice the mind of the rea-
der, and prepare it for more ferious infmuations, and the re-
ception of bolder falflioods. The common fenfe of every man,
who poffefTes the fmalleft knowledge of the political tranfac.
tions of that day, will at once difcover the malignity of the mind
that conceived and gave them to the world.
To fubftantiate all thefe charges, one inftance of " double deal,
ing" is attempted to be fhewn. And what is it ?' Why when
the council of appointment was to be chofen, Mr. Burr was
not in the houfe. Conclufive teftimony, triumphant proof in-
deed, for this fapient author. Unfortunately for him however,
eleven other members it appears were abfent, befides Mr.
Burr, and his vote would not have varied the refult of the
choice that was made. Col. Burr however, muft be refponfi-
ble for the lofs of the election at all events, becaufe it will an-
fwer the infidious purpofes of his vindictive enemies. Upon
fuch circumftances, fuch incidents, fuch accidental occurren-
ces, is the reputation of this gentleman to be torn to pieces,
and fcattered before the winds of heaven, the fport of every
malicious rival, and mechanical traducer.
THE reader will perceive that to purfue the author of the
View through the wide field of abufe and calumny in which he
has wandered, to refute all the futile and ill-conceived objedli-
ons, which his fertile fancy has created, againft the political
conduct of Mr. Burr, would involve me in endlefs labour, and
far exceed the limits which I have prefcribed to the examination
of thefe fubordinate charges. 1 (hall therefore only notice a
few of thofc which appear molt deferving of attention.
* Ste View, p. 25.
THE appropriation of twelve hundred thoufand dollars, mor-
ed by Mr. Burr in the extra meeting of the legislature in Au-
gufl 1798, d^ferves the approbation of the country. Thedc-
fcnceLfs and expofed ftate of one of the moft important ports
in the union, is a difgrace to the general government, and a
reproach upon the public fpirit of the ftate. It is matter of
aftonifhment to every intelligent traveller, and of regret to every
friend to the fafety and dignity of his country, that a city*
\vhofe natural advantages are fuperior to any in the United
States, whofe political importance to the federal union is incal-
culable, and which annually pays into the national treafury one
third of the whole revenue of the country, may be laid under
contribution by a fingle frigate, or be infulted, laid wafte and
burnt by every petty pirate that either caprice, or the hopes of
plunder may lead within its harbor.
EVERY fchool boy, who has read the conftitution, knows
that it is the duty of the general government to provide for the
general defence. But the author of The V'w knows, or
ought to know, that it had been applied to in vain, alledginj
as an excufe, a difputed balance of a million of dollars due from
this ftate to the union ; that it was after many fruitlefs at-
tempts had bren made to iutereft the national government in
our fafety, to awaken its anxiety for our welfare, and when
federal policy had nearly involved us in a foreign war, that the
legiflature were exprefsly called for the purpofe of taking into
confideration the afpect of our foreign affairs, and to adopt
means for our fecurity. It was in this critical conjuncture, un-
der the preffure of thefe peculiar and untoward circumftanccs,
that Mr. Burr's propoiition for an appropriation, adequate to the
probable exigencies of the public, was made.
THE author of The View, if he is fane, will not contend I
prefume, that if the work of fortifying our harbor was at all
undertaken, that the fum propofed w<* too large ; particu-
e
22
larly as under the then arrangements all fums expended for this
purpofe, were to extinguifli fo much of our fuppofed debt to the
union.
THE prefent fortifications in our harbour and their garrifons,
are a mockery of military force, and have juftly become a fub-
Jeft of ridicule. The effect they would infallibly produce in
perilous times would be pernicious. They would tend to footh
the apprehenfions ofthofe unacquainted with the nature of mi-
litary power, and paralize the efforts of the inhabitants of the
city. Not till danger and death approached their habitations
would they be roufed to exertion, or abandon a fruitlefs depen-
dancc on a force, barely fufficient to alarm the timidity of in-
fancy or dotage, or to found the alternate approach of darknefs
and of day. For this act of his public life, therefore, Mr. Burr
mould feel no remorfe, and may claim with fafety the approba-
tion of his fellow citizens.
IF at the period of which I have been fpeaking, it was ru-
moured that Mr. Burr was to receive a military commiilion
from the prefident of the United States, it did not reach the
ears of the writer. And furely fuch a mark of refpecl could
not have been difhonorable.
THE neceflhy of an office to fuperintend the exaction of ef-
cheats, has long been admitted, and if inftituted at the period
propofed by Mr. Burr, would have been extremely falutary in
its operations. It would have reftrained corporate bodies
within the limits of their charters, and that it would have in-
creafed materially the revenue of the flate, muft be manifeft to
the meaneft capacity.
THE oppofition made by Mr. Burr, to the celebrated amend-
ment propofed by the ftate of MafTachufetts to the federal
conftitution, has extorted the reluctant approbation of this
modern cenfor. It is the only folitary aft in the annals of this
memorable feffion thafc has efcaped cenfure. This temporary
23
candor is ingenioufly affe&ed, for the purpofe of giving addi-
tional poignancy to the fcurrility and (lander that enfues.
IF on this fubject the writer mould vary in opinion from the
author of The Viciv, it will not, he trufts, be ascribed to perverfe-
nefs of temper, or a fixed determination to combat the juftnefs
of his fentiments. Such a difpofition cannot ferve the purpofes
of truth. Inftead of elucidating, it would tend to embarrafs
the enquiry he has begun. Difclaiming all perfonal motive?,
and undue attachment to individuals or fe&s, he will freely be-
fto\v applaufe where applaufe is due, and difapprobation where
h thinks it is deferved. He will not blindly advocate the po-
litical infallibility of any man, however exalted may be his fta-
tion. Mr. Burr's political life furnifhes much to applaud and_
fomething to cenfure. Upon many occafions he has manifefted
a zeal and patriotic attachment to the true interefts of his coun-
try, that merit the livelieft language of panegyric. But not
exempt from human infirmity, he has occafionally erred in ad-
vocating meafures not calculated to advance the profperity of
the nation. Though poflefled of a mind fingularly perfpicacious,
let us not fo far forget the imbecility of human wifdom, as to
fuppofe that Mr. Burrs difcernment could adequately compre-
hend upon the preffure of every occafion, the true interefts of
his country, in all their minute combinations, or anticipate the
future effe&s of operating caufes. Unlike thofe diurnal fcrib-
lers who have finifter purpofes to accomplish, I think it as fair
and charitable to afcribe his fupport of meafures which appear
to me impolitic, to the errors of his judgment, as to improper
feelings of his heart.
Upon the subject of the MafTachufetts amendment, I mall
therefore, with great deference to the fuperior talents and expe-
rience of Mr. Burr, queftion the foundness of his opinions. His
conduct upon that occafion proceeded no doubt from the pur-
ft motives, from a liberal and benevolent difpofition. But the
21-
principles he advocated, I hold are pregnant with mifchiefs ; in
their operation they will poifon the fources of our happinefs,
and ere long demolifh the proud monuments of our freedom.
THE terms of the propofed amendment are not now before
me, nor can I recollect them with accuracy. If viewed, ab-
ftra&ed from national objector as directed at an individual, it
was certainly unworthy of fupport. But if confidcrcd as in-
volving a great political principle, it merits mature inveftiga-
tion.
I LAY it down as a maxim, that a fimilaiity of opinions upon
the principles of government, and a congeniality of political
feelings, are indifpenfably necefiary to cnfure the peace, har-
mony and integrity of our federal union.
THE variety of principles efpoufed by thofe who have either
been expelled from European countries, by the wanton power
of a crowned oppreflbr, or battened from their native foils by
the apprehenfions of a guilty conference, and who adventure hi-
ther in fearch of better fortunes, muft in their unreftrained ope-
rations, generate evils, that by floxv but fure effecls, will work
corruption and infufe poifonous tendencies into our moral and
political arrangements.
THE principles upon which our civil inftitutions are founded,
are fo mild in their nature, the immunities they grant and the
privileges they fecurc fo extenfive and diverfified, that their va-
lue to the native fons of American liberty muft diminifli, in the
proportion that turbulent and interefted foreigners are introdu-
ced among them. The greater variety of ingredients, radically
different in their nature, which are unguardedly admitted into
our country, and our national councils, the lefs harmony and
unity of defign will prevail.
THESE apprehenfions are certainly r.tional, and amply juf-
tified by the fyflematic plans which thofe poifonous l"hoots of
European corruption have lately inilituted, under the eye of
25
our government, and in the very centre of our country, to ac-
quire an undue influence in our political operations. Encou-
raged by the countenance of congrefs, they are flocking from
every quarter of the world, in crouds more dreadful and alarm-
ing than the approaching torments of peililence and famine.
Their hearts warm with theprofpect of plunder, they haften to
the arm$ of their naturalized brethren, who are already preying
on the vitals of their adopted country; who, after having been
protected by our laws, and participated iu our privileges, arc
already conceiving, maturing and purfuing defigns to eilablifh
a permanent foreign influence, diftinct from the power of our
native citizens. It is beyond controverfy true, that in this city,
and Several others in the union, they have formed affociations
for the cxprefs purpofe of influencing elections, and favouring
the elevation of individuals who will fupport their views.
IT is alfo well afcertained that correfponding focieties are in-
ftitutcd, for the exprefs purpofe of communicating to the dif-
affected fubjects of European governments, the facilities that
here attend their naturalization, and for inviting them to this
land of promife. Even particular individuals, diftinguifhed
abroad, in the annals of fraud and fedition, have been honored
with direct applications. Thus encouraged and elevated by the
.flattering profpect, painted in lively colours to their view, Ame-
rica becomes the object of their loathfome affections; their be-
loved paradife, where they are kindly told that villainy is un-
reftrained in its purfuits ; where (kill in fraud, conftitutes the
value of the man, and robbery is ranked among the inalienable
rights of the citizen.
. SINCE the ruinous and impolitic act which was pafled by our
n ational legiflature in 1801, lias been in operation, we have
been furnifhed with unufual importations of thefe fugitive pa-
triots. Our fea ports have been infefled with thefe hardy fons
f foreign corruption ; tome the legitimate property of the gib-
26
bet, and others with the crimfbn (tripes of infamy frefli upon
'their backs, have already, with native ingenuity, invaded indt
vldual property, and with heroic zeal are grafping at political
importance.
THE controul of newfpapers is their favourite object. If
they find a diftinguifhed individual hoftile to their iniquitous
projects, they mark him out for deitruction. He is inftantly
aflailcd with all the falfhoods and flanders their conjunct inge-
nuity can devife. A double objedt is thus accomplifhed, the
power of an enemy is wounded, and their own importance in-
creafed by the concentration of public attention. This was
the mode by which Burke and Cobbet fought to acquire Same,
and to influence public fentiment. This too is the mode pur-
fued by Cheetham and Duane, to accomplifh fimilar purpofes,
but more extenfive, deep and daring in their nature.
I ASSERT, without the fear of contradiction, that all the
local difientions of a political nature, with which we have been
afflicted, originated exclufively, with men of this defcription.
And unlefs fome efficacious mode is adopted of checking their
pernicious career, they will not only paralize the operations of
the government, but foon involve us in all the horrors of in-
teftine war ; unlefs they are held in proper fubordination, by
the general deteftation of Americans or controuled by law ; un-
lefs they are excluded from places that facilitate their operations,
the people of this country muft prepare to furrender their
rights, and fuffer their opinions to be regulated, not by their
own good fenfe, but by a few defperate and licentious for
jreigners.
IT will perhaps be unneceflary to obferve, that the remarks
in the preceding pages, are not meant to extend indifcriminately
to thofe who are not native citizens. There are, no doubt,
many foreigners among us, who emigrated with, juft views, and
for hoaeft purpofes j who have become yaluablc ckiz^ns, and
27
whofe worth I duly appreciate. But in the dcfcription which
has been given, I mean to include the general mafs of Europeans
who have arrived fince the revolution, and who are daily pour-
ing in upon us for the purpofe of pecuniary fpeculations, and
with political views manifeftly hoftile to the fpirit of our go-
vernment.
I AM aware that the opinions here advanced, are not popular
with the party to which I am attached ; but it is firmly believ-
ed, that an attentive inveiligation of the fubjecl, would imprefs
the impartial individuals of every party, with the propriety of
my fentiments ; would terminate in a conviction that the terms
of the prefent naturalization aft are highly dangerous, and me-
rit the attention of the government.
REFLECTING men will allow that its provifions are calculated
to introduce into the bofom of our country, a fpirit of licen-
tioufnefs, at variance with the wholefome rules of American
policy ; mingled with a profligacy, fprung from the worft prin-
ciples of modern philofophy, and which when uncontrolled
will operate upon the body politic, like poifon infufed into the
human fyftem.
So far therefore, as Mr. Burr is an advocate for the equal
privileges of foreigners, after the fhort probationary period pre-
fcribed by the prefent aft, he receives my moil hearty difappro-
bation.
ALTHOUGH the conduct of the vice-prefident relative to
the amendment in queftion, as alfo upon the Virginia and Ken-
tucky refolutions was gratifying to the author of The Vle I ever hate, and hereafter (hall confider Mr. Clinton as
the real author of two late publications, entitled A Narrative^
Ac. and A View of the Political ContluQ of Aaron Burr. In
doing this, I am warranted by high and direft authority, cor-
roborated by the internal evidence the works afford, by the lan-
guage he has uttered, and the conduct he has invariably pur-
fued.
IN free governments h is a wife and faUitary maxim, dictated
by prudence, and a juft and rational apprehenfion, that men in
salted Rations, ftould ever be viewed with jealoufy ; that their
public conduct and opinions mould be examined with freedom.
But the exercife of this right fhould be governed by public
principles. The welfare of the ftate fhould never be hazarded
fcy proftitirting it to the vile purpofes of perfonal envy. The
great interefts of the nation, ftiould not be blended with the
meaner objects of private refentment. The real friend of his
Country, will fuft'er no fuch unworthy confederations to influence
his conduft. When the government which he loves, is in dan-
ger, he will ftand forth ks open and manly advocate, he will
proclaim himfelf the eneroy of fecret treachery, claim in per-
fon the affiftance of the people, and rely on their virtue for lup-
port. The mean, ambitious intriguer, will choofe the mode
Mr. Clinton has purf-ud. He will feek, by malicious whifpers
and ififidious charges, which it is impoffible to difprove, to rain
the reputation of eve. y popular man, and reduce the character
of every fuperior to a level with his own.
WHEN I mall have completed my examination of his import -
2nt productions, and examined the pretended difcoveries they
contain, thefe will appear to be the " unworthy motives," that
have influenced Mr. Clinton in the controverfy with Mr. Burr.
A controverfy which in its afpeft has become fo important a< to
attract the attention of America, and in its confequencea may
tend to a -diffoltttton of the unioa. Jzi^jtani-ke-has rciidercd
G
it. He has called on every litigious fcoundrel in the country to
blow the horn of civil difcord. Clerks, furrogates and atton.
nies, have been enlifted under his banners, and bought by of-
fices, to cry like parrots, treafon and defertion. When he was
elevated by accident to a feat in the council of appointment,
thefe creatures were cheriflied, and fwarmed round the council
room, like reptiles on the banks of the Nile. Yes, thefe ver-
min, who have been engendered in the funfhine of executive
favor, and are feeding on the public bounty, now dare to pro-
fcribe the patriots of '76 and of '98 ; men who bled for
their country's freedom, and fubfequently refilled the introduc-
tion of noxious principles and of federal policy.
I REPEAT that he was not chofen a member of the council
for his talents or integrity. Deftitute of both, I know he was
artfully fele&ed by a few, to accomplish vile and wicked pur-
pofes. To effect objects, from which every honeft man would
have flirunk with horror. But his mind, matured by the prac-
tice of iniquity, and unalloyed with any virtuous principle,
pointed him out as fit for every vice. It was at this period,
until which he had been unnoticed, that his character began to
unfold; and in his official conduct he has fince manifefted a de-
gree of guilt, fufficiently daring to alarm the (lumbering fears of
the community, and diffipate the willing blind nefs even of his
friends. In concert with his great compeer in perfidy, he com-
menced a fyftem of corrupt and favage perfecution, at variance
with the conflitutional. policy of the ftate, and ungrateful to
the eflential principles of our civil inftitutions.
IF the welfare of the country required a revolution in the
catalogue of public officers, the procedure mould have beea
vindicated upon fair and manly principles. Juftice and integri-
ty mould have marked the triumphant fteps of the government.
Mildnefs and impartiality mould have proclaimed the reftoratiom.
f public freedom. But forgetting all duty to the laws, and ref-
47
ponfibility to the people, in a courfe of the moft abandoned pro-
fligacy that ever difgraced a man in the fervice of his country,
Mr. Clinton proceeded to proftitute the honor of the govern-
ment ; polluting, without fear, the purity of juftice, and fub-
Terting with unhallowed hands, the fair fabric which patriots
had erected. With callous hardihood, that bade defiance to
the whifpers of reafon and of virtue, he facrificed the interefts
and fafety of the people to gratify his own inordinate ambition.
THIS pafiion had feized his mind, from the firft moment he
was introduced to public notice, by the officious interference of
his uncle, who was then governor of the ftate, and whofe whole
perfonal and official power was exerted to raife this degenerate
youth from the low occupations, for which alone his clumfy and
ferocious mind was formed. Every effort was made to reflect a
little confequence upon him, and give him precedence to hi
cotemporaries, moft of whom were infinitely his fuperiors. Al-
though without talents, or any promifing traits of character,
he derived fome importance from thefe circumftances, and wa*
foon offered to the citizens of New- York as a candidate for a
feat in the ftate legiflature. At this early period the native
Ticioufnefs of his mind was difcovered. Though at an age
when generous and correct fentiments fhould have influenced hia
conduct, he manifefted a total difregard to the principles he
profeflcd, and to the means by which his objects were attained.
This zealous and humble patriot, who now affects to ftiudder at <
the name and iniquities of federalifm, then boafted that he had
made fecret arrangements with fome federal characters for their
fupport, and that his election was fafe, though the other re-
publican candidates would probably be loft.
THIS is the man who now claims purity of republican charac-
ter ; who after having thus betrayed his party, and fougLt
federal fupport in his election, attempts to denounce Mr. Burr
for exchanging with his political opponents the common civili-
\
ties oflife. Though Mr. Clinton folicited the fupport of fede-
ralifts, and Mr. Burr reje&ed it when offered, yet becaufe it is
not known that he drove the mefTenger with violence from his
door, Mr. Burr is branded with ever)- odious epithet that malice
can fuggeft.
THUS too in 1798, when Chancellor Livingfton was a can-
didate for the government of the ftate, and himfelf for fenator
of the fouthern diftrict, Mr. Clinton in his letters difcounte-
nanced the eleftion of the chancellor, and fent meflengers to the
polls, for the purpofe of electioneering, with pofitive inftnic-
tions to abandon the other republican candidates, that his own
election might be fecured. To fuch means he was then, and
ever has been indebted, for the fuccefs of his unprincipled pro-
jects. His good fortune has hitherto concealed his bafenefs,
for " the world ne'er thinks him guilty who fucceeds."
INFLATED with pride at the unmerited attention he received,
his vanity rendered him a fubject of ridicule, and his deportment
produced univerfal difguft. He was infupportably troublefome
to the party, and jealous of every influential member of the le-
giflature. His envy and felfifhnefs were never more unjuflly
roufed, nor more intempcrately expreffed to his correfpondents
than upon the following occaCon. Mr. M'Cord, a very correct
and patriotic member of the legiflature from the county of
Orange, introduced a refolution for the purpofe of inftrudling
our reprcfentatives in Congrefs, to attempt a repeal of the ftamp
aft, which had excited much uneafmefs and diflatisfa&ion
throughout the ftate. Mr. Clinton thought this propofition
would meet with the approbation of the people, and as he be-
lieved himfelf entitled to the exclujive privilege of introducing
all popular meafures, he was exceffively irritated on the occaiion ;
and vented his fpleen in fecretly abufing Mr. M'Cord. He
wrote to his correfpondent in this city, that Mr. M'Cord was
actuated by felffii motives, and that his only object was, to ac-
quire a little popularity and applaufe.
a few fpecimens of the patriotic difpofition and
is candidate for public favor, previous to the year
thers which no doubt he hopes have been buried
K fubmitted to the confideration of the public
ca\
min<.
when
gentlen
Inflated
fondly ho^
and that all
ments, could
ponent. The i
the mind of thii
and which had be
prefidency, was no\
itfelf upon every occ.
neither the Clinton no
with fuccefs the well-
Clinton's election as a member of the
it, he found it prudent to obferve fome
T to Mr. Burr. The imbecility of his
\ have funk into total infignifkance
-ith the talents and power of that
this event he threw off all reflraint.
ved by the levity of youth, he
-ontroul, the power of the ftate,
n the council for their appoint-
vcs againft any defignated op-
vhich had been infufed into
ung man from his infancy,
uncle's lofs of the vice-
neration, and difplayed
ver, foon found that
r mgly, could oppofc
..d influence of Mr.
. luggefted and obtained,
After fome deliberation,
Burr. An interview thi
between the leaders of eac.
the preliminaries were fettled, and a regular aflbciation formed,
for the laudable purpofe of ruining the reputation and proftrat- '
ing the power of Mr. Burr.
THIS party, compofed of materials difcordant and odious,
organized upon principles more wicked than any that had ever
arifen in the ftate, foon commenced their deftrulive operations.
With aftonifhment it was obferved that no man, however virtu-
ous, however unfpotted his life or his fame, could be advanced
to the moft unimportant appointment, unlefs he would fubmit to
50
abandon all intercourfe with Mr. Burr ; vow oppofition to hit
elevation, and like a feudal vaffal, pledge his perfonal ferviceg
when called for, to traduce his character, and circulate all the
flander that was given him, from one end of the ftate to t c
other. The fullen frowns of poverty influenced fome, avarice
and the luft of power corrupted others, and the fterneft virtue
yielded to the profpeft of political eminence and promotion.
Ordinary vifion was dazzled by the fplendid difplay of power
vefted in the council of appointment, which was now more con-
fpicucnfly manifefted than ever. The whole ftate was to be re-
yelutionized, and purged of all impurities. By a fudden exer-
tion of public ftrength, it was to be at once delivered from a
ftate of fin and mifery, into one of perfect tranquility and blifs.
The council was the inftrument that was to effect thefe glorious
purpofes. But upon viewing the materials of which it was com-
pofed, good men defpaired, and funk under the conviction that
all the ends of their labor, all the wifhes of the people would be
fruftrated and defpifed. Inftea 1 of keeping fteadily in view
the honor of the government, and making wholefome reforma-
tions in the difpofition of political power, the members of the
council were governed by a mean, fordid, and felfifli policy, me-
ditating alone their own aggrandizement, and the eftabliflimeot
of extenfive political influence. Principle was proftrated, virtue
and talents ridiculed.
THESE obfervations are intended to apply particularly to the
two champions, who have uniformly claimed the fole honor of
having conducted the operations of the celebrated council of
which I am fpeaking. The third republican member, though un-
doubtedly uprightinhis views, was deluded by ingenious artifices,
and the confufion of the times. It is aifo deemed expedient, (and
I believe univerfally pra&ifed) for the members of the council to
concede to each other the exclufive right of nominating for the
o they reprefent. The two moil fouthcrn diftricls, repre-
51
fented by De Witt Clinton and Ambrofe Spencer, were the
feat of the moft mifchievous machinations. As the firft of thefe
gentlemen has always boafted of an abfolute controul over the
other, I mall afcribe to him chiefly, the arrangements in that
portion of the (late, thefe diflricts embrace, and to him exclu-
fively, all the appointments in the fouthern diftrict. Here he
originated and purfued a fyftem of intrigue, of favoritifm and
perfecution, fo extenfive and diverfified, as to defy elucidation,
and ftagger all human fpeculation. Thofe alone who have wit-
neffed the difientions and confufion that have prevailed among
us, can eftimate the iniquity of his conduct.
To trace Mr. Clinton through all the fcenes of intrigue in
which he has been engaged, would be a tafk too laborious for
ordinary iuduftry and patience to accomplifh. With talents cer-
tainly not above mediocrity, he has difturbed the peace of the
country, and under pretences notorioufly falfe, roufed the ear-
rieft apprehenfions of many honeft men. Was it not difgraceful
to political controverfy to drag forth each immaterial defedl of
private character, I would develope the dark and gloomy difor-
ders of his malignant bofom, and trace each convulfive vibration
of his wicked heart. He may juftly be ranked among thofe,
who, though deftitute of found underftandings, are ftill rendered
dangerous to fociety by an intrinfic bafenefs of character, that
engenders hatred to every thing good and valuable in the world ;
who with barbarous malignity view the prevalence of moral
principles, and the extenfion of benevolent defigns ; who, foes
to virtue, seek the subverfion of every valuable inftitution, and
meditate the introduction of wild and furious diforders among
the fupporters of public virtue.
His intimacy with men, who have long fmce difowned all re-
gard to decency, and have become the daring advocates of every
fpecies of atrocity, certainly deferves fome notice, and will en-
fure him the deteftatioR of the community. His indiffolublc
eonaexion with thofe who by their lives, as well as the precept!
they inculcate, have become finifhed examples of profligacy and
corruption ; who have fworn enmity, fevere and eternal, to the
altar of our religion, and the profperity of our government,
muft infallibly exclude him from the confidence of reputable
men. What fentiments can be entertained for him, but thofe
of hatred and contempt, when he is feen the conftant aflbciate
of a man, whofe name has become fynonymous with vice ; a dif-
folute and fearlefs aflaffin of private character, of domeftic com-
fort, and of focial happinefs ; when he is known to be the bo.
fom friend and fupporter of this profligate and abandoned liber-
tine, who, from the vulgar debauches of the night, and the cuf-
tody of civil officers, haftens again to the invafion of private pro-
perty. Who, through the robbery of the public revenue, and
the violation of private feals, hurries down the precipice of
deep and defperate villiany.
CAN he have even claims to companion, while he boldly ex-
tends his confidence and friendmip to another wretch, whofe life
has been a continued fcene of perfidy and fraud ; whofe def-
tructive grafp, neither friends nor foes, not even the wandering
ftranger, can efcape ; by whom fwindling has been reduced to
a fcience, and fuccefs in treachery to mathematical certainty ?
From pure congeniality of foul, it is prefumed he has affumed
the name of " Lyfander" the moft corrupt and abandoned vil-
lain ever born in Greece. The feverity of this language may
offend the delicacy of Mr. Clinton's friend, and roufe the tender
fympathies of his patron. But it is proper, becaufe merited.
The fociety in which he lives will applaud the chaftifement, and
even Mr. Eden bear teftimony to its juftice.
To enumerate more particularly the reprobates who form the
circle of Mr. Clinton's friendly and confidential aflbciates, mall
be the occupation of another moment. However painful and
degrading it may be, a due regard to juftke, apd a faithful de-
53
lineation of his cliara&er, will lead me to exhibit him as the
humble and conltant companion of men whofe characters are
abhorred, whofe fentiments and conduct have long fince received
the dc-cifive fentence of public condemnation.
AN odious phoenomenon in the fchools of impiety, without
talents to lead him to an energetic invefligation of truth, he is
poffcfTed of a zeal in the profecution of mifchief, and an ardor
in vice calculated to engender and cherifh difciples of confufion
and diforder. His efforts have accordingly been crowned with
correfpondent fuccefe. From every impure fource he has at-
tracted the votaries of corruption, and formed a veteran phalanx
that never can diflionor the unequalled vicioufnefs of his mind.
Such then are his companions, fuch the fearlefs patriots who
claim the protection of our- country, and audacioufiy demand
the honors of the ftate. Familiar with fo much profligacy, it
was natural to fuppofe that his ingenuity would be exercifed to
raife the political confequence of congenial characters ; to fcat-
ter the feeds of irreligion and confuf\on until they operated .the
deftnichion of all- moral and political obligations, relaxed at-
tachment to the laws, and engendered difTentions deilrudtive
and incurable, among the fupporters of a wholefome govern-
ment. Scenes like thefe alone could give him confequence, or
raife a malignant mifanthrope from obfcurity.
BUT perverfe indeed, or feeble, muft be the mind which can-
not difcern that the days of political delufion v and. anti-Jcjcial
confpiracies are paffed away; that the true age of.reafon is de-
veloping to man the real interefts of fociety. Difordered mull
be the zealot who does not believe, that the good feufe of Ame-
ricans will lead them to defpife the mad adherents to vifionary
fchernes of policy and irreligion; who does "not perceive daily
pvoofs of their attachment to the ftable benefits of a free and
well organized government, and that they never will jiiffer its
foundations to be. fubvertcd, and.the privileges which they che-
H
54-
rife and love to exercifc, torn up by the unhallowed liands of a
Few defpcrate adventurers. One moment's exercife of even Mr.
Clinton's flender capacity, would yield him this conviction.
Why then is his time devoted to fociety that will inevitably en-
tail difgrace and infamy upon the character of a gentleman ? I
he attracted by an innate congeniality of fonl, or does he def-
pife an honorable effort at reformation? Some attribute his pre-
dilection for corrupt and profligate companions, to the weaknefs
of his underftanding; his enemies, to malice and mortal enmity
to the fociety of honeft men. If neither are correct, let him
manifeft at lead one proof of firmnefs ; for the honor of huma-
nity, he mould conceal, if he cannot conquer, the vicious pro-
penfities of his heart. Let him make one earneft effort to ef-
cape from ruin ; to abandon his horrid communion with
" vulgar vice, and bafe-born profligacy ;" to vindicate the
dignity of his nature, and fave, though it were by the locks, the
drowning honor of his name.
THE tranfition is eafy, from moral to political depravity ;
from private bafenefs to atrocious perfidy in public life. The
characteriftic traits of Mr. Clinton's mind have been manifefted
in whatever fituation he was placed ; whether in the humble
fphere for which he was defigned by nature, or enveloped in
the deceptive grandeur of fortuitous elevation. Thofe who
had marked the progrefs of his profligacy, foon difcovered
caufe for alarm, and were not furprifed at the iniquity of his
public conduct. He has verified the predictions cf the fufpi-
cious, and filenced the moft credulous part of the community.
An acknowledged novice in the fcience of government, and a
ftranger to elevated principles of policy, it was hoped by thofe
to whom he was unknown, that though he might prove incom-
petent to take an enlarged view of the political relations of the
ftate, or conceive any comprthenfive plan for the regulation of
its various intereffo, that Hill he would difcover integrity, and
55
exercifc due induftry and discretion in difcharging the duties of
an appointment, which he had meanly condefcended to folicit.
BUT thofc who were fanguine enough to indulge thtfe vifion-
ary hopes, were unmindful of the invincible propenfities to vice
that had marked every moment of this man's political life.
They thought it impartible that a perfon fo young could be re-
gardlefs of every upright principle, and callous to remorfe; or
that the practice of iniquity could fo foon have banifheu every
honorable fentiment of his heart. But the illufion was foon dif-
fipated, and they beheld him an adept as well in political as in
moral turpitude, profoundly Ikilled in all the combinations of
treachery and fraud ; a diflblute and defperate intriguer, whom
neither fear, nor fhame, nor dread of punimment could reftraia.
Where, it may be aflced, was his wonted prudence, and where
his boafled honor, when he caufed it to be proclaimed to candi-
dates for office, that perfonal devotion to a few ambitious indi-
viduals had become the ftandard of political merit? What elevated
patriotifm was it that induced him to employ two abandoned
hypocrites, to purfue candidates through the town, to afcertain
their perfonal attachments and political prejudices, and kindly
to infinuate, that unlefs fatisfatlory afiurances were given of fu-
ture fupport in the political projects of himfelf and friends, and
of ilrenuous oppofition to the elevation and popularity of the
vice-prefident, every avenue to promotion would be obftinately
clofed? With what temporary derangement of intellect could
he have been afflicted, when he perfonally folicited General Al-
ner and Mr. Ezekiel Robbins refpedively, on the fame day, to
accept the appointment of furrogate for the city and county of
New- York ; to both folemnly pledged his fupport ; betrayed
both, and fubfequently gave it to a third? Here is the effence
of treachery, pure and fublimated. Examine the annals of
corruption, karch the records of villainy from immemorial
time, and no parallel c.an be found for pcvftJy Hke this. From
56
this difgrace he cannot efcape, by alledging a want of power,
or the imbecility of his intereft, nor hope for " indemnity to
himfelf from community in crimes." Thofe who had been
initiated into the myfteries of the council, or difcovered by ac-
c-klviit the arrangements of the day, are ready to confront him.
Constraint cannot be urged, and treachery thus juftified ; nor
can he plead the calamity of the times, and that " care may
retract vows made in pain as violent and void." His conduct
was as voluntary as it was bafe, and ferves to elucidate the tor-
turous criminality of his character.
BY what " noble and elevated confiderations" could Mr.
Clinton have been influenced, when he deliberately fold the of-
fice of fecretary of the Itate for a vacancy in the fenate of the
union ? When he bafely abandoned the interefts of his confti-
tuents, and left the city he represented, expofed to the threat-
ened horrors of anarchy and confufion ? Deftitute of a local
government or an efficient magiftracy, the lives and fortunes of
the citizens were equally at ftake. At this gloomy and inau-
fpicious moment, they applied for relief to the fovereign autho-
r of the ftate, and relied on the exertions of thofe whom they
had bcnoTYu with their fuffrages and their confidence. But Mr.
Clinton difregarded thei;- darger; he fmiled at their folicitude,
and by the moft unprincipled intrigue, raifed himfelf above
controul. The moment was at hand that was to terminate
at once his feat in the fenate and the council ; he dreaded the
juftice of the people, and dared not meet the awful fcrtitiny of
his conftituents. Confcious of his guilt, he knew that at the
expiration of the period for which he was elected, he would
have been driven from his elevation, hated and difgraced. That
the men whom he had injured and Jnfulted, would have held
him up to the execration of the world, as an abominated mo-
nument of human depravity. ** Reluctant and unrepenting,"
he would have been compelled to retire to a fecluded foot, link-
57
ing under the accumulated deteftation of the people ; and though
he may have derided the impotence of the laws, and in his re-
tirement malignantly rejoiced at the evils he had produced;
though he may have efcaped the arm of public vengance, he
would have been configned to the difgrace he merited ; defpifed
and unnoticed, except when pointed out as an object of fcorn
to every honeft man.
THIS treachery was aggravated by a mameful difregard to
the qualifications of the perfon, thus advanced to an important
office. The office of fecretary of the ftate was beftowed on a
man deftitute of talents, and notorioufly unworthy of the pub-
lic confidence. A contemptible muffling apothecary, who with-
out talents to profit by the purfuit of an honeft profefiion, or
even to deal out medicine by the ounce, has fucceffively aflumed
every character defignated by human actions. To accomplifh
hypocritical purpofes, he has travelled round the whole circle
of religious denominations ; he has alternately embraced every
feet, and fubfcribed every creed, from outrageous methodifm,
to the harmlefs and inoffenfive ceremonies of the Baptift, until
he has terminated his career in the fports of the turf, in dealing
in horfes, and in political fvvindling ; without ingenuity to de-
vife, or fpirit to purfue any fyftematic plan of iniquity.
MR. CLINTON certainly difplayed fome management in mak-
ing his arrangements with Tillotion and Armftrong. Therefigna-
tion of this latter gentleman, and Mr. Clinton's elevation to the
vacant feat, was the only poffible mode in which he could efcape
humiliation, and arreft the expreffion of difapprobation which
his conftituents were pepared to pronounce at the then approach-
ing election. In the hour of danger he had abandoned their
intereils. When local animofities and party virulence threaten-
ed derangement to our municipal regulations ; when the city
was upon the eve of being left vvatchlefs and unprotected ; when
dark and midnight fpirits prowled about the ftreets, meditating
8
deeds of " darknefs and difafter," he remained unmoved by the
menacing calamity. Confcious of the fate that awaited him,
he fixed his views on a feat in the fenate of the United States,
aud efcaped the indignation of his conflituents by ftepping into
the place he had induced Armilrong to abandon.
THIS lazy apoftate had alternately efpoufed the do&rines and
advocated the principles of the different parties in the ftate. Af-
ter vibrating between each, in quefl of favor and promotion,
he at length fettled permanently, as he faid, on the fide of the
republicans, and they, as ufual, rewarded his treachery with a
feat in the national fenate. At Wafliington, however, he found
nothing congenial with his warlike temper, nor any thing within
the influence of his mifchievous difpofition. There no tumult
or rebellion could be raifed. DiftrefTed and hungry foldiers are
the only fubjefts on which he can operate with fuccefs, and for
his attempts at the clofe of the revolution, he fhould have re-
ceived a fate which fimilar incendiaries feldom have efcaped.
Far above the fphere in which he was formed to move, unheed-
ed and defpifed, Mr. Clinton found it eafy, I prefume, to in-
duce him to abandon a place where neither apoflates nor advo-
cates for rebellion were received with confidence or refpecl:. His
propofition was made at a judicious moment ; a propofition,
ivhich by its fuccefs, at once difgraced the national legiflature,
by the introduction of a knave and an infidel, and increafed the
dangerous difTentions in the ftate, by reftoring to its bofom an
incendiary, whole only occupation and amufement has ever
been to excite domeilic broils and village mifchief.
TILLOTSON, the worthy relative of this honorable man, had
travelled the country round, like a hungry fpaniel, begging an
office as he went. He journeyed to Washington to folicit in
perfon the colle&orfhip of New- York. The futility of his
claims, and the ferioufnefs and addrefs with which he urged
than, formed a fubjed of ridicule to the adminiilration for *
month. No fooner was this favorite fcheme fruftrated, than he
ranfacked Maryland, and offered to honor his native ftate with
his refidence if any thing worthy of his attention could be of-
fered. There fortunately he was known, and nothing was pre-
fented to induce his return. This adtive knight returned front
his romantic expedition, curfing the vice-prefident, proclaiming
him a federalift, and a traitor to his party, fimply for having re-
commended another gentleman for the office of collector for the
port of New- York.
THIS prevx chevalier began his life with a laudable determi-
nation to make his fortune. He pra&ifed with unlimited fuc-
eefs upon the Livingfton maxim,
Rem facias, rent
Si po/Ju reSe, Ji non, quocunque modo rem.
To him it was immaterial whether it was fqueezed from the
pockets of honeft and induftrious tenants, or whether it was pil-
laged from a relative by the glorious chicanery of the law, or
whether derived from the public treafury as an equivalent for
fervices he is utterly incapable to perform. Inflamed with a zeal
for office and governed by thefe mercenary views, Tillotfon foli-f
cited the office of fecretary of the ftate as his laft refource. His
worthy brother was interefted in his behalf, and refigned his feat
in the fenate of the un>on.* The council gave Tillotfon the
office he defired, and Mr. Clinton was chofen to fill the fcafc
which Armftrong had abandoned. This fhameful tranfa&ioa
needs no farther comment.
THE appointment of clerk to the mayor's court is fufficient to
confirm all the obfervations I have made, relative to. the views-
with which the officers for the fouthern diftrift were felecled.
* T'Wotfon and Armjlrong are Irotbers 'in law. Boifi married
Jiftert of Chanrtllor Livingjlon.
60
This elegant perfonage is a living monument of the patience
with which Americans will fuffer themfilves to be abufed and
infulted by men in power. An execrable compound of every
fpecies of vice, he is at this moment an object with whom tvery
decent man fcorns to aflbciate. The curious who wifh to view
human nature in its moft degenerate date, will in this man find
a fit object of contemplation. To the natural enquirer he will
afford an interefting fubject of fpeculation. He will be found
in the loweft clafs of creatures recognized as rational, if not the
very link that joins the animal to the human race. This " pefti-
lent pauper" was raifed by the council from the filth in which
he wallowed, to the moft lucrative office in the ftate. When
called on to juflify this outrage upon the honor and dignity of
the city, Mr. Clinton increafed the atrocity of his conduct, by
exulting in the mifchief he had done. " Though he is a great
fcoundrel he has been of fervice to the party, and ought to be
rewarded," were the words he uttered. Here is a direct
avowal of the principles upon which he acted. A complete
confirmation of the charges which have been urged againft him.
It is irrefiftable evidence that the public good had no influence
in determining his conduct. It is the " ne plus ultra" of po-
litical depravity, and eftablifties his guilt in every mind, that i
not impenetrable to conviction.
THE perfon felected to fill the office of diftrict attorney has
uniformly been a fubject of ridicule to our political opponents,
and a difgracc to the council that appointed him. The mould, if poffible, have been concealed. When
1
62
public men aft upon motives like thefe, and have the hardihood
to avow them, it evinces a fpirit of depravity repugnant to the
nature of our government, and pregnant with incalculable mif-
chiefs.
IT needed not the aflertion of Mr. Clinton, to convince the
world that the council of appointment were actuated by im-
proper views, and influenced by motives hoftile to the public
good. Every county in the ftate exhibits ample teftimony of
the faft. With pain the people faw them yielding to the preffure
of wicked allurements, and in effect, becoming the retailers of
eommifiions, for which, pliancy of principle, blafted reputation
and enmity to the vice-prefident, were the molt acceptable equi-
valents. Thefe were manifeftly the principles that governed
.the appointments in the fouthern diftrift. As Mr. Clinton dic-
tated them, the refponfibility muft reft exclufively on him.
I HAVE pointed out a few of the moft odious feleftions that
were made in that portion of the ftate ; to enumerate them all
would fill a volume, and far exceed the limits to which I am
neceffarily confined. After the observations I have made, it may
with juftice be enquired, what foundation fuftainsMr. Clinton's
claims to integrity? Is it a fyftematic determination to violate
every promife, however facred, or a total difregard to thofe ties
of honor which bind alike the chriftian and the favage ? Where,
it may be afked, are we to fearch for proofs of his difcernment?
He will point, no doubt, triumphantly, to his companions, and
fome civil officers who have been taken from the loweft clafs of
debafed humanity. In what aft of his life can we recognize his
attachment to the welfare of the government, or the princi-
ples of virtuous freedom? Will he refer us to the proftitution of
the power with which he was for a moment inverted ; to his itin-
erant efforts to difpofe of offices to thofe who would fwear eter-
nal oppofition to Mr. Burr; or to that fyftem of felfifh policy
which at an early period was adopted by himfelf, and thofe on
63
whom his tranfient influence immediately depended ? a fyftem
which has laid the foundation for lading and ruinous diforders
in the ftate. View our political condition, and compare it with
what a wife and judicious adminiftration of the government
might have rendered it. Inflead of harmony and union among
the friends of freedom, inftead of a confolidation of the repub-
lican intercft, calumny and diflentions are rapidly producing
fymptoms of decay and difTolution. Every part of the country
is manifefting the moft anxious folicitude, and the apple of dif-
cord, rolling through the land, is every where generating dif-
content, diforder and confufion. Thefe fcenes are hazardous
and alarming, and derogatory to the dignity of a government.
They are the awful annunciations of diflblution to our party,
with whofe ruin will difappear, the bright profpects of hnppinefs
which have but juft beamed upon the people. That enlighten-
ed fyftem of national policy which has its origin in the princi-
ples that prevailed at the revolution, will be prematurely ter-
minated by the hands of intemperate foes, and the caufe we
efpoufe overwhelmed in its infancy, while federalifm rifes trium-
. phant on its ruins.
THESE are the apprehenfions of one who reflects on the con-
fequences of political conduct. They are fears common to thofc
- who view with attention, the unimportant incidents that often
deftroy attachment to political eftablimments, and influence the
direction of popular opinion. But Mr. Clinton, no doubt, can
view with unconcern the poifonous divilions which have been in-
troduced among us, becaufe he has not fagacity to forefee the
evils they may engender ; becaufe he has neither the candor to
avow, nor the fenfibility to lament his errors or his crimes. The
portentous clouds that occalionally float through the atmof-
phere, or hang on the political horizon, excite no emotioiib of
forrow in hia bofom, becaufe no change can gender him more
- dious to the community, or fhorten the duration of h;s ap-
64
pointment. But let this Felix tremble, for it is well faid, that
" he who fows the feeds of ruin, his is the harveft of iniquity."
Ke will one day be called to atone for the evils he has produced.
However late, th t period muft arrive. He has hazarded the
profperity of the party, and fported with the welfare of the
pe pie. The d^- of retribution muft come, and he mould pre-
pare for the awful fentence that awaits him. He fliould review
the erratic vibrations of his political life, and with contrite zeal
folicit the indulgence of thofe he has infulted and betrayed. A
patient community, by an honeft reformation, may be moved to
pity, and fave him from oblivion. If ever he was influenced
by patriotic motives in the attack on Mr. Burr, if ever he feltH
laudable folicitude for truth, he mould be reconciled to the no-
vel emotion, fubdue his reluctance, and proclaim it to the world.
His friends I know will accufe him of treachery, and defert him
as dimonored. But he will find refuge in the fympathies of the
people, and if he cannot conceal, they will pardon his fenfe of
fliame.
THE conduct which Mr. Clinton has hitherto purfued in this
important controverfy, and the confequences it is likely to pro-
duce, has authorized the public to demand upon what principles
he has proceeded. Deilitute of perfonal resolution, proofs of
which have been abundantly exhibited, in a manner difgrace-
ful to himfelf, and o/enjtve to his friends, he will perhaps mrink
from a talk fo arduous and delicate. But no apology will be
received. He {hall be called for judgment before the tribunal
authorized to pronounce his fentence. He mail hereafter
djriv-j no advantage from feclulion, and if he is wife, never
\vill return to his retired habitation. It has already gene-
rated in his bofom all the malignant paflions incident to hu-
man nature. The ferenity of rural retirement is ill fuited
to the tempeftuous vicioufnefs of his heart. If he rejects
*iotmy friendly admonition, he will bid adieu for ever, to his
65
u-ool retreats and fnady bowers; they cannot be congenial to the
turbulance of his fpirit. His attachment to them is prophetic.
To the oid-, traitors have often been fufpended, and a villain
can never be cneriflied in its fliade. Cruel by nature and form-
ed for mi'fchief, 'he has become morofe without dignity, mean
and contracted without the advantages it ufually produces.
His deportment has rendered him an object of derifion and dif-
guft. "His vanity is as confpicuous as his wickednefs is noto-
rious ; he fiiould recollect the hand that raifed him from indi-
gence, and ceafe to proclaim the "Jlabithy" of his fortune. It
was neither obtained by induftry nor inheritance, but lavifhed
on him by the wayward caprices of female weaknefs. He
mould reftrain therefore the puerile ebullition of his vanity,
and rely on other confiderations for public favor.
IN the picture which I have haftily drawn, the friends of Mr.
Clinton will no doubt recognize a juft refemblance'. Though it
has not been finiflied with the delicate hues, and happy touches
of a mafter, a few rude lines it is hoped, have given the cha-
racteriftic features of the original. I always defpaired of mak-
ing the delineation perfect ; a complete and faithful reprefen-
tation of his character, would defy all human ingenuity, arid
fruftrate the livelieft efforts of the mind. Though I may have
been unfuccefsful, as truth is my guide, the information of the
public, and Mr. Clinton's reformation my only object, the at-
tempt will perhaps produce fome good.
IT will naturally be afked, why, in my remarks on the pro-
ceedings of the celebrated council of 1800 and 1801, Mr.
Spencer has not been more minutely noticed. He is not entitled
to particular attention, becaufe Mr. Clinton has uniformly de-
clared, and the affertion has never been doubted, that Spencer
acted entirely under his controul ; that he was a mere engine
fet in motion to execute the clumfy plans which himfelf had
neither courage nor Ikill to accomplish. He has moreover bt-
f ^
Oo
come fo odious in the county in which he relldcs, and through-
put the Hate, that to attempt to render him more contemptible
would be an idle \vafte of time. I have already ftated, that this
celebrated gentleman, emerged from obfcurity by the iniquity
of his conduct ; that in the triumphant days of our political
.opponents, he was the mod outrageous and perfecuting fede-
ralifl. in the ftate. Difappointed however j.n his views, and
tempted by the extravagant rewards which the republican
party offered to federal deferters, he, like Armftrong, quit their
camp, and became a zealous fupporter of the men he had lately
perfecuted. The animofity of an apoftate cannot be controuled.
Savage and relentlefs, he thirfls for vengeance ; every public
confideration is fwallowed up in the deftruclive vortex of pafllon
and revenge. With malignant compofure he would view the
tumbling ruins of his country, if his enemies were crufhed be-
neath them. Such is emphatically the temper of Ambrofe
Spencer, who, after his convcrfion, was introduced to a feat in
the legiflature, by his new friends, for the exprefs purpofe of
perpltxing and perfecuting his old ones. This tafk was faith-
fully perrormccl. With fiend-like perfeverance he purfued his
former affociates, and left nothing uneflayed to torment the
party he had betrayed. If his oppofition to the federal party
had flown from a conviction of their errors, he would have me-
rited applaufe, as far as it was honorably conducted. But be-
ing manifeflly the refult of corrupt views, and interefted motives,
he mould have been driven from the fociety of republicans ; and
for the honor of the party, appearances juftify the hope, that
this will foon be done. His infolence and pride have been to-
lerated much longer than his detcfted character or his talents
will juftify.
INFLATED with political confequence, and occafionally
cloathed with a little brief authority, this raving apoftate
lias long beeu infupportably iufolent and haughty to his equals.
67
But prudently recollecting from whence he fprung, he is ever
humble and obfequious to his fuperiois. An inflexible profeffor
of virtuous cowardice, he has, with Job-like patience, fubmitted
to chaft ifement, until his furface has become impenetrable to
the fevereft operations of the cow-lkin or the cane. Pointed at
wherever he goes by the finger of fcorn, tortured by the recol-
le&ion of his crimes, and finking under the deteftation of all
who know him ; he fometimes exhibits, it is faid, fymptoms of
depreffion and defpair. The black catalogue of his vices has
occafioned apprehenfions of his deftiny.
A PRESENTIMENT of a future fate is not Uncommon; it is
fometimes derived from a gloomy and difordered fancy, and
fometimes generated in a vicious mind. Spencer, like Dr. Dodd,
I have heard, is occafionally tormented with apprehenfions of
an ignominious death ; a gibbet at times floats before his trou-
bled vifion, and alarms his fullen foul. Prognofticators hare
pronounced it indicative of his fate. Though I do not, fome
honed men and firm friends to their country, beliere, that if
there be juftice left on earth, and the honor of the ftate is ever
to be vindicated, the prediction will certainly be verified. It is
not my defire, prematurely to alarm the feelings of this gentle-
man, by remarking either on the profpeft or improbability of
this event. I (hall leave him to be punifhed by the terrors of
conviction, and the convulfions of his own bofom. The moft
hardened criminal is not above contrition, and ferious reflections
may ferve to turn him from his ways, and warn him to repent.
As the reader muft by this time be difguftcd with the fcenes
ef depravity which have been prefented to him in the cha-
rafters of De Witt Clinton and Ambrofe Spencer, I mail not
again introduce them to his notice. Particularly as I propofe
prefenting to the public a fketch of our political tranfa&ioni
during the years 1801 and 18^2, in which the conduft of thefe
worthy compeers will be more minutely analyzed. As they
6S
merit the fevereft reprobation, they fliall not be permitted to
Hide out of public notice unchaflifed. They (hall receive the
fame fate, and be linked in infamy together.
IF any thing in the preceding pages mould bear the appear-
ance of undue feverity, paffion, or invective, the nature of the
fubject muft plead my apology. In political controverfies I am
ready to allow that perfonalities mould be avoided except in ex-
treme cafes. Abandoned and heedlefs profligacy, proceeding
not from the way wardnefs of the times, but from inherent pro-
penfities to mifchief, cannot be checked, but by a direct and po-
tent application to the very fource from which it fprings. Def-
perate difeafes, require violent remedies. In them, no cure can
be effected without cutting to the bone. Whatever therefore
of personality may offend the reader, it will be juftified I hope,
by the provocation which has been given, and the object I have
in view, which is to correct deep and obftinate evils, and if poffi*
ble whip two hardy offenders into the path of honor.
I SHALL now return to the main fubject of thefe pages, and
briefly examine the allegations which have been urged againit
the vice-prefident, and the proof by which it has been attempted
to fupport them. I fliall do this as concifely as poflible, per- '
fuaded that a flight investigation is fufficient to convince every*
candid reader, that the whole tranfaction has originated in a pre-
meditated plan to ruin the reputation of Mr. Burr. In fome
parts of the voluminous publications which have appeared upota
the fubject, we find bold affertions without a particle of proof
to fupport them; in others infidious infinuations calculated to
miflead the judgment of the reader, premifes arbitrarily affumed,
and concluiiona drawn from them flill more arbitrary and falfe,
We are every where urged to accept the iimple ipfe dixit of an
unknown author, as indubitable testimony of the truth of what
he (lutes. Thus, contrary to the juft and fimple maxim, that
every man is to be deemed innocent until he is proved other-
69
n-ife, contrary to ever)' rule cf right reafbning, and fair argu-
rnent, the fecond officer in the government is to be pronounced
guilty of difhonorable conduct, and robbed of his fame upon
the bare fuggettion of an anonymous writer.
Tt'K real authors* of thefe productions, though known,
have never dared to avow their names ; they a&ed a more deep
aud fubtle part. At firft they contented tliemfelves with pre-
paring the credulity of the public by vague furmifes, for the
reception of the calumnies that were to follow. When thefe
appeared, they for a while affected ignorance of their fource,
but exprefied violent fufpicions that there was caufe for alarm,
which foon terminated in a conviction that Mr. Burr had aban-
doned the principles he profcffed, had betrayed his party, and,
that w patriots they were bound to aid in the deflru&ion of a
man who had becpme dangerous to the liberties of their btl-j-ccd
country. The tocfm of alarm was founded. Mr. Burr's guilt
w.f, proclaimed far and wide, while he was at a diftance from
the frene of action, and unable even by a denial to check the
prugrefs cf His defamation. Thoufands were deceived by thefe
artifices., They did not know what ingenious preparations had
been made. They did not know that all the printers in the
ftatc who were eahcr dhectly, or indirectly under the influence
of the government, had been previously engaged to circulate 1
the flinders \vl.icU wer originated in New-York ; that the mod |
perfonal and abufive manufcripts were prepared in this city and
icnt to country editors, to be publiflird either as communica-
tions or editorial remai-ks; and that \vl\atappeai-edto them,
the expreffion of the public fcntiment, was notuiag but the ef-
fecc of pre-concert, and an artful combination among the per-
fonal enemies of Mr. Burr. When Mr. Burr was nominated
to the vicc-pn-fidency, the government of the ftate, by. hie o\rn
aid and exertions, was placed in the hands of his enemies, who ]
* De Witt Clinton aided by Samuel Ofgood.
K
70
converted it into an engine to effect his ruin. The pamphieft
in which he was calumniated, were circulated under the patron-
age of the officers of the government, and conveyed by every
pofiible channel into the remoteft corners of the Hate.
THUS aided, the author of The f^ieiu, advantageoufly com-
menced his attack on the vice-prefident, and has fmce continu-
ed his labours. Thefe it is believed will be more properly ap-
preciated, after his productions mall have been analyzed. I
mall refume the examination of The View, &c. where I left it.
IN the 43d page of that production is the following para-
graph.
" THE moment he (Mr. Burr) was nominated, he put into
operation a moft extenfi ve, complicated, and wicked fyftem of in-
trigue, to place himfelf in the prefidential chair. He fet to work
all his inventive powers, and in fome inilances, employed men to
carry his plans into execution, who neither perceived their na-
ture nor extent. In the furtherance of his intrigues, he fpared
no pains, nor was he parfimonious of expence. The exprcffes
kept on foot, the men he employed, and the expences of their
various agencies, muft have coft him a fum little lefs than one
year's falary of his office. Mr. Burr feems to have carried on
zfecret correfpondence with the federalifts from the period of
his nomination."
THE fafts adduced to fupport this charge fliall be noticed i
the order in which they occur.
IN the fiiib place it is faid that Mr. Burr fent political agents
to the different Hates. What were the particular objects with
which thefe agents were charged, is not ftated. If their ob-
jects were, to effect the election of Mr. Burr to the prefidency
it fhouldhave been fliewn that they tampered with the electors
after they were chofen, and attempted to divert their votes from
Mr. Jcfferfon. If this is not done, the aflertion that Mr. Burr
I>d agents in the different ilatea, if proved, amounts .to nothing.
71
But unfortunately for the author of The View, &c. whenever
he is fo incautious as to refer to gentlemen by name, they dif-
prove and falfify the very charges which it was his object to efta-
blifh. Mr. Abraham Bifhop, he fays, was Mr. Burr's agent at
Laucafter. This gentleman in two publications addrefled to
the editors of the American Citizen, and published in their pa-
per, the firft on the third, and the other on the iQth^of Augufl,
1802, explicitly denies that Mr. Burr fent him to Lancafter,
or that he went there for any purpofes perfonally or politically I
regarding that gentleman.* But admitting for a moment that '
Mr. Bilhop had gone to Pennfylvania at the requeft of Mr. Burr,
he could manifeftly have had no other object iu view, than to in-
duce the fenate of that ftate to yield to the aflembly, and fuffcr
fifteen republican electors to be appointed. This indeed is the
only object afcribed to him by the author of The V\eiu> &c.
and was it not one, the accomplimment of which was devoutly
wilhed for, by every man who felt an intereft in the momentous
tranfactions of that day; in as much as it would have effected,
beyond the poffibility of defeat, the election of the republican
candidates for the two firft offices in the general government.
But in that cafe, fays the author of The Fie-w, &c. " the federal-
ills would have had no hopes of fuccefs, and Dr. Smith of New-
Jerfey was fecretly to have voted for Mr. Burr, and thus made
him prefident of the United States." To this infinuation Dr.
Smith replied in the following manner :
" Princeton, July 29, 1802.
" TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING POST.
SIR,
" IN your paper of Monday July 26, under the article
entitled, A Vieva of the political conduct of Aaron JSurr, Efq. by
* Tkefe publications would have been infertcil here t tut tuiif
length renitrs it ncccjjkry t-i 9>nit them.
72
the author of the Narrative, I obferve feme very grofs mifre-
pn fLntatiom, which I conceive it to be a duty that I owe to
Mr. Eurr, the New-Jerfey electors, and myfclf, to declare to be
abfolutely falfe. Mr. Burr never vifited me on the fubject of
the late election for prefrdent and vice-prefident Mr. Burr ne-
rer converfed with me a fmgle fecond on the fubject of that elec-
tion, either before or fiace the event. No project or plan of the
kind mentioned in that paper was propofed or hinted at among
the eleftors of New-Jerfey. I am afTured that Mr. Burr held
no intrigue with them, on that occafion, either collectively or
individually. They were men above intrigue; and I do not
know that he was difpofed to ufe it. At their meeting, they
ufianimoufly declared that a fair and manly vote according to
their fentiments was the only conduct which was worthy of then-
own characters, or of their caufe.
SAML. S. SMITH."
HERE then fails every thing that has been afierted, relative to
the New-Jerfey electors. Dr. Smith's integrity) Ws public and
deliberate afiertior, I truft, will not be doubted. From this it
manifcflly appears, that the electors of New-Jerfey were not to
have voted for Mr. Burr in any poffible cafe, and that he never
aL'.^/Tipted to influence their conduct upon that occafion. If
even Mr. Burr had attempted to throw the whole weight of
Pennfylnraia into the republican fcale, he would have been per-
fectly juftifiable, and merited the approbation of the party.
But every thi'ig which has been infmuated againft the vice-pre-
fident with regard to his interference with the proceedings of
that ftate, and his intrigues with the New- Jerfcy -electors, has
been fully and decifively denied by Mr. Bifhop and Dr. Smith.
THIS charge, therefore, againft Mr. Eurrmuft be abandoned,
not only as unfupported, but as proved to be totally erroneous
*nd falfe.
IT is urged with a zeal bordering on madnefs, that from the
moment of Mr. Burr's nomination to the vice-prefidency, he ex-
erted all his talents and ingenuity to obtain an equality of votes
with Mr. Jefferfon. It is not even pretended that he attempted
to influence a fingle elector to drop Mr. Jefferfon, which would
have fecured to him the chief magiftracy of the United States.
This obvious mode of accomplishing his defigns, any one who
was not an ideot, would certainly have adopted. Can the mon-
ftrous abfurdity be for a moment believed, that a man of Mr.
'Burr's difcernment, actuated by the ambitious feeling-; afcribed
to him, would hazard a reliance on the remote probability of
influencing a majority of rcprefentatives from three ftates in
congrefs, rather than attempt to bring a folitary elector into his
vic\vs. This can certainly never be prefumed; efpecially as it is
well known in this ftate, that two or three at leaft, of the elec-
tors would have dropped Mr. Jefferfon, if Mr. Burr had ex-
preffed a wim to that effect. Let it be therefore fhewn that
Mr. Burr intrigued with fome of the electors; that he attempt-
ed U> divert their ftiffrages from Mr. Jefferfon, and the contro-
verfy with him, is at an end. But no, this attempt the political
enemies of Mr. Burr dare not make. This plain and fimple
conduct cannot further their defigns. To affift their purpofes
they muft torture the plaineft language, the moil immaterial
circumftances into prefumpl'mc teftimony, to create a fufpicion
that Mr. Burr wiflied to be prefident of the United States.
Like able conjurers, they envelope the enchanted witneffes of
their machinations in a cloud of myfterious nonfenfe, and agitate
their affrighted imaginations, until convulfed with terror, they
fee fpectres at their elbows, and monfters threatening them with
ruin. The fears of the community muft be awakened, fufpicion,
which they know is next to ruin, muft be attached to the cha-
racter of Mr. Burr, or their pretended proofs can produce no
impreffion. Like the drunken and maniacal revolutionifts of
74
France, they firit utter imprecations agaipft their victim, and
tear up his reputation by the roots, then fcatter falfhoods in the
(hape of accufations, and call it proof. Let the elector who was
folicited at the late election, to withhold his vote from Mr. Jef-
ferfon be named, and then their afiertions will be worthy of at-
tention.
WHILE on this fubjedt, it may not be improper to notice fome
insinuations which are fcattered throughout the publications
that have appeared againfl Mr. Burr, relative to his conduct in
this ftate. They are intended to excite a fufpiclon that fome
underftanding exifted between Mr. Burr and one of the electors.
To jufUfy this fufptclon, Cheetham in his feventh letter to Mr.
Burr, Pcates, that Mr. Lifpenard in a converfation at Hudfon,
fubfequent to the day on which the electors had given their fuf-
frages, faid, " that if he had fuppofed, that Mr. Jefferfon- and Mr.
BUIT would have had an equal number of votes, he would have
dropped Mr. JcfFerfon."* Whether this ftatement is true or
not, I fhall not inquire. If correct, it is conclufive evidence of
the rectitude of Mr. Burr's conduct. It is allowed that Mr.
JLifper.ard is a very intimate and perfonal friend of Mr. Burr;
if therefore, he had entertained any defign of fupplanting Mr.
JefFtrfon, Mr. Lifpenard would certainly have been the firft
elector to whom his wifhes would have been difclofed. Agreea-
ble to Mr. Cheetham's ftatement, if Mr. Lifpenard had been
informed that there would probably be an equality of votes be-
tween the two candidates, he would have dropped Mr. Jefferion.
It follows then, that the profpect of fuch an event was never
Juggefted to Mr. Lifpenard, and that no deiire was ever ex-
prefled, that Mr. Burr alone fhould be voted for. According,
therefore, to every rational deduction, it mull be evident to the
reader, that nothing like intrigue was attempted with the elec"
* See pamphlet contain' rg nine Utters of jfamet Chcciham t
Burr, fi^f 30.
tors of this ftate. This is a poiition which, however indubita^
ble it may be, is in itfelf unfufceptible of proof. It is fufficient
that the vague afiertions on this fubject, are not warranted by
any tcftimony whkh has appeared. The authors therefore of
the calumnies againft the vice-prefldent are fet at defiance, and
folicited to reduce their idle furmifes to fpecific charges, and
to prove them. Confcious that Mr. Burr's conduct relative to
the choice of electors was uniformly unexceptionable, and that
no attempts were made to rtftrain or counteract the voluntary*
exprcflion of their fentiments in the choice of a prefident, the
enemies of Mr. Burr have wifely abandoned this ground, and
infift that his ingenuity was fteadily exerted to obtain an equality
of votes with Mr. JtfFcrfon.
As they have determinined to afcribe this courfe to Mr. Burr,
it will be well to examine what circumitanccs are relied on to
bear them out. Though this pofition, by the perfeve.-ance of
the federal minority in congrefs, and a variety of other circum-
ftances, has bee:i rendered more advantageous to the iniquitous
projects of a few ambitious men, and to the .progrefs of well
arranged and preconcerted calumnies, ilill upon a tair invejliga-
tioirit will certainly prove equally untenable.
FIRST, it is dated, that in order to induce the foutheru
ftates to give the two candidates an equal number of votes, it
was reported by the friends of Mr. Burr, that in Rhode-Ifland,
Mr. Jcfferfon would have one or two votes, and Mr. Burr
none ; thus to diffipate fouthern jealoufy, and prevent a diver-
fion in their votes.
THAT a report of this kind prevailed is certainly true, but
that it originated in difhonorable motives, is notorioufly falfe.
My knowledge of the circumftances on which it was founded,
enables me to make this declaration. It is aflerted as a fact,
which dare not be denitd, thr.t the governor of Rhode-Iflaud,
who expected to have been one of the electors, told Col. \Vil-
lett, the revolutionary officer alluded to in The View,* as well
as others, that he would vote for Mr. Jefferfon, but not for Mr.
Burr, and alfo that he had declared this to Mr. Burr himfelf,
whom he faid, approved of his intentions. Col. Willett wrote
this to feveral of his friends, which gave rife to the report in
queftion, and on what better foundation could it reft ? It is cer-
tainly fufficient to exonerate thofe who repeated it from impro-
per views. Whether it had any influence in determining the
conduct of the electors in the fouthern flates is not known, nor
is it material. But according to The View, Mr. Burr was de-
termined at all events not to have a greater, but an equal num-
ber of votes with Mr. Jefferfon. With this view, it is faid,
" the Rhode-Ifland report was circulated, and the better to en-
force its truth and enfure fuccefs to this favorite object, Mr. T.
Green was fent to Columbia, and correfponded with the vice-
prefident on the fubjel of the then approaching election, under
cover to Mr. Swartwout. To this charge thefe gentlemen re-
ply in the following manner :
" New-Tori, Oftober 1 1, 1802.
" MESSRS. DF.NNISTON & CHEETHAM,
" IN the American Citizen of this day, yon have made a
publication, to which you have affixed your names. In this
you have ftated, ift, that Timothy Green, of this City, was
difpatched as an agent to Columbia, the feat of government of
the flate of South-Carolina, by the vice-prefident. 2dly, That
he was the eulogift and interceflbr for the vice-prefident. S^ly,
That he fent the vice-prefident difpatches regularly, addrefled
to Mr. John Swartwout of this city, under cover.
" Now, as you have been moft egregioufly impofed upon by
fome diforganizing perfons, it is your duty, and mine, that the
public be immediately furnifhed with both what were and what
were not my inducements and motives, in making a journey in
"* See View, page 47..
November 1 800, to Columbia, and of my conduit while there.
For this purpofe, you will pleafe to infert in your paper of to-
mofrdw, the following corrections to your ftatement :
" I ft, 1 AVER, that I never went on any mefiage of a political
nature to Columbia, in South Carolina, or to any other place,
for the vice-prefident, or any other perfon; neither was I ever
requefted or defired by the vice-prefident, or by any other per-
fon, to go to Columbia, in South Carolina, or any other place,
on any political or electioneering miffion, of any name or nature
tvhatfoever. On the contrary, my journey to Columbia, in
South Carolina, in the year of our Lord one thoufand eight
hundred, and my engagements until my return in -1801, was
wholly unfolicited by any perfon (except my debtors in South
Carolina;) and were folely of a commercial nature, and for
which I. had been preparing eight months before.
- " 2dly, THAT I never wrote a letter to the vice-prefident of
a political nature ; neither did I write him any information re-
lative to the prefidential election in South Carolina, neither did
I ever enclofe a letter, directed to the vice-prefident, in a letter
or cover directed to Mr. John Swartwout.
" 3dly, THAT my letters to Mr. Swartwout while in South
Carolina were unfolicited, and written folely with the motive to
relieve the minds of my friends from the anxiety necefiaril a f -
tendant on a (late of fufpenfe, while an important event is hourly
expected to take place.
" 4thly, THAT I never was in the habit of eulogifing public
men, neither did I vary from my ufual manners while in South
Carolina. I had no occafion to intercede for the election of
Gol. Burr : all the fear I had while there, was left a compro-
mife might take place, as the political parties were nearly ba-
lanced in the ftate legiflature. This I did, as far as in my pow-
er, conicientioufly endeavor to prevent ; knowing that if union
and good faith were not inviolably prefervcd among th
78
tutional republicans, our past, prefent and future exertion*
would be entirely unavailing.
" TIMOTHY GREEN."
THE information contained in this letter, explicit as it is, is
confirmed and corroborated by the following one of Mr. Swart-
wout :
" FOR THE AMERICAN CITIZEN.
" Meflrs. DENNISTON & CHEETHAM,
" IN your feventh letter addrefled to Aaron Burr, Efq. vice-
prefident of the United States, published in the American Citi-
zen of the i ith inftant, I notice the following paragraph, viz.
' MEANTIME, fir, you had your eye on South-Carolina, you
difpatched an agent, Mr. Timothy Green of this city to Co-
lumbia, the feat of government of that Hate. It was queftion-
able whether South-Carolina would give you a fingle vote. At
that period you were fcarcely known in the ftate. Mr. Green
was at Columbia at leaft two months. He was your eulogift ;
your iqterceffor ; he fent your difpatches regularly; they were
addrefled to Mr. John Swartwout of this city under cover, and
by him communicated to you.'
". You will pleafe to inform the public, through the medium
of your paper, that the above paragraph, fo far as relates to
iny receiving letters under cover, or communications from Mr.
Timothy Green for Aaron Burr, is utterly deftitute of truth.
" JNO. SWARTWOUT.
Nfsa-Tork, October 13, l8o2."
BY this time I think the reader muft be convinced that Mr.
Burr never attempted to influence the fuffrages of any of the
electors, or to withhold a fingle vote from Mr. Jefferfon, and
that the equality of votes between them, was purely the refult
of acccident and good faith. This clearly appears from the
tiew which has been taken of the fubjecl; thus far, and the to-
79
tal want of teftimony to juftify the infinuattons which have beca
made.
I SHALL now proceed to examine the juftice of the cenfures
which have been fo abundantly and fcurriloufly laviflied upon
the vice prefident, in confequence of his conduct fubfequent to
its being known that he had an equal number of votes with Mr,
Jefferfon.
IT will not be denied, I prefume, that in all cafes where fpe-
cific charges are made againft an individual, the burthen of proof
refts upon the accufing party. All juft rules of inveftigation,
demand that he fhould prove his afTertions. It never can be ex-
pected that the other fhould prove a negative pofitton; that he
fhould prove his innocence, which is almoft univerfally impracti-
cable. Nor ought thofe whofe province it is to decide upon
the truth or falfhood of any given accufations that involves the
private and political reputation of an eminent and ufeful indi-
vidual, to be fatisfied with declarations that more than pre-
fumptlve teftimony cannot be adduced. This is peculiarly for-
bidden by the nature of the cafe under examination. The
enemies of the vice-prefident, after reiterating for months, the
moft injurious charges againft him, and daily offering to prove
them in a court of juftice, declaring to individuals and the pub-
lic, that the moft indubitable teftimony was in their pofTeflion,
now do not blufh to allow, in their own publications, that po-
fitive proof cannot be obtained. Infilling at the fame time,
that the ingenuity of Mr. Burr, and the intricacy of his cha-
racter, are fuch, that evidence ought to be accepted inferior to
that which would be requifite to convict any other man of dif-
honorable conduct. The modefty of thefe gentlemen, certain-
ly deferves applaufe. That Mr. Burr's charafter fhould appear
intricate to them, is not fingular. The condud of an honeft
man is always unaccountable in the view of knaves. Driven
to this humiliating confcffion, they have no other refource than
80
to attempt, by an artful exhibition of circumftances, to juflify
their fufpicions, to fix a ftigma upon his character, and fhield
themfelves from thejuft indignation of the public. Convinced
that the difpofition of the human mind is prone to fufpicion,
that it cheriflies a credulity favorable to the introduction of ca-
lumny, and that it often catches at the probability of circum-
ftances as a fure and fubftantial ground of faith, incidents the
moft trivial in their nature and accidental in their occurrence,
have been conjured up to increafe the quantity, if not the value
of their teftimony.
THE country has at length been fo deluged with ingenious
and wicked publications, under the name and in the form of
evidence, that the people are bewildered by thefe fophiftical ef-
forts of exafperated enmity. With flagitious levity they have
been led into the wide field of conjecture, and without a ray of
light to direct their Heps, have been left to wander in the laby-
rynth prepared to perplex them, until, exhaufted with unavail-
ing efforts to arrive at truth, they have refted on inferences
drawn from unfupported aflertions, and rejoice to call them
proofs. In fhort, rather than continue the labor attendant on
an accurate inveftigation into the nature and origin of the con-
troverfy in queftion, and the manner in which it has been con-
ducted, a great portion of the people have encouraged the dan-
gerous influence of firfl impreflions, and yielded to the current
of abufe, which has been impelled from its fource, by the con-
vulfions of difappointed ambition. If I (hall be fo fortunate as
to difpel this mental indolence, and awaken an accurate and
impartial examination into the evidence, which has been pro-
duced to prejudice the public mind againft Mr. Burr, by his
political opponents, I humbly hope to make manifeft their ma-
lice and his integrity.
ALL the indulgence I mall folicit on this occafion, is that
thofe who have commenced the attack on the vice-prefident,
81
(hall not be allowed to impeach the credibility of their own wit-
nefles. When they refer to perfons by name, as having a full
knowledge of the tranfactions of which they fpeak, and call
on them to fupport their ftatements, and thefe very perfons un-
equivocally deny the truth of their aflertions, it is but reafona-
ble that they fhould be concluded by their evidence, and not be
permitted to accufe them of prevarication and falfehood. It
will eafily be perceived that if this privilege is not withheld, no
controverfy can ever be terminated; for an endlefs number of
perfons may be referred to, and the period of acquital be pro-
tracted beyond the ordinary period of human exiftence. It is
believed that the pofition here contended for, will be readily re-
cognized as juft. At all events, the leaft that can be granted
is, full credit to thofe who have favored the public with any
communications on this fubject, particularly as in point of cha-
racter they are all fuperior to thofe who are oppofed to them.
IN examining this part of the charges againfl Mr. Burr, I
{hall not hazard the imputation of prolixity, as I am perfuaded
it is fufceptible of a brief and concife refutation.
HITHERTO I have confined myfelf to the order in which the
accufations againft the vice-prefident have been ftated in the
" View of his Political Conduct." But as the nine letters ad-
drefled to that gentleman by James Cheetham, are moft relied
on by their author, I fliall attack him in this his boafted fortrefs,
and begin by analyzing his eighth letter. The firfl feven are
copied verbatim, from The View juft mentioned.
THIS elaborate production commences, as ufual, with a page
or two of vague and abufive declamation againft the general
character of Mr. Burr. Then is ftated the allegation which
is now to be examined, and Mr. Burr's denial, which are a
follows :
" MR. BURR, while in the city of New- York, carried on a
" negotiation with the heads of the federal party at Wafting-
19
." ton, with a view to his election as prefident of the United
" States. A perfon was authorifed by them to confer with him
" on the fubject, who accordingly did fo. Mr. Burr affented
" to the propofitions of the negociator, and referred him to his
' confidential friend to complete the negociation. Mr. Burr
" ftated, that after the firft vote taken in the houfe of repre-
* fentatives, New- York and Tcnneflee would give in to the fe-
" deralifts." View, p. 57 8.
Mr- Burr's denial of this charge is couched in the fuccetding
terms :
" You are at liberty to declare from me, that all thofe charges
" and infmuations which aver or intimate that I advifed or coun-
*' tenanced the oppofition made to Mr. Jefferfon pending the
" late election and balloting for prefident ; that I propofed or
" agreed to any terms with the federal party ; that I affented to
*' be held up in oppofition to him, or attempted to withdraw
*' from him the vote or fupport of any man, whether in or out
" of congrefs; THAT ALL SUCH ASSERTIONS AND INTIMA-
" TIONS ARE FALSE AND GROUNDLESS."
Mr. Burr's letter to Governor Bloom-
feldy dated Sept. 21, 1 8 02.
THIS denial, explicit and peremptory as it is, coming from
a man high in office and in the eftimation of the world, whofe
veracity has never been called in queftion, is entitled to great
confideration, and full credit, unlefs the moft irrefiftible evi-
dence is produced to prove its fallacy. In it we find nothing
like evafion. No attempt to elude any charge, but a full and
fair denial of them all. No ingenious and complicated tales
therefore, no vague furmifes fhould be allowed to counteract its
force. Of thefe however is this epiflle entirely compofed. Not
a particle of direct teftimony does it contain.
THE next article in this production that arrcfts our attention
is an anonymous commuaication, furniflied as is faid by a gentle-
man of unlhmi/bed cLaraSer y and a friend of Mr. C&cet&am.
How far this is compatible, the inhabitants of this city can
readily decide. It has now become impoflible for a man to
fuftain a fair reputation, and be the companion of James Cheet-
ham. His intimacy blafts the faireft fame. " His acquaint-
ance is infamy." His fociety fixes indelible difgrace upon thofe
who tolerate his prefence. Even thofe who have goaded him
on in his career of wickednefs and folly, flirink from a faluta-
tion in the ttreet, and fteal to his refidence in the filent hours of
the night, when innocence and virtue feek repofe, but when
the fpirits of the vicious are mod turbulent and active.
THE communication in queftion is certainly too trifling to
excite any other emotion than that of contempt for its author.
But as it has been given to the public with an air of importance
and myftery, it may be well perhaps to give it a few moment*
confideration. It begins thus:
< Jr.r.e 25, 1802.
" DR. LIKN- and the Reverend Mr. Abeel of this city told
me, in a converfation I had with them, that they believed Aaron
Burr had correfponded with federal members of congrefs to get
himfelf elected prefident of the United States, and that he had
agreed to come into their meafures."
THESE gentlemen may have believed what they are here made
to fay. But if in the fequel it mould appear that their impref-
fions were received from vague report, derived from whifpera
and furmifes floating in the circles of Mr. Burr's political ene-
mies, their belief on this occafion will certainly be of little mo-
ment. From the very communication before us, it clearly ap-
pears that they had no fpecific information to fupport their
opinions.
THIS is evident; for when this obliging communicator
firft oonverfed with thefe reverend gentlemen, they leTieved that
Mr. Burr had correfpondcd with federal members of congref*,
84
for the purpofe of obtaining the prefidency of the United
States. " Sometime after, however," fays this honeft friend
of Mr. Cheetham, " I faw Mr. Abeel, and he faid it was a mlf-
take that Mr. Burr had correfponded with federal members of
congrefs, but he had made a verbal agreement with them, and
that if I wanted an inveftigation of the bufinefs, the perfon was
then in town, who would prove the fact."
AND why did not this patriotic gentleman proceed immedi-
ately to " inveftigate the bufinefs," by a direct application to
the fource from which this report was faid to iflue ? If he
had for a moment been influenced by public confiderations, and
not by malice or private enmity; if the good of the community .
had been his object, this affertion of Meffrs. Linn and Abeel
might have been examined, and if true, fubftantiated in the
fpace of a very few days. But no! Conduct thus candid, fuited
not the purpofes of Mr. Burr's political enemies. An equivo-
cal complexion was firft to be given to the political integrity of
Mr. Burr. This information was carefully concealed from his
friends, and privately communicated to Mr. Cheetham, who
through the medium of his paper was firft to poifon the public
mind, and predifpofe it to believe all the calumnies that were
in embryo and were foon to be given to the world, for the pur-
pofe of proftrating Mr. Burr's political confequence. The re-
mainder of this communication is fo extremely puerile and irre-
levant, that it is unworthy of attention. The contemptible
fource from which it is derived forbids every attempt to point
out the mifrcprefentations it contains. In this city where he is
known, the author is juftly notorious for want of veracity and
ftability of principle. It is well known that he has never told
the fame ftory twice in fuccefllon, and that the reverend gentle-
men in queftion have frequently had occafion to reftrain his im-
petuofity in the caufe of Cheetham, and forbid any references to
them for the truth of what he uttered.
85
AFTER a few remarks on this communication much is faid in
the letter under examination, about an application which is faid
to have been made by Mr. Burr to Mefirs. Linn and Abeel for
a certificate, ftating, that their information, relative to Mr.
Burr's fuppofed negociations with the federalifts, had been de-
rived from " common report." That fuch an application was
ever made by Mr. Burr or any of his friends, is fo utterly falfe,
that even thofe who know the character of Cheetham, were
aftonilhed at this initance of his audacity. If it mould be aiked
why this denial of its truth is not fanclioned by the declaration
ef Meflrs. Linn and Abeel, I anfwer, that the circumftances un-
der which I write did not allow an application to them on my
part. And above all, that it is not my duty to difprove, but
Mr. Cheetham's to fubftantiate the truth of what he advances.
I SHALL now proceed to that part of Mr. Cheeth^m's eighth
letter, which exhibits a more direct but equally impotent attempt
to prove the charge he has advanced.
THE reader will bear in mind, what Mr. Burr has been
charged with, to wit, that " he entered into a negociation with
federal members of congrefs, to obtain the prefidency of they
United States. That a perfon being authorized by them t
confer with Mr. Burr on the fubjeft, he affented to the propofi-
tions of the negociator, and referred him to his confidential
friend; ftating alfo, that after the firfl; vote taken in the houfe
of reprefentatives, New- York and TennefTee would give in to
the federalifts."
THOUGH it required uncommon patience and great labor, I
have rnoft diligently fought for- fomething like proof in this
eighth letter, to fupport thefe bold allegations, but in vain; no-
thing but vague aflertions reward the perfeverance of the reader.
ALL the collateral charges which it contains, have been in-
vented as auxiliaries to the main accufation, and are totally un-
fupported. That Mr. Ogden was requefted by federal gea-
M
86
tlemen at Wamington, to converfe with Mr. Burr on the fub-
ject of the then approaching election, is undoubtedly true ; but
what matters it whether he, or a thoufand more had been thus
deputed. Mr. Burr cannot be made refponfible for the afts of
the federal party. He could notcontroul their conduct. The
only queftions to be determined are, whether Mr. Burr accepted
any propofitions that were offered ? Whether he entered into any
engagements to adminifter the government upon principles dic-
tated by the federal party, and in violation of his own opinions
and judgment? Or whether he rejected the advances that were
made? That he did fo, fully and unequivocally, and even re-
fufed to receive their fupport, appears by the following letters :
" SIR,
"THOUGH I have not the pleafure of a perfonal aquaintance
with you, 'I flatter myfelf that the contents of this letter will
preclude the neceffity of an apology for addrefling you.
" IT has been aflerted in various publications that Mr. Burr,
during the late election for prefident and vice-prefident, entered
into negociations and agreed to terms with the federal party, or
with certain individuals of that party, with a view to advance
himfelf to the office of prefident, to the exclufion of Mr. Jef-
ferfon. Mr. Burr, in a letter to Governor Bloomfield, dated
the 2ift September laft, declared that all fuch allegations were
falfe and groundlefs; and the charges have been renewed in
more recent publications, which point to you by name, as the
perfon through whom fuch negociations were carried on and
terms concluded. It has now become interefting to a great
portion of the community to be informed how far thefe affertion*
and charges have been authorized by you, or are warranted by
your knowledge of facts.
" HAVING received frequent anonymous communications for
the Morning Chronicle, relative to thefe matters, and being un-
willing to occupy the paper with vague and unfubftantiated con-
Je&ures or remarks on a fubjecl: of fuch importance, I am in-
duced to apply directly to yourfelf as an authentic fource of in-
formation. I do this with the more confidence, from a perfua-
fion that you can have no wifh to fuffer falfe reports to circulate
under the authority of your name, for mere party purpotes;
and that, in the actual pofture of things, you cannot be averfe
to declare publicly and explicitly your agency, if any, in the
bufmefs. I take the liberty therefore of reque fling your written
declaration to the points above ftated, together with any cir-
cumftances you may be pleafed to communicate, tending to
cftablifh the truth or falfehood of the charges in queflion.
" I have the honor to be,
" very refpectfully,
" your obed't ferv't,.
P. IRVING.
** New-Tori, Nov. l^th, 1802.
" DAVID A. OGDEN, Efq."
" New-Tori, Nov. 2tfb, 1802.
" SIR,
" THOUGH I did not conceive it to be incumbent upon me,
or in itfelf proper to notice a publication in a newfpaper, in
which my name was ufed without my permifiion or knowledge,
yet I have no objection to reply to an enquiry which comes in
the mape of that contained in your letter, and from a perfon of
your Handing in fociety.
" I DECLARE that my journey to the city of Wafhington, in
the year 1 800, was purely on private bufmefs, and without any
underftanding or concert whatever with Col. Burr, whom I met
at the ftagc-office on his way to Trenton, not having had before
the kaft intimation of fuch a meeting ; and that I was not then,
or at any time, charged by him with any commifiion or errand
of a political nature. In the courfc of our journey no political
converfation took place but of a general nature, and in the pre-
fence of the paffengers.
" WHEN about to return from the city of Washington, two
or three members of congrefs, of the federal party, fpoke to me
about their views as to the election of prefident, defiring me to
converfe with Col. Burr on the fubject, and to afcertain \vhether
he would enter into terms. On my return to New-York I
called on Col. Burr, and communicated the above to him. He
explicitly declined the explanation, and did neither propofe nor
agree to any terms. I had no other interview or communica-
tion with him on the fubject, and fo little was I fatisned with
this, that in a letter which I foon afterwards wrote to a member
of congrefs, and which was the only one I wrote, I difluadcd
from giving fupport to Col. Burr, and advifed rather to acqui-
efce in the election of Mr. Jefferfon, as the lefs dangerous man
of the two, to that caufe with which I believed the public in-
tereft to be inseparably connected.
/ " THERE are no facts within my knowledge tending to efla-
' blifh the truth of the charges fpecified in your letter.
" With due refpect,
" I am, fir, your obed't ferv't,
. DAVID A. OGDEN.
" Dr. P. IRVING."
HERE then, is a complete acquittal of Mr. Burr. His cori-
du& upon the occafion, if Mr. Ogden is to be believed, was
not merely correct, but highly honorable to himfelf. From the
unreferved language of Mr. Ogden's letter, it was rational to
expect that its publication would have terminated the contro-
verfy with Mr. Burr, and convinced every impartial man that
he had been bafely calumniated by an ambitious, corrupt and
felf interefted faction; whofe members, to raife themfelves into
confcquence and power, have by violence and falfehood attempt-
ed to blaft the reputation of the moft faithful and indefatigable
89
republicans in the ftate. Previous to its appearance, the com-
munity, with great juftice exclaimed, that Mr. Ogden's decla-
ration on this fubject., would eftablifh the truth or falfehood of
the charge advanced by the enemies of Mr. Burr. They were
determined to reft the decifion of the controverfy on the con-
tents of his communication, whatever they might be, and view-
ed him now as the only remaining fource from which authentic
information could be derived. Aware of the importance of Mr.
Ogden's difavowal or recognition of the truth of their afiertions,
the editor of the American Citizen and his coadjutors, adopted
every mode their ingenuity could dcvife, to induce him to re-
main iilent. They alternately flattered and menaced him in
their paper. They declared to the world, that if he denied the
corre&nefs of their charges, they would prove him to be a man
deftitutc of veracity; and implored him, if he valued his repu-
tation, to abftain from all interference in the prefent contro-
verfy. Regardlefs, however, of their threats and impotent de-
nunciations, having no object in view but a true elucidation of
the tranfa&ion in which he was concerned, Mr. Ogden, when
addrefled by Dr. Irving, gave the public a concife, but correct
and explicit detail of the circumftances that occurred in his in-
terview with colonel Burr. And I defy the moft faftidious
cafuifl to point out any thing that occurred on this occafion,
either exceptionable, equivocal or fufpicious. Mr. Ogden ilates
exprefsly, " That his journey to Washington was purely on
private buiinefs, without the leaft concert or underftanding with
colonel Burr, whom he met accidentally at the ftage-office, on
his way to Trenton; that he was not then charged with any er-
rand or commiffion of a political nature ; that while at Wafli-
jngton he was defired by fome federal gentlemen to converfe
with Mr. Burr on the fubjecl: of the eleftion for prefident ; that
when he returned to New-York he did call on Mr. Burr as re-
qnefted." Thus far it will be conceded I truft, that no cenfure
90
tould poffibly attach to Mr. Burr. What anfwer then did Col.
Burr return to Mr. Ogden's proportion? He ftates without
hefitation " that Mr. Burr explicitly declined any explanation
upon the fubjeft, and did neither propofe nor agee to any
terms." How then, I afk, in the name of juftice and reafon,
has Mr. Burr been faithlefs to his party? That he was thus
explicit in his anfvvers to Mr. Ogden, appears from the fucceed-
in
prefentatives, appears conclusively from the ftatement contained
in the preceding pages, confirmed and corroborated by the cor-
refpondence of Meflrs. Ogden and Irving, contained in page
86, and the letters of Mr. E. Livingfton and Mr. Swartwout.
I HERE clofe the difcuffion of this pirt of the fubjcct, per-
fuaded that Mr. Burr's conduft through the whole of the left
prefidential election has been unexceptionable, and that the pub-
lic will properly appreciate the views of his enemies: that they
P
110
will clearly difcern the interefted motives that impelled them to-
the attack on the vice-prefident, and in the end do juftice to hi*
reputation.
THERE are a few inferior charges which have been made
againfl Mr. Burr, not immediately connected with the late elec-
tion, but which have been introduced to anfwer the general pur-
pofes of calumny. I foment that the limits to which I am
confined, compel me to omit a minute difcuffion of them here.
But they mail be noticed to the complete fatisfa&ion of the
community, in another publication, which will alfo comprife an
inveftigation of other local topics, connected with our political
fituation.
I WAS by no means fbny to fee the firft fymptoms of indig-
nation that were manifefted by the people againft the vice-pre*.
fident. It evinced a laudable jealoufy of the privileges they
enjoyed under their happy conftitution, and a proud determina-
tion to protect it againft the invafions of ambition. It is true
that this jealous fpirit when uncontrouled; is often irritated for
improper pnrpofes, by factious and defigning men, and when
unattended by a love of inveftigation, degenerates into tyranny.
But when by proper patience and mild demeanor, a fpirit of in-
quiry can be excited, this danger ceafes. No evil is to be ap-
prehended when the people will take the trouble to examine for
themfelves, and not rely upon the aflertions of thofe whofe in-
tereft and dcfign it is to deceive them. When they are deter-
mined to proceed with moderation and temper, to examine into
the truth of any reported defigns againft their fafety, juftice
will certainly be done; and that a juft judgment may be formed,
it will be extremely ufeful to examine from what quarter and in
what fhape the fubjedl is brought before them.
WHEN the character of an eminent individual is aflailed, and
the accufations againft him involved in myftery, and confounded
with a multitude of known falfehoods, it is a convincing proof
Ill
that they have originated in defigns deeper than thofe that arc
avowed. When they are attended with bitter and rancorous
invedlives, when paflion and malice are apparent, it difcovers an
impurity of motive, that requires the mod rigid explanation.
When too they originate with men deftitute of ftabjlity and
ilanding in fociety, who have neither refpe&ability of name, nor
weight of fortune to fupport them, but have always been found
among the factious and unworthy part of the community, a
hafty decilion (hould be avoided. This is emphatically applica-
ble to the attack which has lately been made on the vice-prefi-