For most of his life, Burr will live like a rich man, although he will experience extreme poverty as well. Often, owing to his ability to juggle debts, he will live beyond his means. The pamphlet defends the First Continental Congress' proposal to embargo trade with Great Britain. In the document, Hamilton posits that if the colonies continued to be taxed without representation, they would descend to a condition of slavery. As he writes, Hamilton draws on his intimate knowledge of a number of philosophers, including John Locke and the Baron de Montesquieu.
Burr asks for a commission, but Washington has none to spare.
A disappointed Burr ends up joining Benedict Arnold's expedition north to attack British strongholds in Canada. At the battle of Quebec, at great risk to his own life, Burr will attempt to carry the dead body of General Richard Montgomery from the field. This brave action will hasten Burr's rise to the rank of lieutenant colonel. 1776 Alexander Hamilton raises a company of men and is commissioned as a captain in the Continental Army. Soon, he will prove that his courage extends from the field of public debate to the field of battle.