Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-08-26
II II : II Il
Sharon 8urr..


TT was our intention, in giving an account
CT the trial of aaron Burr, to omit alto
gether any publication of the evidence
until the decision should haze taken
place en- the ground that we supposed
it would be out of our power Consistent
ly with the desire of keeping pace with
the most interesting events as they should
occur to insert in a newspaper the iden-
sico!words of the witnesses and we tho't
itimproper to give only sketch or state
Tent If the substance of their testimony.
However, as 4 short pause in the pro-
cecdings lately took place, time has been
allowed US To CRAFTY the readers Of the
Argus withan accurate report Of the evil
dence of General Eaton, very nearly IN
the words used by himself. The curiosi-
ty OF the public being greatly excited to
know the true nature and character OF
the important charges against the pri-
soner and turned more particularly to-
wards the evidence, than even towards
the eloquent arguments and numerous
law authorities adduCcd OH both sides !;
we shall endcavor 10 furnish full and faith
flu Statements, with as much expedition
as possible, Of the testimony Of the other
persons who have been and may hereaf-
ter be examined If any deficiencies
should occur in the success Of our endea-
vors to mention the precise expressions Of
any witness or it seme circumstances
should be omitted we hatter ourselves,
the deficiencies will be Slight, and the
omissions not of any important particu-
lar. We crave, however, the indula cncc
of the gentlemen (whose testimony is at
tempted to be reported) for any inaccu-
racies which they may observe; and
hope that indulgence will be granted, as
we never dcSignedly will state a word
incorrectly, or voluntarily fail to insert
any circumstances necessary to perfect
transcript Of their evidence
Mr. Eaton enquired whether lie might
DE permitted TO have recurrence his notes
ChictIuStice. Were they written by YOUR
sell? Mr.. Eaton. They were. Mr.. GYck-
han. At what tine; Mr.. Eaton. At d,f-
icrent times. MIR. Burr. What is the ma :
ture Of Them? a. They are nothing but
memoranda taken from notes, which made
OF the conversations between you and NY
self, at the times that they passed.-The
court decided that they were not atlmissi-
bic. Mr.. Eaton. May ask one further
indulgence from the court have been
long before the public.-Much structure s
some severity have passed upon me. Nav
L, IN stating my evidence, be permitted 70
make some explanations about the motives
of my own conduct! chef Justice. Per-
haps 1t would be more correct for the court
to uecide upon the propriety of the expla..
nation, when the particular case occurs.
Some cases may require it: And if any OBJ
lection is made TO YOUR explanations, then
the court will decide upon it,
Mr.. Eaton. Concerning any overt act.
which gees to prove Aaron Burr guilty of
treason, know nothing. CONCERNING GER
tain transactions which are SAID to have
happened at Biannerhasset's Island ,,or A.
ny agency which Aaron Burr may be sun
posed to have had in them, know moth
ing. But concerning Col. BIS expressions
of reasonable intentions, ! know much and
it is to these that my evidence relates
Mr.. Martin. / know not, how far the
courts opinion extends Chir( Justice. 1t
is this: that any proof Of intention formed
before the act itself, if relevant to that
act, may be admitted. One witness NAV
prove the intention at one time and ano-
Their may prove it at another so as to prove
the continuance of the intention through
out the whole transaction and therefore
the proof Ct very remote intentions NAV be
relevant to this particular act. Mr.. Mar
nm. trust thar when he speaks Of trea-
sonable intention not applicable to this act,
the court willstop him.
Mr.. Eaton. During the winter of 9O5- 6.
] cannot be positive rs to the distinct point
of time, yet, during that winter, at the CT
ty Of Washington, Aaron Burr signified 70
me that he was organizing secret expedi-
tlon to be moved against the Spanish Pre-
vinces on the South Western Frontiersofthe
United States. 1 understood under the au
thority of the General Government From
cur existing controversies with Spain, and |
from the tenor of the Presidents Commu |
to both Houses of Congress, a con- |
c.usion was naturally drawn, that war with |
that power was inevitable. had lust then
returned from the coasts Of Africa, and ha-
wing been for many years employed onyour
frontiers or on a coast more barbarous and |
obscure, was ignorant of the estimation in
which Col B. was held by his country
The distinguished rank he had held in So
;iety and the strong marks Of confidence
which he had received from his fellow-ci-
lzens, did not permit me TO doubt of his
patriotism. As n military character, / had Ii
'eeD made acquainted with none within The
United states, under whose direction q /,
.oidier might with greater security cCuG1c .
Us honor In case Of my crun,rv's being /
uVolvcdin war, / should have thought II :
ny duty 20 obey so honorable 2 call: as I
vas proposed to me. Under impressions 4
Ike these, ] did engage 10 embark in the Z
.nterprize, and pledged myself 70 Col ne S
confidence At several interviews, IL an Z
n HHrI fF. Nsa /