The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-06-15
From the Savannah Courier.]
THE LATE AARON BURR.

| [Frum the Savannah Courier.]
THE LATE AARON BURR.
The quiet erection of tombstone over
his unmarked grave, in the Princeton yard
has called TO mind the name of Aaron
Burr. Near fifty eventful years of our
country's history have come and. gone
since his strange and brilliant career was
run, during which time many things have
occurred to call his memory from oblivion
but scarcely breath Of air-certainly not
a regretful sigh-has borne it from the
tomb. His was not one Of hefewimmor-
tai names that were not born to die; at
least for the present, the world has agreed
to forget him. Possibly it means no re-
Election thereby. 1t has also forgotten the
lamented John Wells, Jacob Van Vecthen
and Elisha Williams, his brilliant coHpet-
itors at the bar. Even Hamilton, his tar
get victim. is no longer remembered.
As for Burr, there are many reasons
why he should have been so soon forgot!
ten. Tradition and legend have handed
down his name blackened byeyery crime.
Long before his death, even when poor,
wretched and alone in the world he stem
med misfortune's tide, the world had re-
solved to forget him. No one spoke 10
him nor seemed to notice him, as engag-
ed in tine active duties of an arduous pro-
fession, he walked the populous streets Of
New York. If met. in the stage coach,
no one addressed him; if on the ferry
which conducted him to his solitary island
home, he was not recognized. In some
cases it might have been because Of his
thread bare coat; in others, like all men,
he was naturally forgotten, when his pow
er is lost, he had no moro favors to give.
and the once brilliant hgh. no longer at
tracted the fitting moth; but it canno, be
disguised that those had forgotten, who
should have remembered him he was
stunned in the street; his friends did not
know him; if pointed out at q distance. it
was as one who had the, accursed mark
Of Cain upon him. 10 s-z
| We do not know sublimer picture than
that presented by this celebrated man, in
the last hours Of declining life. His early
course had been peculiarly successful
He was soldier of the revolution, distin-
guished for courage, and skill, and actiyi-
ty; his reputation had been high at the
bar. as trusty councillor and eloquent
advocate; he had been a successful poll.
ton, admired for his tact, and loaded with
the favors Of the people; he had also been
Vice President OF the United States and
presided over the Senate with impartiality
and dignity; as he concluded his farewell
address, there was not dry eye in the
chamber. Added to all these public hon.
ors, happy domestic relations were the
crowning jewels Of his happiness. He was
proud of his descent from two of the best
stocks in the country he was the favored
scion Of the houses of Edward and Burr.
He had the choicest education that could
be afforded, and his proficiency was such
as to make his nearest and fondest rela-
tons rejoice. He was also happy in his
marriage. the fruit of which was daugh.
ter, of whom airy father might have been
proud. She was beautiful in person, in.
telligent in mind, and gifted with lively
fancy, and brilliant imagina alton. These
natural gifts had been cultivated by the
most careful education. The conversa-
ton Of the daughter, when child, was
his pride. Given to the man of her own
and fathers choice, who also stood high
in his alive State, as a gentleman, schol-
ar, and successful statesman, she was the
. mother OF a beautiful son, not more the
parents JOY than the grandfather's pride.
This little pledge that the family should
not die and become extinct, also bore the
name of Aaron Burr Thus happy in his
public relations and domestic circle, con-
nected with the past by proud and glori.
Gus remembrances with the future by q
golden link, what was wanting to fill up
the cup Of his happiness Nothing, per-
haps. save the right judgement of Solon,
who counted the poor and obscure, but pi.
Eous Athenian, the, happiest men. in prefer
Eenee to the proud and wealthy Lydian
4 King. .o@.l ssr, gay Sort i'aab ,s.a -
In q moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
all this happiness was melted down and
became as dross-the golden realities tha,
already reached through three generations
became as vision thati is passed. fear
full recontre drove Aaron Burr, the soldier
the statesman, an outlaw from the land
\ A price was SET upon his head. He was
hunted from town to town, city to city
;, He fled in disguise from the face Of man
| He was tried for treason and his fair fame
Eblackened forever. His small fortune
gradu melted away, he was wander
! eT and beggar upon the face Of the earth
4 His daughter, on her way to visit him and
J soften hiS.woes, was seized and barbar
fously murdered by pirates. His grand
i Ichild was cut down and iwilted in death
1 relatives disowned him. With all this
! Aaron Burr sunk nots--hef walkeds erect a
i eighty years of age amongst those who
q despised him. Il was Lear. facing the
'fstorm. .s5assE lsgs