Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-02-04
AARON BURR.

AARON BURR.
Prom the forthcoming oFifty Years of Eventa: Po.
liticsl Poesical Historical" By John Barney.
In 1903, witnessed the dignity, impartiali-
ty and winning grace with which Aaron Burr
presided in the Senate of the United States,
st the trial of Judge Chase, impeached for par
tiality and Injustice towards John Fries, in
dictcd under the Alien and Sedition Law.
I attended his rial in Richmond, when he
himself was indicted for treason. His prom-
nent counsellor WAS Luther Martin, of Balt-
more, my fathers lawyer, neighbor and friend.
Annexation was not as much the order of the
day as now. 1t was premature then to take
possession of Texas. The pear was not ripe
his treason consisted in plotting the annexation
of Louisiana to Texas, where he might rule as
president of the little confederacy. His hori-
=on hereafter to include within its radi-
ance Mexico, and we are now leisurely carry
ing ont his mad designs.
His daughter Maria, afterwards celebrated
a. Mrs. Richard Reynal Keene, invited my Sis
ter and self to dine with Col. Burr. He was
then living ina house, standing alone, around
which was patrol OF guards
The dinner was superb, abounding in ali the
luxuries which YirGinia's generous soil yields
in lavishing abundance. Twenty ladies and
gentlemen Of rank, fortune and fashion graced
the festive board. Burr was esteemed per-
secuted martyr; distress, in every form and
shape, makes an irresistible appeal to womans
sympathy. Her tears often flow for the suffer-
ings of the criminal, who expiates his crimes
on the gibbet. On this occasion, Burrs fasci-
mating batteries were llvished indiscrimnate-
iy on the sex in general. Man, he had ever
found treacherOus; woman always true TO sus-
tain him in adversely, solace him in affliction,
giving charm to life, without which life was
not worth possessing.
The Grand Jury finding true bill, Burr was
forthwith removed 70 the State Prison. There
we followed him. He received Us in his usual
tland, courteous manner, apologised for our
being introduced into his bedchambcr, his
drawing room being then deranged by fitting
up of his ice house, which was in fact, his
chimney corner. Iron grating prevented his
egress, admitting free circulation of light
and air. felt pride, and took pleasure in be-
ing permitted 10 become his amanucasis.-
Each day as rode along the street, ms currf-
Gle was freighted with cake, confectionery,
flowers redOlent with perfume, vreathcd into
fancy boquct of endless variety. The trial was
tedious and prolonged. l travelled on to the
borders Of North Carolina, and fingered for a
while at the noble mansion Of Lady Skpwith.
On the return, found the persevering At
torney General, George Hay, irritatcd and IA
tigued. .'Would that could only hang upon
a gate, with little negro to swing me to and
all oil fba citI
pleading of the bar, its interminablc contro-
versies, have worn out and exhausted me.
shant be able to hang Burr; but will be able to
hang myself on gate" Thus spoke George
Hay, than whom never lived purer patriot, or
a more conscientious man. His wife was a
daughter OF James Monroe, the modest, reti-
ring President, worthy compcer of Jefferson
and Madison. Praise is thus cx hausted. BUR-
was acquitted. He came 10 Baltimore-was
feasted by Luther Martin. He rose from the
dinner table, threw open the window, CRATE
fully, and gracefully bowed to volunteer com
pany in full feathers, commanded by Captain
Leonard Fraily. A band of music cheered
him, with lively air. He accepted the dis
tnguished honor conferred upon him.
When my friend, Christophe: Hughes touch
cd his arm, and said, ssColonel, they are play
ing the roguc's march with charged bayonets,"
the windows closed, the wine circulated,
and we calmly arrived at the conclusion that
Capt. Fraily was very officious volunteer.
The next day, stroling down Market street,
arm in arm with my prosecuted friend, Mr..
Hughes overlook us. "Culonel,'' said he,
"you should pass Light street without looking
down. Fountain Inn is surrounded by group
Of your admiring friends. Captain Fraily is
out of uniform to-day, but there is general
desire manifested 10 give you warm recep-
tion in citizens clothes. You must take yonr
departure without further civil or military
honors being conferred upon YOU" With his
accustomed celebrity of action and excellent
j"dgmentyhe called a hack. "Jump into it.,
Colonel; my friend Barney will accompany
you. fou~"ill have pleasant drive out to
Herring Run. Twill secure seat in the stage
coach, take charge Of your baggage, swap you
for my freud Barney, bring him home, and
send yon on your way rejoicing at escape OF
ecins bnstlsd ty Baltimore mob II fear