The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1861-02-14
The Treason of Aaron Burr.


much from the high political and milits
ry position of the perpetrator, as fror
the deadly and comprehensive characte
of the treason itself. Burr's whole cor
duct was shrouded under a vail of snis
ter mysteriousness which rendered bin
an object of suspicion among even hi
military comrades. When the war clos
ed, and he plunged into the political me
lee which succeeded, bis natural fond
ness for mystery and intrigue, couple
with towering ambition which did no
hesitate to saize and apply the most iDfa
nous agencies to accomplish its aspira
tions, speedily laid bare the selGshnes
which formed the real substratum of bi.
character. His treason took place 81
many years ago, that few beyond the stu
dents Of American history have any jus
conception of what be intended to accom-
plish. The popular estimate of Burr's
conduct and character is correct one
but the masses are uninformed as to hi.
real designs, or to the comprehensiveness
of the plans he bad conceived and organ
lied for rendering them successful. His
treason was essentially different from that
of Arnold. It's striking similarity to
that now being practiced by Southern
men, q axes the subject worthy of being
critically examined. He corrupted only
two Senators. The present treason has
corrupted ten. His two were arrested
and indicted-why not the ten nowl
Burr's trial in the United States Cir
cait Court at Richmond. Chief Justice
Marshall presiding, vas elaborately re-
ported by stenographers. with all the vo-
luminous arguments OF counsel, and fills
three closely printed volumes. Though
much uncertainty is even now expressed
by some writer's as to what he really in
tended to accomplish, whether to dismem
Der the Republic or to invade Mexico,
get these volumes afford a clear insight
into his plans, from witnesses to whom be
coufded them, showing beyond all ques-
ton that bis treason consisted in an or.
ganized conspiracy to seize New Orleans
and make it the capital of a Government
in which be was to be chief The Court
met at Richmond on the 22d of May,
1907. Burr, who had been taken on the
Mississippi. bad given bail in $4,000 to
answer any indictment that might be
found against him, bis crime, when ar
rested, being supposed to be only mis-
demeanor. because Of the then prevalent
belief that be merely contemplated an in
vasion of the Spanish colonies, or the
planting of agricultural settlements there.
To few chosen spirits be bad avowed
the former to be his object, while to sub
ordiDates aud the public be gave out that
be Intended the latter. Hence the sup.
position that his oFense was only a mis-
demeanor. He appeared in Court a.ten-
ded By fise distinguished lawyers, while
George Hay, United States Attorney. as
sisted BY William Writ, conducted the
prosecution. AT the very outset OF the
proceedings, Burr and his counsel showed
a disposition to contest every inch of the
ground, and in this course they pertina-
oiously continued through days and weeks
of argument, SO atly and successfully as
to secure repeated rulings in their favor,
as we'll as in exte ndiDg the trial to the
3lst OF August, a period of over three
months. La these arguments, as well as
tbrougbcu the trial. Burr took an active
part, especially in challenging the jurors
His bail, pending the action of the Grand
Jury, was increased to S20,00O; but be
and his counsel managed to occupy the
tiue OF the Court with notions, objections.
and arguments, until June "a. when the
Grand Jury came in With indictments a.
gainst Burr and Blannerbasset, charging
each with misdeDeanor and treason. They
subsequently indicted jonathan Dayton,
late a United States Senator from New
Jersey; John Smith, Senator from Ohio,
and sundry others, all for treason. About
l40 witnesses we're summoned for the
prosecution.
Burr now appealed to the discretion of
the Court not commit him. asserting that
the indictment had been obtained BY per-
jury; but be was sent to prison. Pre-
viously, however, be pleaded not guilty.
On the 10Th of August, the frst juror was
called up. He said that any man acting
as Burr bad acted ought to be hung
Burr catechized him closely. and rejected
him. Most of the venire beld the same
opinion. To get at their opinions re-
quired long and patient investigation; but
on the 18th the panel was completed.-
Burr was then commanded to stand up
while the Indictment was read. Itcbarged
him With intending to disturb the peace
of the country, to "excite insurrection,
rebellion and war against the said United
States, on the tenth of December, in the
wear of Christ one thousand eight hun
dred and six, at certain plase called
and known by the name Of Blannerhas-
set island, 10 the County of Wood, and
District of Virginia, and within the iaris-
diction of this Court, and that with force
and arms. unlswfully, falsely, malicious
ty. and traitorously, be did compass, i'm
seine. and intend to levy var, insurrec-
ton. and rebellion, against the said Uni
ted States" The second count charged
him with collecting bodies of armed men