Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-15
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"REMINISCENCES OF THE LIFE OF AARON
BURR.

"REMINISCENCES OF THE LIFE OF AARON
BURR.
In the autumn of the year 1S4s, court
held its sittings at Utica, N. Y, which was
largely attended by legal gentleman from
various parts of the state. As the second
day of the term was drawing to a close, a
gentleman, whose appearance indicated
that he had just arrived in town, entered
the court room, and walking directly to the
bar, seated himself among the lawyers.
There was something in his appearance
that attracted attention. The most casual
observer could not fail to detect in his bear
ing natural ease, and the d, Unable supe-
riority which so silently, yet truthfully,
evinces familiarity with refined society.
He had apparently numbered fifty years,
and yet time had eighty pressed his sig
net seal" upon him, for much of the vivac-
ity of youth still fingered on his visage.
His hair ha6 begun TO turn gray, and at the
side of his head was slightly bushy, but
worn back from his face and temples left
his broad and high forehead quite bare,
giving classic cast to his features. His
cheek was pale and thin, his brow thought
full and tinged with the shadow of care,
perhaps of sorrow, while his black, bril-
liant and singularly fascinating eye, light
ed up and animated face once seen could
never be forgotten. He was below the or
binary stature, and his frame was some
what slen, err, though well knit and fair
propo rtioned. Finally, the tout ensemble
was that of a gentleman-a man of intel
lect, acquainted with the world, with men,
and, withal, penetrating judge of charac-
ter.
AS he entered the bar, Martin Van Bu-
rem was in the act of closing an argument
that had occupied the attention of the court
for several hours. Turning to take his
seat, he recognized the stranger who was
near him.
"Colonel Burr" said Van Buren, in a low
voice, extending his hand, IT am very glad
to see you. Our cause was reached this
morning, but as 1 could not think of de.
faulting you in your absence, which l be-
lieved 10 be unavoidable, exchanged our
cas- with the one just submitted. | hope,
Colonel, you are WELL"
quite well, thank you; / am obliged
for this courtesy. / did not leave New
York quite as soon as 1 expected, and it is
long way here. Madame Justice is getting
mercurial, fancy, since she has established
her temples SO far in the interior of our
state But suppose our case is the next
one to be tr ed?'
mo, Colonel, am sorry to say that there
is prefer red case of some kind that is to
be disposed of next" At this period in
the conversation the voice of the crer an
nounced the adjournment Of court until
the next morning, and the two lawyers left
the court house together.
The reader is already aware that the
stranger who has been described was Aar-
on Burr-a name conspicuous in Americ-
an history. His fall from greatness-his
pecuniary misfortunes-had compelled him
to resume the practice of profession in
which he had few, if any rivals, and which
had been to him a stepping stone TO the
highest honors.
He was at Utica on this occasion as the
opponent of Martin Van Buren, in one o
those great ejectment suits, which, in thu
early history of the state occupied so muct
of the attention of its courts. Van Burer
at this time was one of the ablest lawyer,
at the bar-a state senator and politician o
rare political abilities, skilled in the art o
managing the inclination and prejudices o
the people, welding an influence whief
rendered him powerful, if not successful
rival Of De Witt Clinton.
Colonel Burr was at this time unknown
In the politics of the state and nation
though he had occupied seat in the SEN
ate Of the United States, and had contend
ed with Jefferson for the Presidential chat
OF the nation, missing the great prize by
two or three votes, and winning the Vic,
Presidency with little opposition. He wa
now merely the lawyer. A few years afte
his admission TO the bar he re moved from
Albany to New York city, where he be
came successful, though friendly rival @
Alexander Hamilton. 1t has been saidtha
each of these great men had a high, If nc
exalted, opinion of the others talents. T
the strength and facility of Hamilton's i'm
aginations, his fine rhetorical powers, hi
occasional flashes of poetical genius, hi
acute reasoning powers, and the force o
his defamation, Burr paid the tribute G