Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-08-01
BuRR IN COURT.
TheOdosia and Her Father-Burr
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From Prector's Bench and Bari
In the autumn of the year Of 1918 a
court held its sittings at Utica, New
York, which was largely attended by
legal gentlemen from various parts OF
the State. AS the second day OF the
term was drawing to close, gentle
man, whose appearance indicated that
he had Just arrived in town, entered the
courtroom, 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 bearing a natural ease, an inde-
Unable superiority, which so silestly,
yet truthfully, evinces familiarity with
refined society. He had apparently
numbered fifty years, and yet time had
lightly pressed his signet seal upon
him, for much of the vivacity OF the
youth still fingered on his visage. His
hair had begun to turn gray and at
the side of his head was slightly bushy,
but worn back from his face and tenn
Piles left his broad, high forehead quite
bare, giving classic cast to his features.
His cheek was pale and thin, his brow
thoughtful and tinged with the shadow
of care, perhaps of sorrow, while his
black, brilliant and .singularly fascinat-
ing eye lighted up and animated a face
once seen could never be forgotten. He
was below .ae ordinary stature, and his
frame was somewhat slender, though
we'll knit and fair proportioned. FL
nally, the tou. ensemble was that OF a
gentleman-a man of intellect, ac-
quainted with the world, with men, and
withal of character.
As he entered the bar, Martin Van
Buren was in the act Of closing an argu.
ment 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 Bnrrl" said Van Buren in
low tone of voice, extending his hand,
II am very glad to see you. Our cause
was reached this morning, but as could
not think of defanlting you in your alb
sence, which ] believe was unavoidable,
| exchanged onr case with the one just
submitted. | hope, Colonel, you are
we'll
"Quite well, thank you am obliged
to you for this courtesy. | did not leave
New York as soon as | expected, and it
is a long way here Madame Justice is
getting mercnrial, fancy, since she is
establishing her temples so far into the
interior of our State. But ! suppose
our case is the next one to be tried2
"No, Colonel, an sorry to say that
there is preferred cause of some kind
that is to be disposed of next " At this
period in the conversation, the voice OF
the crier announced the adjournment of
court until the next morning, and the
two lawyers left the courthouse together.
The reader is already aware that the
stranger who has been described was
Aaron Burr-a name conspicuous IN
American history. His fall from great
ness--his pecuniary misfortunes--had
compelled hin to resume the practice Of
a profession in which be 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 of those great ejectment suits, which
in the early hictory Of the State occupied
SO much of the attention of its courts.
Van Buren at this time was ege Of the
oblest lawyers at the bar, State bens-
tor and politician of rare political abili-
ties, skilled in the art of managing the
inclination and prejudices of the people;
welding an influence which rendered
him a powerful, if not successful, rival of
Dewitt Clinton.
Co,anel Burr was at this time unknown
in tbe poEties Of the State and nation,
tboueh he had seeupied a seat in the
senate Of the United States, had con-
tended with jefferson for the Presidential
chair of the nation, missing the great
prize BY two or three votes, and winning
the Vice Presidency with little .opposl-
ton. He was now merely the lawyer.
A few years after his admission to the
bar he removed from Albany to New
York city, where he became a successful,
though friendly, rival Of Alexander Ham
ilton. II has been said that each OF
these great men had high. if not an
exalted opinion Of the others talents.
To the strength and facility Of Hamil.
TONS lamentations, his fine rhetorical
mowers. his occasional flashes Of poeticai
genius, his acute reasoning powers, and
tbe force of his defamation, Burr paid
he tribute Of his admiration. The latter
valued himself little upon his oratOrical
powers. His pleadings at the bar we're
more in the style Of conversation than
oratory-the conversation OF al enlight-
ened. Eelleducsted, thorough-diseiplned
lawyer. In replying 70 Hamilton ssplean-