The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1875-12-22
TUrr and Hamilton.
THEIR FAMOUS DUEL, RESULTING n
THE DEATH OF HAMILTON.

Tho duel between Aaron Burr and
Alexander Hamilton was fought early
ON the morning Of July II, 1901.
The preliminary correspondence had
begun on the 10th Of June, William
=. Van Ness being tho friend of
Burr, and Judge Nathaniel Pcndlo
ton acting for Hamilton. The chal-
longe was at length givon by Burr
and accepted, and the parties pre-
pared for the meeting. Hamilton
executed his will, stating several
reasons why he should not fight a
duel, but still yielding to the pre-
vailing sentiments and demand Of
The time. Burr, tho night before,
wrote some letters, and thon lay
down and slept till morning.
The spot selected for the combat
was at Wcehawken, in Hudson coun-
ty, Now Jersey, about two miles and
half above Hoboken, and opposite
Sixty-fourth street in Now York. It
was a quiet nook in tho rock above
tho North River shore.
Ton full PAGES were measured, and
then they cast lots for the choice of
position and to decide who should
give the word. General IIamilton's g
second won in both cases. The pis
tolls were thon loadcd in presence
of all, and the principals placed.
Hamiltons position faced tho river
and the city, It was unfortunate,
for the sun and the glancins waves
might have intcrfercd. But in tho
end it mattcrcd not. Burr was
faced toward tho heights under
which they stood.
Judge Pcndlcton handed the pis.
pistol to Hamilton, and asked
"Wiil you havo tho hair spring
sot ?" Q
Not this time" was the quiet an
swcr.
Pcndleton then explained the
rules under which they were to fire,
as follows "rhc parties being sta
toned, the second who gives tho
word shall ask them whether thcv
are ready. Upon boing answered in
the affirmative, he shall say Present /
After this tho parties shall present,
and fire when they please. If one
fires before tho other, the opposite
second shall say, One, two, three
fire ! and he shall then fire, or lose
his fire."
Pendloton asked if they were
ready. Upon being answered, he
gave the word ''Prescnt!" Both
parties presented, and tirod in sue.
ccssion. The seconds did not prc.
ciscly agree as to the succession OF
shots, but it is believed that Burr
fired first, and that Hamiltons shot
was Involuntary Colonel Burr's
shot took effect, and Hamilton fol-
almost Mi.an! .y against the boulder
his pistol going off at the moment
Burr then advanced toward Ham
ilton with with n air and gesture
expressive of regret. But being
urged from the field by his fricnd
ho turned about and withdrew, his
friend shielding him with nm um
brella to prevent recognition by the
boatmcn and surgeon, who wcr,
then approaching. Burr returned
home to breakfast.
Hamilton's second sprang forward
and lifted the general to sitting
posture. The ball had struck
middle Of II rib and fractured it, ant
then lodged in his spino. DR.. Ho
sack says: ellis countenance O
death [ shall never forget. Tic ha,
at that instant just strength enough
to say This is q mortal wound
DOCTOR, when he sank away m,
became to all appearances lifolesf
His pulses were not to DO felt, an,
upon layingmy hand upon his hear
md percoiving no motion there,
considered him as irrcvocabIy gone
], however, observed to Mr.. Pen
dlcton that the only chance for HI
r'viv'rg WAS Immediately to got hin
upon the water. We therefore lift