Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1882-01-13


three or four gentlemen pushed out
from one of the New York wharves,
and was rowed across the Hudson TO
the base of the picturesque heights
known as the Palisades" All nature
was in CHEEKY mood. The cloudless
sky, the fresh air of dawn, the placid
and sparkling river, not yet alive with
craft, were in strange contrast with
the errand Of these in the boat, and
with the horrid deed about to be done.
Having landed. two of the party
slowly ascended the Heights. Arrived
at the summit, they found themselves
on the rocky eminence known as Wee
hawken. They looked about, chose an
open space, and then took off their
coats and walked up and down, as if
awaiting some one.
They were Aaron Burr and his second,
MIR. Van Ness.
They did not have to wait long; for
presently second party of two ap-
peared on the height, and proved to be
Gen. Hamilton and his second, Mr..
PendletoE. The sun had now risen,
and cast his glory over the lovely
scene. The spires of the distant city
appeared through the early morning
haze. The waters spsrkled far below.
Never had a more beautiful morning
glowed on Weehawken Heights.
The two groups gravely touched their
hats to each other; not word passed
between them. Hamilton advanced TO
one end Of the open space, Burr to the
other. The two seconds arranged the
duel in low tones. Their brief coufcr-
ence ended. they proceeded to measure
of just ten PAGES with their feet, and
then they drew lots for the choice of
position.
This advantage fell to Hamilton; and
his second, unfortunately, chose spot
where the full rays of the sun would
fall upon Hamilton's s face. The secon is
next completed loading the pistols and
putting the combatants in their posi-
tions.
AS Hamilton advanced to the spot,
he was observed to cast long, linger-
ing glance toward the waking city,
where his beloved wife and seven chill
dren we're, all unconscious of the dread
full scene in which the husband and
father was taking part. Barr, mean
while, turned his eyes the other way,
toward the woods.s
The final moment had now arrived.
AS Mr.. PendietoD gave Hamilton his
pistol, he asked in whisper.
"Will you have the hair-spring se.?"
"Not this time," replied Hamilton.
He had made up his mind to Ere in the
air.
Both combatants and seconds were
now in their positions. At the word
present" the former were told they
might fire as they pleased. Hamilton
locked straight at Burr; Burr held his
head little one side, as if measuring
the distance with his eye.
"Are you ready?" said Mr.. Pendle-
ton, in a distinct, sole mn vsice.
RAkh
replied, Yes"
present " cried the second.
In an instant, Burr had taken steady
aim and fired. Hamilton's ball whizzed
through the branches above Burrs
head; at the same moment he jumped
up with a spssmodic movement, re-
mained an instant on his toes, and fell
heavily on the ground on his face.
Burr's bullet had entered his right side
and had done it's fatal work. From
the first it was clear that the wound was
mortal.
Burr and his second fastened down
the hill, jamped into their boat and
rowed rapidly away to the city. Mr..
Pendleton raised poor, bleeding Ham,
ilton in his arms, and a surgeon who
had been waiting below examined the
wound.
Then Hamilton was borne down the
steep, laid in the boat and carried to
his home in New York. His family
were distracted with grief when they
saw bis almost lifeless form and heard
what had happened.
All that medical ecience and loving
care could do, we're done to save him.
But after lingering, patient in his suf-
fering, and with mind scarcely dimmed,
for thirty one hours, he passed away on
the next afternoon in the arms of his
grief-stricken wife.
The horror with which this event
struck the community was deep and
universal. Burr was forced to fly be-
fore the storm OF detestation that arose
around him, and for many weeks dis
appeared from public view. And
though he survived his bloody deed
more than thirty years, he never out
lived the deep stain it cast upon his
name, the obloquy with which it Gov
cred him, or the misery OF the remorse
with which its recollection haunted
im.-IYouth's Companion.
Flo CAKE.-Two cups of white sugar,
two-thirds cup of butter, one cup of