The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-02-28
sr0nIEN OF AARON pURR.
Tho Great Advocate and Fallen states
man In Court nj uIIcn.


STORIES or AARON BURR.
Tho Great Advocate and Fallen states
man In Court nj Utica.
In the autumn OF 1Sl6a term OF the Su-
preme Court held its sitting at Utica, N.
Y, which was largely attended by legal
gentlemen from all parts Of the State. As
the second day Of the term was drawing to
a close, a gentleman whose appearance in
dicated that be had just arrived in town,
entered the court room, and walking d.
rectly to the bar, seated himselfamong the
lawyers. There was something in his ap-
pearance that attracted attention. The
most casual observer could not fail to de-
tect in his bearing natural case, an indie
Unable superiority, which 80 silently and
yet truthfully evinces familiarity with re-
fined society, and gives indubltable evil
dence Of genteel breeding. He had appar-
emily numbered fifty years, and yet time
bad eighty pressed its signet seaP' upon
him, for much Of the vivacity OF youth
still fingered on his visage. His hair had
begun to turn gray, and at the sides OF his
head was slightly bushy, but worn back
from his face and temples 1t left his broad
white forehead quite bare, giving q
classical cast TO his features. HIS cheek
was pale and thin, his brow thoughtful
and tinged with the shadows Of care, per-
haps Of sorrow, while his black, brilliant
and singularly fascinating eye lighted up a
face once seen could never be forgotten.
He was below the ordinary stature, though
well knit and finely proportioned. Finally,
the tout ensemble was that Of q gentleman
a man Of intellect. acquainted with the
world, with men, and-withal, q penetrating
Judge OF character.
As he entered the bar Martin Van Buren,
was in the act oil closing an argument that
had occupied the attention ofthe court for
several hours. Turning to take his seat,
he recognized the stranger who sat near
him.
Colonel Burr" said Van Buren, in a low
voice, extending his hand, ~ am very glad
to see you. Our cause was reached this
morning, but as l would not think OF de-
faulting you in your absence, which I be-
lieve to be unavoidable, / exchanged our
Colonel, you are well"
"Qlite well, rthank you. am obliged
to you for your courtesy. l did not leave
New York as soon as expected, and 1t is
long way here. Madame Justice is get
ting mercurial l fancy, when she is estab-
fishing her temples 80 far in the interior OF
the State. But ours is the next case 10 be
heard?"
'a'No Colonel, am sorry to say that there
is q preferred case Of some kind that Is to
be disposed OF next"
At this period OF the conversation crier
announced an adjournment Of court till
the next morning, and the two lawyers left
the court together.
Colonel Barr was at this time unknown
to the politics Of the nation, though he had
occupied q seat In the Senate OF the United
States; had commended with Jefferson for
the Presidential chair, missing the great
prize by one vote, and gaining the Vice
Presidency with little opposition. He was
now only a lawyer, but as we have said,
one OF the ablest in the profession, and q
rival Of Alexander Hamilton. 1t has been
said that each Of these great men had q
high, II not exalted opinion Of each others
talents.
Burr Invested the reason and philosophy
OF the law Of that briliancy with which
Hamilton, by dazzling the senses, carried
them captive at his will. The former
valued himself little upon his oratorical
powers, and yet he was exceedingly elo-
quent. His pleading at the bar was more
in the style OF conversation than oratory-
the conversation Of an enlightened, we'll
educated and thoroughly.disciplined law
yer. In replying 10 Hamilton's splendid
legal speeches he would select the vulner-
able, yet vital points, and quietly demolish
them, leaving nothing untouched. In q
twenty.minute speech he has been known
to- completely neutralize the effect Of
Hamilton's long, elaborate and ornate adj
dresses.
Colonel Burr was compelled to remain
at Utica for several days. During this time
he Invested himself Of that reticence and
GOODNESS which usually characterized his
intercourse which strangers, and he be-
came general iavorite Of the members Of
the bar present. One afternoon number
Of young lawyers were amusing themselves
by shooting at a mark with pistol. As the
exercise continued after the adjournment
OF court for the day, many lawyers and
Others were witnesses Of the sport, Amongst
the most deeply interested spectators was
Colonel Burr. While keenly Watching the
effect Of each shot a young lawyer approach
ing him, said:
"Coloncl Burr, we should be very happy
to witness your skill at target shooting"
"Ay skill at target shooting? How came
you to suppose have any skill as marks.
man 2" said Burr, fixing his keen eye upon
the young man.
"You are an old soldier, Colonel Burr,
and have always heard you spoken Of as
the best shot in America," said the young
man.
at Is many years since was a soldier,
and have but little practice with the pis.
tol since leaving the army. Times Of peace
do not, or, OF least, they should not, furnish
occasions for It's uae, since those occasions
often leave regret. But will accept your
inyitatiou-at least will shoot once at the
target. That will be sufficient for my un-
practiced hand. Let me see your pistols"
Several were brought him. Selecting
one OF them, he balanced It carefully q
moment In his hand, sighted across its bar
rel, then also taking his stand at the line
from which contestants fired, he raised his
arm and presented the pistol. II was 9
moment Of intense, almost dramatic inter
est Before the spectators, pistol in hand
L ~ IA u