The weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1883, 1883-02-14

barring a natural ease, an unde;inabte
Superiority, which So silently and YET
,r,.,bi::liy c,inres i.sini;iarity with re
iiu,'i = ..i.t' and .i.-.s ih,':b,iabic tvl-
dence vI xvn.ccl c:,iin:, H.. had AZ
parently numbered fifty years, and yei
time had 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 it
left his broad, white forehead quite bare
giving q classical cast to his features.
His cheek was pale and thin, his brow
thoughtful and tingcd with the shadows
of care, perhaps Of sorrow, while his
black, brilliant and singularly fascinating
eye lighted upa face,-once seen could
never be forgotten. He was below the
ordinary stature, though well knit and
finely proportioned. Finally, the tout
ensenNe was that Of a gentleman-a man
Of intellect, acquainted with the world,
with men, and, withal, a penetrating
judge Of character.
As he entered the bar Martin Van
Buren, was in the act Of closing an argu-
ment thatAaa occupied the attention Of
thee eGliGSfft several hours Turning totake
his seat, he recognized the stranger who
sat near him as Aaron Burr.
Colonel Burr was at this time unknown
in the politics of the nation, though he
had occupied seat in the Senate Of the
United States; had contended with JEFF
ferson for the Presidential chair, missing
the great prize by one vote, and winning
the vice-Presidency with little opposi-
ton. He was now merely lawyer, but,
as we have said, one of the ablest in the
profession, and the rival of Alexander
Hamilton. 1t has been said that each of
these great men had a high, if not ex-
alted, opinion of the others talents.
Colonel Burr was compelled to remain
at Utica for several days. During this
time he divested himself of that reticence
and coldness which usually characterized
his intercourse with strangers, and he
became a general favorite of the mem-
bers of the bar present One afternoon
a number of young lawyers were anus
ing themselves by shooting at a mark
with pistols. As the exercise continued
long after the adjournment Of court for
the day, many lawyers and others were
witnesses Of the sport. Among the most
deeply interested spectators was Colonel
Burr While keenly watching the effect
of each shot, a young lawyer approaching
him said: -
ut is many years since Was soldier,
and have but little practice with the
pistol since leaving the army. Times of
peace do not, or at least, they should not
furnish OCCASION for its use, since those
occasions often leave regret. But l
will accept your invitation-at least l
will shoot once at the target. That will
be sufficient for my unpracticed hand.
Let me see your pistols"
Several were brought him. Selecting
one Of Them, he balanced it carefully a
moment in his hand, sighted across its
barrel, then also taking his stand Il, the
line from which contestants fired, he
raised his arm and presented the pistol.
1t was moment Of intense, almost dra-
pistol in hand, stood Aaron Burr; the
verv arm oustretched which, on the
heights of Weehawken, laid the illustri-
ous Hamilton cold in death. The very
eye that WAS now sighting the pistol had
cleaned along deathful weapon in
mortal combat; beheld his foe sink at his
feet bathed in blood. But quick fash
"a sharp report broke the spell that held
the .spectators-the bullet had sped;
Aaron Burr had sent 1t home TO the cen
tire of the target. 4 faint smile passed
over his features as an exclamation of
astonishment, announced the unerring
shot. Handing the weapon to its owner,
he turned and left the field.