The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-11-10

prise that promised even hope of re-
tricving his character, and in any at
tempt for that purpose Burr intended to
signalize himself elsewhere, not doubt.
ing but success would blunt the malice
of many Of his enemies, and that this
would in the end enable him to atone
for the death Of Hamilton, for whose
memory he cherished the greatest re-
spect, and declared that Alexander
Hamilton had been used by worse men
for the purpose of getting rid Of one or
the other or, if possible, both.
Burr's first step was to open cor
| respondcnce with some of the leading
men in Mexico and then to travo orse the
| Western States, for the purpose OF
sounding some Of the most influential
citizens Of the Mississippi valley and
their success in both undertakings sur
passed even what they had been wont
to. expect. 1t ives found that many
men in the Western country had ideas
of conquest and fame. There were
many such men in the valley Of the
Mississippi and in all the Spanish do
minions in America besides, while the
patriots in Mexico hailed them as disci-
pies Of freedom and furnished the outline
Of Il systematic plan for future opcr-
ations.
" WHAT WAS TO RE DONE.
1t was suggested by citizens Of the
United States that Burr should ap-
proach the frontier of Mexico and cs-
tablish his headquarters on the Washita.
within the limits Of our country, but
that he peremptorily declined. 1t was
finally arranged that they should float
down the Mississippi and 60 on vessel
at the Balize, which the king pirate Of
the gulf, Lafitte, was to have in readi-
ness, and sail for Galveston island, then
in his, possession. 1t was further under
stood that trading houses were tv be
established among all the surrounding
tribes OF Indians, for the purpose of
buying their friendship, and that, if
possible by any peaceable means. Of the
inhabitants Of the old Spanish towns of
San Antonio. NacaSdoces and others in
Texas. The inhabitants were to be
conciliated and enlisted in the cause by
agents who under prctcnse Of selling
goods, were to reside in these places.
Should this ultimately fail the fortress
es in Texas were to be taken forcible
possession of and used as depots as
soon as the patriots in Mexico were
ready to cooperate effectually. 1t was
clearly understood that no attempt
whatever should be made to dismembcr
the United States or interfere in any
way with her people or her laws further
than the fact Of concocting scheme in
|'the country for the above mentioned
purpose.
FAILURE OF THE SCHEME
Circumstances rendered it necessary
to get out of the Cumberland river
much sooner than time was afforded to
complete all ail.arrangencnts. and no soon
cr was there an appearance Of danger
than many Of those who had heen most
active in preparations withdrew their
support and forwarded information to
General Wilkinson, then in command at
New Orleans, which together with in
structions from the government, would
have made it impossible for Burr and
his party to pass that place.
Under such circumstances it was
proper to leave the Mississippi and 60
to Florida, where Burr hoped to meet
assistance from abroad and ingratiate
himself into the good graces of Infuen-
tial persons there, who were known to
be extremely tired of the Spanish yoke
and ripe for revolution in the govern
ment. But after undergoing many dif-
ficulties and privations they were cap-
tured and all their golden dreams van
ishcd in thin air. Some Of those who
had been dreaming Of honorable immor-
tality were Transformed for time into
criminals and objects almost of univer-
sal execration.
The circumstances were not suffi-
GENTLY strong to warrant Burr's arrest,
il taken in connection with his enter
prise against the dominions of nation
with whom We were at peace. Presi-