The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-11-10
Aaron Burr.
[From the Philadelphia Timcsl

Those who desire to ascertain truth
and who will. judge us men desiring to
do right who believe charity to be a
virtue and who consider that their
judgments Of characters Of men ought
to be formed in that merciful spirit Of
justice which they themselves may re-
quire in passing down the uncertain
road Of life may not believe that Aaron
Burr was guilty of "high treason" 1t
is not a single right or wrong which
should determine the character Of an
individual. His true character can only
correctly be understood by following
him through life, analyzing his deeds
and discovering whether or not the
principles which governed him were
virtuous. Few men in this life will
bear a critical examination into every
act and If every man is to be damned
in public estimation because one or two
dark spots may be found in the midst OF
many bright ones, then we venture the
assertion that few will be found if any
passing safely the investigation of every
ordeal.
We find in the history of Texas by
Gen. Moseley Baker, Texas veteran. one
Of the Spartan band ut San Jacinto, who
gives the particulars Of Aaron Burr's
purpose in his intended expedition
against Mexico not IN the way as in
tended to settle the disputed intentions
of Burr, but as part and parcel Of the
history of Texas. He makes use Of the
Burr incident among other responsible
ties Of the United States government in
respect to the Texas revolution. He
does it to clearly represent other impor-
tant occurrences and other important
pcrsonagcs.
~ BELIEF IN BURR'S GUILT.
General Baker was a student of
William Craven, an English gentlemen
who had been associated with Burr, and
who, with Burr, was arrested on the
Tombigbee river. in Alabama. and con-
veyed to Richmond, Va, for trial.
Richmond was ut the time the very TO-
Gus Of Jetfrrsonianism and the public
mind was already prepared for Burr's
conviction. Never. perhaps, in any
country was there greater unanimity
of opinion upon any subject than that
of Burr's guilt Of high treason. Never,
perhaps, was there greater display Of
talent and eloqucncc and never was
there more patient, fair and impartial
trial. Had Chief Justice Marshall new
er before, or after, performed virtuous
act. the decision Of the Court in Burrs
case onght to have immortaIzed him.
Rumor with her thousand tongues, had
been busy, and President Jefferson,
with all his noble qualities. possessed
some of the frailties Of man, and he
perhaps received as truth the created
fictions concerning Burr's intended
treachcry.
William Craven was Bakers precep-
tor, and was gentleman whose vcraci-
ty among those who knew him we'll
was like unto Caesars wifu's-beyopd
suspicion. From Craven Baker learn
ed the following:
Mr.. Craven had been one of larce
firm in London who were engaged in
the Mexican trade; had resided many
years at the city of Mexico, and had
daily opportunities of witnessing the
degradation to which the mass Of the
people had been reduced by the haugh-
ty and tyrannical aides de camp Of the
Spanish government; that in conse-
qucnce of heavy losses he was compell-
ed to emigrate to the United States.
AT the city of Washington he among
other distinguished citizens was intro
duced to Mr.. Burr, with whom he con-
trncted the most intimate acquaintance.
and their intercourse was cha. &C terized
by frank and cordial friendship. Burr
inquired of him very particularly
touching the political, moral and social
condition of the Mexicans, and received
all the information which many years
experience in Mexico had enabled him
to collect. He informed Burr that the
mass of the people were ignorant, SUI
persttious and unacquainted with their
rights, but that there were MANY