The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-01-10

The question has often been asked:
tsWho were Burr's confederatesT' Before
all others, his daughter, who was devoted
heart and soul to his scheme; for the pros
pectiye royal diadem, with title of princess,
was as sweet to her as her ambitious and
INSCRIPTIONS father. To achieve a career
and a residence, which she, her husband
and her boy could share, were the darling
objects with which Burr had gone forth to
at his proposition. She saw in it the means
whereby her father could win glorious
compensation for all the wrongs she be-
iieyed he had suffered, and obtain con-
spicuous triumph over all his enemies. Her
husband, whose mind Burr had trained to
conform to his wishes, entered into the en-
terprise with energy.
In New York Burr's scheme found ad-
herents among the young and ambitious
men, who had surrounded him in the days
of his glory. The Swartouts were in it.
Marinus Willet, afterward Mayor of New
York City, was one of its promoters. More
than a score of New Workers were in
volyed in a greater or less degree. Erich
Bollman, a German, who had distinguish
ed himself by gallant attempt to rescue
Lafayette from prison, was one of Burr S
most trusted cOnfederates. Dayton was
another. Col. De Peyster was one of the
leading spirits. Gen. Jackson, then young
and unsagacfous, thorough hater of
Spaniards, was enthusiastic in the cause.
Gen. Adair, of Kentucky, deep in Burr s
confidence, heartily approved of his plans,
but was not personally engaged in them.
Blennerhassett was completely captivated
by an enterprise which was to enrich him
and his children, without his being sub
jected to any disagreeable exertion. Upon
his island the first rendezvous was to be
made Mrs Blennerhassett, no less ardent
than her husband, was preparing 10 enter
tain the chief and his daughter at her fan
tastic mansion: for it was settled that
Theodosia should accompany her father,
and that both she and Mrs. Blennerhassett
should go with the expedition as far as
New Orleans, there to await the issue.
Aston was to follow in q few weeks.
Probably 500 persons in all knew some
thing of Burr's plans and had entered into
some kind OF engagement to follow his for
tunes, but no one knew them exactly.
There were also 1000 or 5000 more whose
names were on Burr's lists, and whom. he
thought, would hasten to his standard as
soon as he should obtain q footing on
Spanish soil
During the first half of the year 1906
Burr resided at Philadelphia, in a style
and situation more obscure than was
formerly his custom. He sought the so
ciety Of men who had cause to be dissatis-
fed with the Government, such as Com
modore Truxton, who had been struck
from the Navy list, and Gen. Easton,
whose claim against the Government had
not been paid. To these men, as TO others,
he spoke in contemptuous terms of the
Administration; he declared that a separa-
ton of the Western States must come,
sooner or later; cautiously he partially I'M
folded his plans, but carefully left legal
loophOle for himself to escape through
Being keen lawyer and an adept at dis
Sembling, Aaron Burr schemed treason
without eliminating himself. He had re-
peated conferences with Mr.. Merry, the
British Minister at Washington, who COM
municated his project to the English Gov
eminent, where il was well received by n
Nation always ready to destroy republic
and build up an empire. Col. Charles
Williamson, well-connected Scotchman,
went TO England to promote the business.
Burr was made to understand that a Brit
ish naval squadron would be furnished to
aid the expedition. The Catholic Bishop
of New Orleans was also consulted, and
prepared TO promote the enterprise, ac-
cording to Mr.. Davis. He designated
three priests, of the Order of Jesuits, as
ly employed. The Superior of the convent
of Ursuline nuns, at New Orleans, was in
the secret. Some of the sisterhood were
/ also employed in Mexico.
Certainly there never seemed a more
prosperous undertaking than the plans of
Burr at that moment. His golden dream
| seemed almost on the verge of realization.
But at this time his hopes received Il mo-
mentary check in the death of Mr.. Pitt,
| the English Premier, Jan. 6, 1905. The
| news of Pitts death resulted in tempo.
rary suspension of the scheme, during
| which Burr, as has been stated, applied
to the President for an appointment. No
| wonder the President rejected SO unworthy
man. One who could denounce a Gov
! eminent In language almost reasonable
| was unit to represent it abroad.