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Aaron Burr: Conspiracy to Treason
Aaron Burr remains one of the most darkly compelling figures in early United States history. Best known as the man who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, New Jersey, Burr served as a U.S. senator and as Thomas Jefferson's vice president from 1800 to 1804. Before that, he gained a national reputation as a brilliant attorney.
In the first popular book to focus on one of the most intriguing chapters in Burr's long life, historian Buckner F. Melton Jr. explores Aaron Burr's part in one of the most sensational criminal conspiracies in American history. Known as the "Burr Conspiracy," it involved a plan to invade Mexico and set up an independent republic there or, alternately, to get the Western frontiers to cede from the Union and form a separate republic. Although he was ultimately acquitted of the charges against him, Burr was ruined professionally and financially. Melton, who is an acknowledged U.S. constitutional law expert, demystifies the legal issues involved in the case and explores the ethical issues that arose during the trial. He also delves into the relationships lying at the heart of the conspiracy, including those between Burr and Jefferson, Hamilton, and coconspirator General James Wilkinson, commander of the Western United States forces.
In the first popular book to focus on one of the most intriguing chapters in Burr's long life, historian Buckner F. Melton Jr. explores Aaron Burr's part in one of the most sensational criminal conspiracies in American history. Known as the "Burr Conspiracy," it involved a plan to invade Mexico and set up an independent republic there or, alternately, to get the Western frontiers to cede from the Union and form a separate republic. Although he was ultimately acquitted of the charges against him, Burr was ruined professionally and financially. Melton, who is an acknowledged U.S. constitutional law expert, demystifies the legal issues involved in the case and explores the ethical issues that arose during the trial. He also delves into the relationships lying at the heart of the conspiracy, including those between Burr and Jefferson, Hamilton, and coconspirator General James Wilkinson, commander of the Western United States forces.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 1, 2019
This gives me a good view of what Burr's life after he shot Hamilton.
April 28, 2009
Really slow paced. I'm not even sure why the first section was included.
March 21, 2022
The author gets Burr pretty much wrong, focusing far too narrowly on this complicated character with powerful and envious political enemies. Aaron Burr is the most highly placed victim of political spin and intrigue in U.S. history.
August 5, 2017
A good book on Burr's corrupt life.
May 12, 2019
Excellent account of Burr and his bizarre actions in the post-dual years.
November 12, 2008
Really interesting biography of Aaron Burr, with a particular focus on his alleged plots against the U.S., and his subsequent trial. Melton's prose is very readable, and he does an excellent job of bringing all of the historical figures to life for you. Burr, in particular, is fascinating - a man who few people actually liked but who had the strange persuasive power required to be elected to the second-highest office in the country (he was one vote away from being president) and to get people to go along with his crazy schemes.
The book really shines when it gets to Burr's trial, largely because that is better documented than the elusive question of what Burr's plan actually was. The trial section is funny, and gives a lot of insight into John Marshall and the way he went about shaping our judicial system. Melton also gives a lot of really interesting input on Jefferson, whose conduct through this period does not paint him in the greatest light.
The book really shines when it gets to Burr's trial, largely because that is better documented than the elusive question of what Burr's plan actually was. The trial section is funny, and gives a lot of insight into John Marshall and the way he went about shaping our judicial system. Melton also gives a lot of really interesting input on Jefferson, whose conduct through this period does not paint him in the greatest light.
September 19, 2007
I had to read this book for my history class and it was pretty good. The narrative was really easy to follow and the author did a good job of coming up with a plausible story of Aaron Burr's treason. And for those who only know Aaron Burr from the old "Got Milk" commercial...this book is perfect for you.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews