The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.29
On View
Not on viewThe 1804 medal: Hamilton and Burr Feud Ends in Duel
Alexander Hamilton detested Aaron Burr and when Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied for the Presidency in 1800, Alexander Hamilton used his influence to help elect Jefferson. Not wanting to risk another close election, Jefferson undermined Burr politically so that he could not hope to be nominated again. To remain in public life, Burr decided to run for Governor of New York in 1804.
There was a good chance that Burr could have won the election had not Hamilton continually denounced him. Word of this got into print. after Burr lost the election, he wrote Hamilton for an acknowledgement or denial of the statements.
Following an exchange of several letters in which Hamilton made evasive replies, Burr issued a challenge on June 25, 1804. Burr wished an immediate duel but Hamilton requested a delay to arrange his private affairs and to complete some court cases he had pending. The date was then set for July 11 in Weehawken across the Hudson River.
Hamilton and his second, Nathaniel Pendleton, and Dr. David Hosack, the attending physician, arrived at the scene about seven in the morning. Burr and Hamilton were to take their positions, await the word, and then fire as they wished.
Hamilton had told his second prior to the duel that he would not fire on Burr. However, he did fire, although wildly, and there is argument whether this was a reflex action or intentional. Burr's shot hit Hamilton in vital areas of his right side. He was hurried back to New York where he died the next day.
The death of Hamilton made him a hero, mourned throughout the country. Burr, on the other hand, was indicted for murder in New Jersey and New York, and had to flee for his life. After his retirement as Vice president in March 1805, Burr was a political outcast until his death in 1836.
