The Old Scam

Aaron Burr seems to have had more than a single intention in the West, including vague negotiation with foreign powers (using his claim as Vice President) to discover which one was the highest bidder.  He described plans of land speculation to establish a new Mexican empire from lands seized by the Spanish, for instance.

Shortly after Burr left the Vice Presidency in 1805, he began a tour of the western frontier.  Most western pioneers were probably in the only region where his murder of Alexander Hamilton made him popular.  He spoke of vague plans, assuring people they would become rich like he was.  He conferred with Governor Wilkinson who wasn't quite comfortable with Burr's growing ambition.


One who was impressed was an Ohioan named Harmen Blenner Gassett, who invested his fortune at Burr's disposal.  He even offered use of his private island on the Ohio River as a rendezvous for Burr's followers.  By 1806 Wilkinson had already opted out of Burr's schemes and wrote to Thomas Jefferson accusing his former ally of treason. Jefferson ordered Burr arrested.  President Jefferson recorded in his diary privately..."view Burr's plots as the most extraordinary since the days of Don Quixote and just about as realistic."

Burr was subsequently arrested a few miles from the border of Florida where he had fled, fearing that Wilkinson would kidnap him.  Once again Burr was acquitted - this time of treason.  His political career finished, Burr went into voluntary exile in Europe for four years. 

The vote was also within one of indicting Wilkinson for his part but once again he was off scot free!

Quite a story!

Next time...Mr. Pike
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Today in Pioneer History: "On January 11. 1908,  President Roosevelt declared that 'The ages had been at work on it, and man can only mar it',  he designates the mighty Grand Canyon a national monument."