Treason in the Air

Aaron Burr was a graduate of New Jersey College (now Princeton) at 16 years of age.  He served in
the army during the Revolution and in the US Senate.  He was responsible for creating the Tammany Hall political machine in New York City.  In 1800 he tied in electoral votes with Thomas Jefferson for the Presidency of the United States.  The final decision reverted to the House of Representatives which named Jefferson as President on the 38th ballot and the Vice Presidency went to Burr.

In 1804 Alexander Hamilton published insulting remarks about Burr. A duel while Burr was still Vice President took place between the two men.  Burr killed Hamilton, the leader of the Federalist party.  What happened next is both amazing and disturbing...

Arron Burr was indicted for murder but never brought to trial.  He fled west and met up with Governor James Wilkinson of the Louisiana Territory...the notorious traitor/bargainer with the Spanish and the closing of the port of New Orleans.  They became allies in more murky schemes that bordered on treason once again. 

Governor Wilkinson was a smooth talking son of a Maryland planter.  He was a genius in deceit and had a passion for intrigue.  Wilkinson's life was scandal ridden, including negotiating with the Spanish against the United States as a Kentucky politician by undermining George Rogers Clark.  He served under General Anthony Wayne in the Old Northwest, plotting against him.  Wilkinson finally lost his life in the War of 1812.

Now we know who's  involved , we will get on with their wicked ways...

Next time...The Old Scam
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Today in Pioneer History: "On January 7, 1789, America’s first presidential election is held. Voters cast ballots to choose state electors; only white men who owned property were allowed to vote. As expected, George Washington won the election and was sworn into office on April 30, 1789."