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."

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."