Whether Alexander Hamilton mulled over these events while facing Aaron Burr on that July morning will never be known for certain, but it is easy to imagine the still-grieving father considering the strangeness of the thing. After his son’s death, the recently founded New York Post published an article – probably written by Hamilton – calling for laws against dueling to be enforced, writing that “…the voice of an individual or of the press must be ineffectual without additional, strong, and pointed legislative interference.” Yet there he stood on honor’s field with pistol in hand, facing the Vice President of the United States over what was, in essence, a political disagreement.
Alexander Hamilton fell into a black despair in the aftermath of his son’s death, one from which he did not emerge in the few short years of life remaining to him. It was said of him by contemporaries that he even looked different. His personal despair was hardened by his dwindling political influence; the rising popularity of Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans foredoomed his own political power and ambitions.
When Aaron Burr decided to run for Governor of New York – in effect relinquishing the Vice Presidency if he won – Hamilton worked hard in opposition. Several letters written by Hamilton were deemed to be slanderous by Burr and his supporters, leading to the eventual demands for satisfaction. Hamilton, despite his professed opposition to the practice in the aftermath of his son’s death, accepted the challenge.
Historians have long debated whether Hamilton intended to delope as he faced Aaron Burr. He did shoot harmlessly into the air, but opinions from the observers differed as to the whether or not his action was deliberate. There is also debate over which party fired first. What is agreed upon is that Hamilton was wounded above the right hip. He was carried across the river to Manhattan, where he died the following day.
Like Eacker, Burr fled temporarily to avoid prosecution. The idea of the Vice-President of the United States on the lam from a murder charge is a bizarre consideration today, but it happened. Burr later returned to Washington and as Vice President presided over the impeachment trial of Salmon P. Chase, never facing charges for violating the laws of two states. (Eacker died of tuberculosis two years after the death of the younger Hamilton, he too never being charged with murder)
Today, the pistols which struck down Hamilton’s son and father can be seen in at JP Morgan Chase and Company in their headquarters on Park Avenue, New York City.