Aaron Burr: Conspiracy to Treason

Exactly what Burr was up to in his plans for the West will never be perfectly known. Many of his associates destroyed documents because of Burr's trial for treason--the trial of the century involving a Who's Who in the U.S. during the early 19th century. As the author quotes (from William Whichard) "history is only the recorded part of the remembered part of the observed part of what happened." (page 235) Yet public opinion in his time overwhelmingly concluded that Burr, the slayer of Alexander Hamilton, was up to no good. The author wrote this book as a reminder: "...if we are to govern ourselves, we must remember the danger of a brilliant mind driven by frail human needs." (page 236) This book, an excellently written summary of Burr's life much aided by the author's legal expertise, is a call to citizen vigilance against future threats to liberty by brilliant politicians whose motives are far from noble. In the latter half of the 20th Century Americans witnessed such scoundrels in both parties. The author will have achieved his purpose only if we continue to be vigilant by recognizing in our national political choices what Aristotle said long ago: character is destiny.

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, on in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.--Article. III. Section. 3 of The Constitution of the United States of America. In Aaron Burr: Conspiracy to Treason, Buckner F. Melton, Jr., a historian and professor of law at the Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, has written a fascinating chronicle of the most sensational treason trial in U.S. history, and paints an intriguing portrait of one of the most charismatic American leaders of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Aaron Burr (1756-1836) is probably best known as the man who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehauken, N.J., on July 11, 1804. He fought in the American Revolution, became a first-rate lawyer, and an important political figure, serving as vice-president of the U.S. during Thomas Jefferson's first term (1801-05). Although Burr was acquitted in his trial for teason in 1807, the evidence strongly indicates that he was the ringleader in a plot to establish an independent nation in "the Western Country," the vast heartland that lies west of the Allegheny and Appalachian mountains. The foreman announced: "We of the jury say that Aaron Burr is not proved to be guilty under this indictment by any evidence submitted to us. We therefore find him not guilty." Many jurors personally believed that Burr had committed treason, but in their opinion the prosecution had not met the burden of proof. Burr survived his journey into the hangman's shadow. "The beginning of wisdom," said Socrates, "is the definition of terms." And the Burr conspiracy trial boiled down to the definition, or interpretation, of the Treason clause in the U.S. Constitution. What precisely is an "overt act" of treason? What did our founding fathers mean by "levying war"? What exactly is "treason"? When does a person cross the line from engaging in lesser crimes to committing treason against the United States? Early in this book (p. 55), Melton writes, "No one will ever know what Burr was really up to." And a bit later (p. 112), he says: "Maybe Burr really had changed his plans, but maybe he was blowing more smoke. That was the problem; his stories were confusing, his actions ambiguous. No one knew, for sure, just what was happening, except for Aaron Burr." Finally (p. 235): "I don't pretend that book is the definitive story of the conspiracy or the trials of Aaron Burr, much less his full biography. I doubt that such things can ever be written. . . . The ultimate version--if anyone ever writes it--will be massive, full of fact and conjecture--yet it will still fall short of the truth, for the truth died with Burr." Why then read Aaron Burr? Because the story of Aaron Burr is history written at its most engaging. Melton's vigorous narrative creates a portrait of one o

An absolutely wonderful read. Dr. Melton transitions seemlessly from exposition of the man, to that of the geography and the geopolitcial realities that allowed this fascinating chapter in American history to unfold. His use of the modern vernacular and cadence is a welcome relief from much of what passes for modern historical writing, reminiscent of "Son of the Morning Star" in its wit and verve. Furthermore, his training as a lawyer is manifest in his description of the legal proceedings, which are uniformly accurate and clear. The dust jacket states unequivocally that this is a popular history of Aaron Burr. "Popular history" is a term sometimes used pejoratively to denigrate the work of scholars who write clearly and for the reader's enjoyment, rather than use the opaque and pedagogical language favored by the academe. Dr. Melton's embrace of this description is instead a well-deserved claim by an author who not only knows his history, but knows how to present it in an entirely entertaining way. Not claiming his work to be an exhastive study of Aaron Burr or his times and alleged crimes, Dr. Melton instead tries to deliver an enjoyable primer on the "hows" and "whys" of one of the most significant, if least understood, men of the period. He succeeds. Well done!

In an age fascinated by the law (hence the many American television shows devoted thereto), here is a presentation that is both interesting and informative, entertaining and educational. Melton is a wordsmith of the first order. He is an artist as well. From the opening paragraphs with its memorable portrayal of the American frontier (no author I have read has ever equaled this one's skill of drawing the reader in all the while pointing out elements that otherwise might evade the eye) to its gripping conclusion, Aaron Burr holds your attention. This work is a must read for historians of the era (late 18th and early 19th century America), lawyers, political scientists, and anyone who enjoys a good story told in compelling fashion. The author's technical expertise (he is a professor of law) shines through as well, in his excellent portrayal and discussion of the trial. Finally, Melton sheds new light on the enigmatic Burr, who is able, almost two centuries later, to still stir strong emotions in those who make his acquaintance. Melton is the best introduction to the man to date.This book is highly recommended.

Although everyone associates Aaron Burr as the person who killed Alexander Hamilton, most people don't know much about his life leading up to this incident. This book breaks new ground, by exploring Aaron Burr's part in the conspiracy plan to invade Mexico and set up an independent republic there. Beyond the intrigue of this historical treason case, Melton also gives a fascinating recap of Burr's relationships with people like Hamilton and Jefferson. For any history buff, this is a must read!.