Chapter 1 Summary

"The Duel" at Weehawken, NJ, July 11, 1804, can be succinctly summarized — Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton face off according to the customs of the code duello, Hamilton dies of his wound, and Burr's reputation is ruined — but the dramatic event requires deeper analysis and more colorful depiction. Colonel Burr, the shadowy and severe grandson of the great theologian of human depravity, Jonathan Edwards, bore himself as a natural aristocrat, but had a history of spinning webs to entrap others. Peaches-and-cream, gallant, animated, and visionary General Hamilton, had an air of gentlemanly diffidence, despite his lowly birth. Hamilton came to Weehawken because he did not believe he could afford to decline Burr's "invitation," and left written indications that he intended not to fire on his opponent. Dueling was illegal, and the code duello provided for a "language of deniability" to shield participants from...