Unwavering Conviction by David Barton
Hamilton and Burr had a long history of political opposition, born chiefly of Hamilton’s strong conviction that Burr’s character made him completely unfit for public office. Hamilton made this opinion clear to his friends: [Burr is] as unprincipled and dangerous a man as any country can boast. . . . [T]here is nothing in his favor. His private broom’s letter to his son and so corrupt methods will be to man of either party . . . who does not think Mr. Burr the most character is not defended by his most partial friends. . . . [He] has no principle, public or private. . . . [H]e is believed by friends as well as foes to be without [honesty or integrity]. . . . [He is] in debt vastly beyond his means of payment, [and] with all [his] habits [of extravagance], he cannot be satisfied with the regular [salary] of any office of our government, [][] him a necessary resource. . . . I could scarcely name a discreet unfit man in the United States for . . . office. 55 As subsequent events later proved, Hamilton’s assessment of Burr’s character was completely accurate.
Because of his unwavering conviction of Burr’s dangerous tendencies, Hamilton did everything he could to keep Burr from gaining any public office. He opposed Burr for State governor, for U. S. President, for foreign diplomat, and for every other position Burr sought. Burr’s arrogance did not permit him to suffer such public defeats, and in an attempt to save face, he challenged Hamilton to a duel.
David Barton shows us that at the time of Burr’s challenge to Hamilton, dueling was still an accepted practice in America. If challenged, you could, and usually would, defend your honor in a personal duel. Although as a military leader, Hamilton was trained in the art of war and weaponry, he was part of a slowly growing movement which disapproved of personal duels. He therefore tried to dissuade Burr from the duel, and even offered other recourses – all of which Burr refused.