Letter • 1804

Hamilton's Statement Before the Duel

Alexander Hamilton

On This Document

On the eve of the July 11, 1804 duel at Weehawken, Hamilton wrote a private statement declaring his intent to throw away his first shot. Burr did not. Hamilton was mortally wounded and died the next day, ending the political career of both men and the Federalist Party as a national force.

I have resolved, if our interview is conducted in the usual manner, and it pleases God to give me the opportunity, to reserve and throw away my first fire, and I have thoughts even of reserving my second fire, and thus giving a double opportunity to Colonel Burr to pause and to reflect.

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