American Emperor David O. Stewart

American Emperor David O. Stewart

Aaron Burr is one of those historic names that always seems to be on the sidelines, but as a full-fledged character in the specter of a new nation, he is a definitely worthy knowing.   Vice President, killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel, and then tried and acquitted of treason in a bizarre and lengthy trial that was both mishandled and very difficult to understand.

Yes, he committed treason, even if not convicted.  In partnership with the shadowy General Wilkinson of New Orleans he attempts to lead an insurgency against Mexico and Spain and to capture Florida, Louisiana, Mexico and ???  Should he be successful in his efforts he would, of necessity, be the Emperor.

Vanity knows no limits, but neither does the variety of intrigues.  Wilkinson who everyone now knows was a double agent with Spain during his time as our Western Lands General plays it cool, ready to go with the winner and ready to dump on Burr when the plot becomes known.

Then there is the future presidents Jackson and Harrison who were role players that find a way to escape accusation and censorship even though their involvement is quite well documented. 

Declared innocent of charges by the Supreme Court and Justice Marshall who dislikes Jefferson and may have let that influence his decision, Burr does not repent and go in to seclusion. Instead he heads to Europe where he attempts to get first England and then France to back his plan.  His only successful negotiations seem to have been with a litany of whores.

So is this man crazy, would he have been a hero a little later in the Texas war, was he a megalomaniac?  I cannot put a label on him.  But I also find that he must stand with Benedict Arnold as one of the shadiest figures in that era and Thomas Jefferson, with whom he had been VP and despised does not come out with high grades for being assertive and taking action in this affair.

Good historical reading.