Misconceptions and Historical Facts About the Burr-Hamilton Duel

The musical In The Heights has popularized the notion that Aaron Burr uttered a shout during the fatal duel with Alexander Hamilton. However, there is a significant gap between the entertainment value of the show and historical accuracy. This article will delve into the true events of the duel, addressing common misconceptions and presenting the verifiable historical facts.

The Duel's Context and Tragedy

On July 11, 1804, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton engaged in a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. This dueling match was not merely a symbolic gesture but a heated confrontation that ended in tragedy. Hamilton had intended to defend his honor, but the fatal shot led to a moment of realization for Burr about the irreversible consequences of his actions. The tension and emotional weight of the moment are emphasized in the musical, capturing the tragic outcome of the duel and the loss of life.

Burr's Silence Post-Clash

Historical records clearly indicate that Aaron Burr did not shout during the duel. These accounts are based on the statements made by those present at the time, such as William P. Van Ness and Nathaniel Pendleton. Their joint statement provides a detailed account of the events:

After the necessary pre-arrangements heretofore detailed had been made—the parties had taken their stations, received their pistols cocked, Mr. Hamilton's being a remarkably high-finished pair of a very large bore carrying I should judge nearly an ounce ball. After the mode of proceeding had been explained and Mr. Pendleton was about to give the word 'Stop,' said Mr. Hamilton 'in certain states of the light one requires glasses.' He then levelled his pistol in several directions as if to try the light, then drew from his pockets, put on a pair of spectacles and again levelled his pistol in different directions. and once as appeared to me at Mr. Burr who was all this time silent at his station. After the latter experiments of the light, and begging pardon for the delay Genl. H. said, keeping on his spectacles, 'This will do now you may proceed.'

This excerpt illustrates that Burr remained silent throughout the proceedings, while Hamilton engaged in a preliminary test of the light and his vision. It was Hamilton who made the decision to proceed after his experiments with his spectacles.

Hamilton's Final Words and Actions

The joint statement also reveals that it was Alexander Hamilton who uttered the last words during the event. After the permissible mode of proceeding was explained, Hamilton said, "This will do now you may proceed." His final words were calm and composed, not a cry of desperation or warning.

Hamilton then fired, and as he fell, he is reported to have shouted, stop. This is corroborated by historical accounts and has been widely accepted as the truth. The fatal shot to Hamilton's ribs, with the bullet lodging in his spine, was the result of Hamilton's intention, even if it was unintentional to injure or kill the opponent. By the time Burr fired, it was too late to stop the outcome.

Conclusion

While the musical In The Heights has brought the Burr-Hamilton duel to the forefront of the public's consciousness, it is essential to distinguish between entertainment and historical accuracy. Historical accounts of the duel, as recorded by those present, clearly indicate that Burr did not shout after the incident. Hamilton's final words, stop, along with the ultimate outcome of the duel, remind us of the tragic and irreversible nature of the event. The historical accounts provide a more accurate portrayal of the events than what is presented in the musical.

In conclusion, while the musical serves as an excellent form of entertainment, it is important to use reliable historical resources for a more nuanced understanding of significant historical events.