February 23rd, 2012
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2012
One of the most intriguing episodes in American history is the Aaron Burr Conspiracy in which the former Vice President was indicted for treason, arrested, tried and ultimately acquitted. This lot presents the chronological steps of this mysterious adventure from President Jefferson’s congressional message charging Burr with conspiracy to the Burr’s final acquittal. A grouping of 32 consecutive newspapers, February 4, 1807 through September 16, 1807, The Connecticut Courant, Hartford, each 4pp., issued weekly, filled with local and national news reports. February 4, inside 2-1/2 column report Special Message to Congress on the Burr Conspiracy, “Message from the President” signed in type by Th. Jefferson. In part, “...Some time in the latter part of September, I received intimations that designs were in agitation in the western country, unlawful and unfriendly to the peace of the Union; and that the prime mover in these was Aaron Burr, heretofore distinguished by the favor of his country. ... Mr. Burr, disseminated through his emissaries, of the armies and navies he was to assemble there. ...” March 25, full column report “Col. Burr,” order by the Mississippi Supreme Court and Territorial Governor for the apprehension of Burr. April 1, brief report “Burr Taken!” April 15, 2-/12 columns “Examination” of Burr by Chief Justice John Marshall in Richmond. May 20, three letters between Burr and Governor Williams. June 10, front page running 3 columns, “Trial of Col. Aaron Burr” opens in Richmond. June 17, “Burr’s Trial,’ runs 3 columns. June 24, two reports, “Trial of Col. Burr,” and Gen. Wilkinson.” August 19, 2-1/2 columns “Col. Burr’s Trial.” September 2, front page “Trial of Aaron Burr,’ names the jurors. September 9, “Trial of Col. Burr,” full column. September 16, “Trial of Col. Burr, 1-1/4 column, includes “We the jury, find that Aaron Burr is not proved guilty under this indictment by any evidence submitted to us. We therefore find him not guilty.”
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