Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Letter to Editor
September 8, 1804
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
A letter to the editor of the Argus condemns the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr as a foolish and sinful act that defies God's and man's laws, tarnishing their distinguished careers and branding Burr a murderer.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
FOR THE ARGUS.
MR. SAMUEL PLEASANTS,
DEAR SIR,
With conscious confidence I can assert that I fear God and love my Country. But the continued efforts which are made to support the fallen dignity of Burr and Hamilton, over the inexcusable folly and malice of Burr and Hamilton, cruelly hurt my feelings. Being a simple unlearned man, I suppose it cannot be inexcusable in me to express a few of my simple thoughts on the subject.
Gen. Hamilton has displayed both military and legislative talent, and as some say, all for the good of his country! He has filled important posts! He has been highly esteemed by his friends!—And Col. Burr—He was the Vice-President of the U. S.!
Very well—Now what have they done in the greatness of their distinction?
THEY HAVE FOUGHT A DUEL!—In defiance of the Laws of God and Man they entered the lists of Fools, and both have justly fallen victims to their folly. Hamilton tho' great and pious, "loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
He had not fortitude to withstand the clamors of the duelling crowd. He chose rather to hazard his life. In the mean time however he thought to compound with his Maker, and while by his example he would give sanction to a Hellish and murderous custom, "he determined to reserve his fire."
—But the God of our fathers, who declared that obedience is better than sacrifice, was not well pleased. He withdrew his protection—And Hamilton is slain!
Col. Burr, tho' distinguished by his countrymen!—the second in the nation—the Vice-President of the U. S.! regardless of the will of God! contrary to the Laws over which he presided! entered the lists of Assassins, and slew his brother! He too is justly fallen—fallen from the high trust reposed in him to the execrable name of MURDERER!!!
Whatever may have been their honorable services, this flagrant outrage against all law human and divine, brands infamy on their names.
The man of honor may boast of their example—But the man of God considers it as deadly poison.
If duelling is to be the consummation of great and noble deeds—if a whole life of reputable engagement is to be concentrated upon a barbarous custom, to give it sanction—Then let the dutiful son—the affectionate wife—the anxious friend, and trembling country, pour forth their lamentations together!!
From all such horrid deeds Good Lord deliver us.
T. D. & A. P.
"The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God."
PSALMS.
MR. SAMUEL PLEASANTS,
DEAR SIR,
With conscious confidence I can assert that I fear God and love my Country. But the continued efforts which are made to support the fallen dignity of Burr and Hamilton, over the inexcusable folly and malice of Burr and Hamilton, cruelly hurt my feelings. Being a simple unlearned man, I suppose it cannot be inexcusable in me to express a few of my simple thoughts on the subject.
Gen. Hamilton has displayed both military and legislative talent, and as some say, all for the good of his country! He has filled important posts! He has been highly esteemed by his friends!—And Col. Burr—He was the Vice-President of the U. S.!
Very well—Now what have they done in the greatness of their distinction?
THEY HAVE FOUGHT A DUEL!—In defiance of the Laws of God and Man they entered the lists of Fools, and both have justly fallen victims to their folly. Hamilton tho' great and pious, "loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
He had not fortitude to withstand the clamors of the duelling crowd. He chose rather to hazard his life. In the mean time however he thought to compound with his Maker, and while by his example he would give sanction to a Hellish and murderous custom, "he determined to reserve his fire."
—But the God of our fathers, who declared that obedience is better than sacrifice, was not well pleased. He withdrew his protection—And Hamilton is slain!
Col. Burr, tho' distinguished by his countrymen!—the second in the nation—the Vice-President of the U. S.! regardless of the will of God! contrary to the Laws over which he presided! entered the lists of Assassins, and slew his brother! He too is justly fallen—fallen from the high trust reposed in him to the execrable name of MURDERER!!!
Whatever may have been their honorable services, this flagrant outrage against all law human and divine, brands infamy on their names.
The man of honor may boast of their example—But the man of God considers it as deadly poison.
If duelling is to be the consummation of great and noble deeds—if a whole life of reputable engagement is to be concentrated upon a barbarous custom, to give it sanction—Then let the dutiful son—the affectionate wife—the anxious friend, and trembling country, pour forth their lamentations together!!
From all such horrid deeds Good Lord deliver us.
T. D. & A. P.
"The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God."
PSALMS.
What sub-type of article is it?
Ethical Moral
Persuasive
Religious
What themes does it cover?
Morality
Religion
What keywords are associated?
Dueling
Burr Hamilton Duel
Morality
Religion
Vice President
Murderer
Divine Law
What entities or persons were involved?
T. D. & A. P.
Mr. Samuel Pleasants
Letter to Editor Details
Author
T. D. & A. P.
Recipient
Mr. Samuel Pleasants
Main Argument
the duel between hamilton and burr, despite their achievements, is a sinful and illegal act that defies god and man, tarnishing their legacies and sanctioning a murderous custom.
Notable Details
Quotes Bible: 'Loved The Praise Of Men More Than The Praise Of God'
References 'Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice'
Ends With Psalms Quote: 'The Fool Hath Said In His Heart, There Is No God.'