American History Tellers

Insurrection of Aaron Burr | Gathering Forces | 2

Feb 22, 2023
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ANECDOTE

Burr's Late-Night Pitch To Britain

  • Aaron Burr met British ambassador Anthony Merry in March 1805 seeking ships, guns, and a £100,000 loan to support western independence plans.
  • Merry reported Burr to London and warned that Burr might turn to France if Britain refused to help.
INSIGHT

Office As Shelter And Networking Opportunity

  • Burr used his last months as vice president to build political cover and contacts while avoiding extradition risks.
  • Federal law then prevented extradition from D.C., letting Burr preside in the Senate despite murder indictments.
ANECDOTE

Wilkinson: Friend, Ally, And Double Agent

  • General James Wilkinson secretly met with Burr in Washington and later became governor of Louisiana, giving Burr a powerful western ally.
  • Wilkinson was also a paid agent of Spain, creating a treacherous web of loyalties on the frontier.
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