Alexander Hamilton's Three Duels

Alexander Hamilton fought more than the one duel everyone remembers. The History Guy remembers three of Hamilton's duels, two pistols, and one place.
The History Guy uses images that are in the Public Domain. As photographs of actual events are often not available, I will sometimes use photographs of similar events or objects for illustration.
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The episode is intended for educational purposes. All events are presented in historical context.
#alexanderhamilton #thehistoryguy #ushistory

[@jeanrequena3099]

That finding about the hair trigger adds a whole new meaning to “I watched as he methodically fiddled with the trigger...”

[@scotttudor6647]

Unsure of the definite veracity of the statement, but Encyclopedia Britannica states that Hamilton chose not to set the feature.

[@heronimousbrapson863]

Not only did the duel end Burr's career, it also undoubtedly ended Hamilton's as well...

[@joecombs7468]

The one good thing about that duel is the end of Hamilton's political career & influence.

[@doxasnike4789]

@@joecombs7468 what makes you say that?

[@joecombs7468]

@@doxasnike4789 have you read anything Hamilton wrote? He WAS the big all controlling federal government & high federal debt founding father. He was the first person to propose a central bank like the federal reserve. I think Aaron Burr should be posthumously awarded the medal of freedom.

[@doxasnike4789]

@@joecombs7468 and? I agree with a lot of Hamilton’s viewpoints. Saying that burr should be awarded the medal of freedom is like saying lee Harvey Oswald or John Wilkes Booth should be awarded them by people who disagree with JFK or Lincoln-it was still a killing of an influential political figure

[@joecombs7468]

@@doxasnike4789 it was a duel initiated by Hamilton. Hamilton's views are diametrically opposed to everything in the constitution. The United States was intended to be a nation of, by, and for the people. Hamilton wanted the United States to be a top down authoritarian nation of, by, and for big banks. And if you haven't figured it out yet, high federal government debt causes inflation. If you really want to live in a nation like Hamilton envisioned you have many choices including several in South America. And Aaron Burr was the vice president. That position is a little bit more influential than Treasury Secretary. Like I said. Hamilton initiated that duel not Burr.

[@LePrince1890]

In later years, after he was President, Monroe (in financial difficulties later) lived with his daughter in Manhattan. Monroe (one day) decided to seek out Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton and did so, to apologize about his share in revealing the Reynolds affair. Elizabeth had long before forgiven Alexander, and now mourned him. She told off Monroe about what she thought of him, and he left her presence red faced.

[@kraps2312]

1:32 A visit from the Cat over the speaker's left shoulder. Cat wants to duel.

[@elizabethsohler2410]

Cats have better sense.

[@allenatkins2263]

"Leave the gun, take the cannoli." That's Jersey for you.

[@kk8490]

“They came dangerously close to calling each other... liars” Bruh imagine

[@JBRCLY]

Ah. thanks. I needed that.

[@phillipstoltzfus3014]

Doesn't compare with modern politicians namecalling.

[@k90sas-choppu46]

@@phillipstoltzfus3014 i would have killed to see hilary and trump duking it out in a duel

[@phillipstoltzfus3014]

@@k90sas-choppu46 Hillary would have someone get him in the back and then say he committed suicide.

[@jaxdarnell]

Right?! The duels just from KZbin comments alone would wipe out a significant fraction of our population...

[@jhonlewis5758]

“1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 It’s the ten challenges of Hamilton”

[@theGman404]

1. The Challenge, demand satisfaction. If they apologize no need for further action. 2. If not, grab a second. Your lieutenant when there's reckoning to be reckoned. 3. Negotiate a peace or negotiate a time and place. 4. If no peace, grab some pistols and get a doctor on site 5. Duel before the sun is in the sky. (pick a place to die where it's high and dry) 6. Leave a note for your next of kin. Hope that heaven or hell let you in. 7. Confess your sins. Ready for the moment of adrenaline when you finally face your opponent. 8. Your last chance to negotiate . Send in your seconds, see if they can set the record straight. 9. Look 'em in the eye, aim no higher . Summon all the courage you require. Then count. 10 paces FIRE!

[@gandhithegreat328]

People: Politics is really nasty today Me: The Vice President once killed the former Secretary of the Treasury in a duel

[@sharonmullins1957]

Maybe things would be better that way. More duels, less rhetoric.

[@jimjambananaslam3596]

Nowadays, we just have keyboard warriors.

[@tobybartels8426]

A member of the House of Representatives beat a Senator nearly to death one day on the Senate floor.

[@tobybartels8426]

Here's a bunch more from the 1850s: www.history.com/news/charles-sumner-caning-cilley-duel-congressional-violence

[@isamumizuta9226]

Sharon Mullins talk less, pew more😂😂😂

[@edglunz9917]

My 10 year old granddaughter is fascinated with this man, reading books 3 inchs thick about him. A while back I introduced her to THG episode on the three duels. She added a few details to the story. LOL Thank you for these great family stories of our History. We Love History Now That THG and is team are such sharp shooters,

[@billharm6006]

I am VERY pleased that the hair-trigger issue was mentioned. I recall reading about it in 1976 (a year of all things Bi-Centennial). I believe the article was in an "American Heritage" magazine. I have been wondering if I was the only person in the world still aware of the finding. That hair-trigger, coupled with the Hamilton's apparent familiarity with those pistols, casts some serious shade on Hamilton's reputation. His volatile history does nothing to return the shine. Thanks for another good peek into an historical alcove.

[@meganthomas4768]

Hair triggers were extremely common on duelling pistols. That those pistols had hair triggers is NOT a new revelation because in the published statements of the duel (which were extensively published in almost every newspaper in the USA at the time) their existence was mentioned. Burr also read these statements when they were published. Nobody ever seemed to suggest that there was anything unusual or dishonourable about this. In some duels there were rules about whether they were allowed to be used, but in the rules set out and written down by Hamilton’s second, such a rule for hair triggers was never mentioned and so presumably they could use them if they choose to. Possibly, for entire fairness such rules ought to have been written down, since it’s at least possible that burr didn’t know those specific guns had duels (although he was far more adapt with a pistol than Hamilton was) but their existence is nowhere near as devious or scandalous as people make out in modern accounts of the duel.

[@KowboyUSA]

A duel _"something that could've cost either of them their lives."_ It also could have resulted in costing both men their lives; the August 27, 1831, Biddle Pettis duel, as an example.

[@censusgary]

Kowboy USA : Indeed, any wound could be fatal in the days before antisepsis and antibiotics.

[@Who_Am_I_d.i.y.ryanpanana1349]

"That man totally besmirched me, and I demand satisfaction from him."

[@bodeine454]

From 1792? Lol

[@Who_Am_I_d.i.y.ryanpanana1349]

@BM 20 yeah that's the joke. From a show called it's always Sunny in Philadelphia.

[@steveclark4291]

You never cease to amaze me with history ! Please Keep'em coming as I love learning more about history ! Thank you Sir !

[@Chris_0803]

Can't argue that the prospect of a duel likely made for a more polite society. Imagine how confused these men would be if they saw modern twitter "battles" between famous people.

[@bethclemensen2102]

There's a Robert Heinlein novel (the "Dean of science fiction") that depends on social dueling. The basis is that the human race is willingly allowing itself to be molded on accepted genetic principals, but not in a lab. Dueling eliminates the rude, stupid, and those with poor physical characteristics. Sorry, don't remember the title of the book. As is almost always the case in Heinlein's books, at the midpoint of the novel there's a twist changing the apparent plot to something else.

[@louism9790]

I’ve seen at least 100 of your videos and this was my favorite by far

[@markspencer3612]

If Hamilton provided the pistols for the duel honor would demand that Burr be given his choice of pistols , there is no way that Hamilton could know which pistol he would end up with .

[@Capjedi]

Ah, but knowledge is power! Just knowing which pistol would misfire, would give an advantage. In this case, it's clear that Hamilton was counting on Burr to miss deliberately. This is speculation, but it's the only reasonable conclusion, as Burr was known to be too much a gentleman to kill in cold blood.

[@harryschaefer5887]

Thanks for this great examination of the Weehawken duels. I lived in Weehawken until I was 3 and visited grandparents there almost every weekend while growing up. The view of the NY skyline from the palisades is especially beautiful at night. I'd love to know more about the race to build the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. The Empire State Building has an interesting history of it's own (not just because of Kong, an airplane crashed into it once).

[@reneebarger5194]

This period of American history is fascinating. Pundits of our age have no idea of what scoundrels our beloved early "politicians" were. They were excellent spin doctors and libel suits were rare. I appreciate the revealing of the connections of the Burr & Hamilton families. More please.

[@BurrShotHam711Jenna]

there's a part in Chernow's book (Alexander Hamilton, Chapter 42: Fatal Errand page 702) where Pendleton does ask Hamilton if he would like the hair trigger set and Hamilton replied "not this time"

[@gymshoe8862]

I am a fan of duelling--it is a way to clearly cut to the heart of any disagreement. It makes one consider the gravity of one's lies. It forces one to take seriously the consequences of loose words. It makes a man careful of offending another. It would serve us well in these unsettling times.

[@meganthomas4768]

Hamilton didn’t really lie about Burr in 1804 though. He expressed his opinion of Burr’s political conduct at a time when Burr, by standing for the most important office in New York State, had opened himself up to such criticism. Under such circumstances, Hamilton might not have felt himself obliged to behave with ‘decorum’. I mean yes, there was a degree of logic to it and it did have some affect on restraining people’s conduct, but plenty of people at the time also complained about how tyrannical (by suppressing free speech) and irrational the practise was (nobody changed their mind about Burr’s political conduct after the duel because only proof and evidence could have changed their mind).

[@TomRussellatAFA]

Thank you for the video. I believe both pistols have "Set Triggers" and their purpose wasn't to increase the speed of the shot, rather it was to enable an extremely light trigger press which is less likely to disturb one's sight picture when discharging the pistol.

[@galaxiekpop737]

"and he wrote it down right there, damn " - the Reynolds pamphlet

[@RussiaIsARiddle778]

I found this fascinating and had to keep rewinding to keep the names straight. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@jamierunsalot]

I came across your channel about a week ago, since then it has consumed practically all my free time and I couldn’t be happier about that. Thank you!

[@atmaillumina]

I believe Hamilton threw the duel to spite Burr. In his letters, he wrote of such an elaborate scheme, spent his last weeks with his family, and was often depressed about the loss of his son. Hamilton wanted to leave a legacy behind and at the time, he was losing political favor; he was referred to as a glorified has-been. Hamilton didn't want to be remembered in such a sour note before he left, and devised the plan to frame Burr and paint himself as the martyr. That's why I believe Hamilton shot first and missed on purpose. I think his plan was two-fold because he expected Burr to shoot him down. And although his last few moments were extremely painful, his plan had succeeded. Burr could not hold office again, his political career in shambles. At the same time, Hamilton was praised as the martyr he had hoped to be.

[@killcancer6499]

That sounds pretty ridiculous to me.

[@atmaillumina]

@@killcancer6499 You're right. It is ridiculous, but if you read into Hamilton's story, you'll see that I'm not making it up.

[@killcancer6499]

@@atmaillumina Hamilton's letter in which he stated he would throw the duel to a man he hated and sought to destroy for years would likely never have seen the light of day had Hamilton won. He claimed that he had no desire to kill Burr, and made no mention of trying to salvage his supposed loss of "political favor." It is difficult to imagine the man who challenged so many others to duels as a pacifist sacrificing himself to the pistol ball of a man he hated.

[@atmaillumina]

@@killcancer6499 You have to see it a different way. Hamilton was old and was already close to dying. Burr was en route to gaining political power and position. Hamilton killed two birds with one stone. You're currently thinking with the knowledge and possibly wisdom of a 21st century individual. Indeed to understand why Hamilton did this, you'll have to discard what you know and subscribe to the school of thought that Westerners had in those older times.

[@b_uppy]

Additionally, the guns used had hair triggers, that Burr may not have known about: aaronburrassociation.org/duel%20description.htm www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a21083805/hamilton-dueling-pistols/

[@rp-ze3bp]

.......Amazing story Mr. History Guy. Thank you.

[@Cocoxoxo-oj4cx]

Smh How does Alexander duel like he’s running out of time?!

[@lowend9103]

I believe the dueling pistols mentioned here were made by Robert Wogdon of London. Wogdon is credited with being the father of the dueling pistol as mentioned in a poem starting with the opening line. "Hail Wogdon, father of the leaden death". At the time of manufacture of these dueling pistols 'set triggers' were the norm on the finest duelers made in London by all the best makers, Twigg, Nock, D Egg, Mortimer, Griffin and the Mantons. A misconception that is popular today is both principles of the duel used pistols from the same set. Actually each principal was expected to bring and use his own pair of dueling pistols. As these pistols were custom made to the customers specific requirements including the fit in the hand of the owner there is the possibility that the principal who is not the owner of the set could be at a disadvantage by a pistol that did not fit properly in his hand. The reason for two pistols was if there arose the need for a second shot to settle the affair. Just some general info here, thanks. Dueling pistols have always been of interest to me and I am currently hand making a pair of duelers in the case with all accessories influenced by Robert Wogdon.

[@buckrogers8672]

A video w a deeper and thorough view of Hamilton is essential.

[@shadowraith1]

Your snippet here remains me of the Doors song "People are Strange". Had no idea of the depth of background that's behind Hamilton's dual. As always thanks for the history lesson.

[@kryptos6478]

Hamilton: I will serve my best and make sure I leave this earth greatly Burr: Well...

[@ajg617]

Amazing how you are able to connect the historical dots into a compelling narrative.

[@josephpicogna6348]

My wife enjoyed this one especially and now she is a big fan also.

[@censusgary]

I read that the reason New Yorkers circa 1800 went across the river to Weehawken to fight duels was that in New York, dueling carried the death penalty. Dueling was also illegal in New Jersey, but the penalty was less severe, and perhaps seldom enforced, to judge from how many duels seem to have been staged there, and how few prosecutions apparently resulted.

[@laurent1144]

You have a gift for storytelling!

[@kosmicwizard]

This is so crazy! Thanks for doing this video for us

[@ericblair8821]

Historical coincidence at its best, incredible juggling act H guy.

[@showmetimefelix7500]

That was an excellent explanation of how the two pistol triggers were modified. Very enjoyable episode.

[@dtlongrifles]

Your description of the purpose of a hair trigger is totally inaccurate. It has nothing to do with the speed of the shot. A lighter trigger pull usually equates to a more accurate shot. A more historically correct term for the hair trigger is, "set trigger," a feature often found on hunting firearms, and certainly firearms used for target shooting.

[@GasAirSpark]

dotri 1967 yes, and single set triggers were fairly common

[@cuchulain1647]

You are not right. Haven’t you ever been surprised by the gun going off when you’re firing a light trigger, when you are used to a heavier pull??

[@scoireamerica1609]

I agree totally 1967, these " set triggers" were really designed for target work and are found on many fine arms. We have the old Dueling grounds outside DC in maryland. Much history there. The purpose of the set trigger mechanism is to remove the mechanical " trigger creep" ( removing the trigger slop, or mechanical slop of the firing parts) thus affording the most accurate shot. Common on well made weapons.

[@edbecka233]

dotri 1967 Ya beat me to it, Brother.

[@waynemartin2399]

Sco/ire America BRASS as taught by USMC - Breathe- Relax - Aim - SLACK -Squeeze

[@thetruth3768]

None of our current politicians have the guts to engage in dueling. I would love to see it though.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

TheTruth LOL I am not convinced that bringing back dueling would a good idea.

[@Chettkat]

It would perhaps be an effective way to weed out many career politicians. If so, it would most likely tone down the fiery rhetoric , if they knew it may result in their own death. Also, perhaps insulting Tweets could be added to Dueling ........... I have been to the spot where the famous Hamilton / Burr duel took place. Very good video. Keep up the good work History Guy!

[@connorriley7511]

I don’t know about that I feel like John McCain would have no problem dueling with someone if he was in better health.

[@Chettkat]

Yes, With all his faults, I am certain that Mccain would duel with someone he was pissed off at. Which may have led him into a duel where the other was a better shot. Perhaps long ago. His temper is legendary ........ that often is a trait that leads to an early death, or downfall. Karma often has the last laugh.

[@huntnwabbits8150]

None of our current politicians have the guts to engage in doing their jobs.

[@WalkaCrookedLine]

Maybe you could do a short piece on the time (1798) Richard Somers challenged the entire wardroom of USS United States to fight him in succession. Somers' friend Stephen Decatur had jokingly called Somers a fool during some casual banter, both being midshipmen assigned to the ship. Somers was astonished when the wardroom refused to seat him because they felt no gentleman would allow the insult to pass unchallenged. Somers' and Decatur's attempt to explain no serious insult was meant fell on deaf ears, and Somers eventually challenged the whole wardroom. He exchanged fire with three of the wardroom members in succession, and was seriously wounded. After the third exchange, Somers firing from a sitting position because he could no longer stand, the rest of the wardroom agreed Somers' courage was adequately proven and the duel was ended. There are of course many other odd examples of duels fought in U.S. history, so if you want to do a longer video you could string several together.

[@jameskelman9856]

Always rivetting narration! Thanks!

[@thedirtfisherman]

I always enjoy your snippets of history.

[@Idahoguy10157]

That set of dueling pistols were well used!

[@84Actionjack]

I read in a book some years back, the famous duel between Burr and Hamilton, pistols with set triggers were used. The story was that Hamilton had the choice of weapons and chose pistols he may have believed were unfamiliar to Burr. Burr was very familiar and Hamilton's attempt at advantage had instead foolishly cost him his life, especially since he'd been challenged by Burr before over an offense and chose to recant the offending statements rather than meet on the field of honor. Lesson: Don't let your mouth write a check your ass can't cash.

[@demogog3449]

Or do not throw away your shot

[@ciprian7243]

Whole video in a nutshell: "small world..." . Yet another brilliant video, also.

[@danielkastenholz5649]

Thomas Fleming wrote a book called "Duel" about it, and theorized that dueling was particularly important for maintaining a military sense of honor, and that each man, seeing Napoleon taking over France over the dead body of the French Republic, wanted to keep open the possibility of being that man in America, when the Constitution should fail. As far as ending his political career, Burr was a chameleon, and also a phoenix, known for changing his stance and coming back in politics, but Jefferson hated him after the Presidential election fiasco of 1800, and losing the governorship of New York might have been a signal that he had nothing left, politically, to lose.

[@sameyers2670]

How can people dislike your videos? This is one of my favourite KZbin channels

[@NondescriptMammal]

Super interesting, thanks for these fascinating historic tidbits!

[@KingWill333]

Bring back duels immediately!

[@sim33009]

As always I am fascinated by the story. Love that tie.

[@jaystrickland4151]

You leave out the hair triggers were also used to cause your opponent to miss in the manner Hamilton did. An opponent who didn't know there was a hair trigger might shoot over the other opponent. Hamilton likely miscalculated and didn't realize that Burr was familiar with those pistols and their hair trigger from the previous Duel.

[@costantinovolpe2092]

This was absolutely fascinating

[@dougearnest7590]

Next time you get the urge to do a video on duels, please consider the Sandbar Fight, the incident which made James Bowie and the knife famous. All we were taught in school was he killed a man in a fight. The details would make the story infinitely more interesting. Plus, since it links to Texas history, it will be even more relevant to everything worth not forgetting.

[@UsotheMarshmallow]

This are some wild facts, Hamilton's family really had a duelling issue haha. I really enjoyed watching this! You did really well at explaining everything in ways that made sense and the facts were all super interesting

[@Whitpusmc]

I would like to point out that the “advantage” mentioned is a very slim one. While being struck by a bullet certainly could throw off someone’s aim, and one shot can stop a fight, the percentages are slim (around 1-2% depending on caliber) and there are a lot of videos of modern day gunfights in which participants aren’t aware they have been shot until after the event and adrenaline levels start to decline. It that case the advantage would be nonexistent. Furthermore there are also a lot of videos showing someone who has been shot, even fatally so, continuing to fight or continuing to make conscious movements etc. That would also mean a lesser advantage. All I’m arguing is that it’s a very slim advantage, if at all, to be counting on to save your life. But the moral of the story is clearly that you need to get your dueling pistols from a trustworthy third party and not the guy you're dueling? Some of these videos can be seen on the Advanced Self Protection channel here on KZbin.

[@ibisalvira9725]

Love. Love History. Am so happy I found your channel!!!!

[@Dfturcott]

We should bring duels back, the ratings on espn would be thru the roof

[@samkite8028]

The amount of respect given back then will forever be lost.

[@georgepaulfarris1465]

Wow! History Guy, this was one of your best!

[@1is1]

A video on famous Duels would be amazing!!

[@jeanlafitte268]

Great segment - thanks! Have you eve done a show about Josephus Daniels (speaking of "The Greatest Guy You Never Heard Of")? Or (in that vein) Major General Smedley Darlington Butler USMC, the "Fighting Quaker" Those two men capture, between them, the essence of 20th century gunboat diplomacy!

[@8kigana]

I hope you can do one on Arron Burr, he himself was an orphan like Hamilton. He married a widower (5 kids)and when she died he took care of her kids to adult age and beyond, solid family man.

[@8kigana]

I forgot, he fathered 2 children from an east Indian woman, and they turned out pretty well too, one became an abolitionists against slavery.

[@demogog3449]

He then married a wealthy woman and took her money

[@richardea4223]

Man, Weehawken, New Jersey is a dangerous place to live. People keep on ending up dead. 😎

[@noone-ft9lw]

Great videos, glad I found them, should keep me busy a while. Hang in there, you're channel will catch on eventually

[@colingibson8018]

Sir as someone who has no interest in Hamilton mainly due TO the musical. I found this episode of five minutes to be totally fasinating. And the part about the hair trigger on the pistol wow. You sir are a master, thank you. I eagerly await your next video .Yes I know that this is a older one but I am trying to catch up,and I will. Thank you again.

[@nathanlief]

Very well done again, trying to get to all of your videos. Love the history, really enjoy American History one of my favorite subjects in High School.

[@kwebst1]

I heard recently that they both knew about the hair triggers and both chose not to use them. But there are many myths and legends around the duel

[@stevenvicino8687]

I remember a public service announcement that aired back in the early seventies. It showed two parties of middle-aged men approaching each other on a field. The leaders take off their ties and coats, hand them to their seconds...and commence to slug it out. Neither leader can score a hit but the parties stand casually by as witness. Can't remember what the exact message at the end was but it read something like "what if political leaders settled disputes the old-fashioned way".

[@bozimmerman]

The celebration of Hamilton always perplexed me, as he is clearly a villain of the founding class, even if he was a hero of the revolutionary war. He was a monarchist that fought the British not because of human rights, or taxation, or any of the other causes of the Declaration. His biggest complaint appears to have been that he wanted his monarch to live closer by.

[@joeyjoejoshabbadu7963]

That's a sneaky cat at 1:32 over your left shoulder....

[@JockMcBile]

Hot damn, I love these episodes. They're always parts that I already know, but how they tie into something else. Or the part I knew, was just a tiny bit. Thank you, as always.

[@joecombs7468]

The greatest tragedy about Hamilton is that he & Burr did not fight their duel sooner.

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Great story and a cause of wonderment! Thanks Kindly History Guy and my best to your History Gal as well! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@lagunaflyguy]

Once again a great presentation of little known facts. My seconds and I would like to take our hats off to you sir.

[@jlawrence0181]

All your videos are well researched and very interesting.

[@keithlincicum3691]

Again HG I love your narration, but could I make a suggestion? Arrange your desk so that the reflection of you PC monitor won't reflect on your glasses, thanks KL

[@impressivesarasarabrown466]

I live for these videos....

[@billybereu2010]

Another great moment in history.

[@charlesneely265]

Love the cat making brief appearance at approx. 1:30

[@PNurmi]

Interesting twist about the trigger. Makes sense.

[@petcatznz]

This is a great channel, thank you for putting it together. That type of trigger is called a set trigger. They still exist today in some high quality firearms, mostly for use in target shooting competitions. When 'set' their triggers are extremely sensitive and as such are somewhat prone to being fired early by the unwary, which adds more than a little credence to this story. I can only imagine that in a highly charged one-shot duelling situation having this type of trigger could only ever be a disadvantage!

[@jmh8743]

not if you were only one knowing.

[@angelwhispers2060]

Hamilton firing into the air should have ended the problem and Burr should have been a gentleman and done likewise. This is why Aaron Burr's reputation will forever be soiled in my opinion. Killing both Hamilton oldest son and Hamilton himself is unconscionable in an era when most of the time duels were only fought to get out their frustrations and glancing blows were the most that was generally acceptable. Burr is a scoundrel for having shot to kill.

[@johngreen3543]

Burr could not be sure that Hamilton would miss on purpose. Burr's reputation should be reexamined by historians and not by Hamilton lovers, because they are prejudiced. Your typical of the prejudiced many.

[@angelwhispers2060]

@@johngreen3543 I am simply stating that Burr was considered a scoundrel at the time and that is why his Public Service career was basically over. Whatever a historian may find to justify Burrs actions. Means nothing to the reaction his contemporaries had.

[@davidwestbendwi9308]

Great story!!!

[@wanderingangelstudio1359]

Great video! Well researched and very interesting. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@tracytrawick322]

Our forefathers were incredible people, had to be deal with the political landscape, craft a nation & to simply stay alive. What history & once again told so well with such rich detail. Thanks for the ride.

[@NickCager]

Imagine standing there and just letting someone shoot at you! These people were... not sure what to call it.

[@zachh3541]

Hello! Have you considered releasing the audio from your videos as a podcast? I'd love to be able to listen to your snippets of history while I am driving or at work. Thanks for the great channel!

[@kenbobca]

Great video. I always learn something new on your channel.

[@TexasNightRider]

Have to say I was forced to watch this video to the end not because of the content, which I found to be very informative, but because of the cat that appeared just over your left shoulder at 1:32:00. I was really hoping the kitty would appear again. This was too funny.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

That is Pookie. He spent the rest of the time trying to see if he could knock over the camera.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

FWIW: "Pookie" appears at about 00:01:32 in the video. HEY, POOKS!!! {YES, I'm a CAT PERSON...LOL}

[@sameyers2670]

Bless him is Pookie a history fan too? Maybe he should have his own KZbin channel

[@vaulavaulamosesaikumijalom5616]

Went off to 132

[@whiskeytangofoxtrot5244]

I wish more than anything to return to dueling. Want to return honor ? A duel does not mean death. If you are wrong say it and walk away.

[@Tinhamodic]

Alas that would not apply today as dueling was a gentleman's last resort, when people in that era still believed in honor . People nowadays get shot just for looking the wrong way.

[@angelwhispers2060]

Burr should have taken Hamilton's high shot as a signal that he was backing out of the dual and shoot high as well. By striking true and killing Hamilton, Burr proved himself a man without honor. A man without honor could not be entrusted with the public good.

[@alphaxray100]

Again great story

[@lindacollins4336]

Thank you for this entertaining yet informative video. I have always felt that if we don't know our history we are bound to repeat its mistakes. I would love to see more videos about our Revolutionary War and the sheer genius that went into the writing of our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. I think many of us need to be reminded of the complete brilliance of our Forefathers.

[@maattthhhh]

That's one cursed pair of pistols.

[@TheIrishAmish]

You are incorrect about the “Hair trigger”. These are what is known as a “Set trigger”. This type of trigger was and is common on black powder rifles and some duelling pistols. It allows the trigger to be used two ways. Either with a standard long pull of the trigger, or “Set” to be used for very fine, deliberate sighting. I am a bit disappointed as this is the first inconsistency I have witnessed on this channel, but as always, wonderful content!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

This is the 1975 article in Smithsonian magazine. The arms experts at the Smithsonian concluded that the hair trigger was “surreptitious,” and the pistols should have been disqualified for use in duels. www.aaronburrassociation.org/post/smithsonian-article-on-alexander-hamilton-s-trick-pistols

[@itrthho]

Nice shot, Mr. Burr.

[@denniscarlson8264]

Great article!!!

[@gsilcoful]

Thank you. Awesome stuff.