Revolutionary War soldier, lawyer, senator, and vice president under Jefferson (1756–1836), probably best known for mortally wounding Alexander Hamilton in a duel on July 11, 1804. LS, one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, June 18, 1794. Burr writes to James Monroe. In part: “You must have recd. Mr. Prevost’s [probably a relation of his wife, the former Theodosia Prevost] final answer before you left Philad[elphi]a. He has the utmost sensibility to your goodness & politeness—yet the possibility of remaining without resources is a hazard which he thinks his circumstances will not warrant him to encounter: and from motives of delicacy he will not allow me to interfere in removing this embarrassment. If you should be at any time without a secretary and should choose to receive him as such, he will chearfully [sic] obey your summons. You will find me a very punctual correspondent—and the more extensive to cypher is (which you proposed to make) the more interesting may our letters be to each other. A name which will occur frequently, had best be designated by two or three different characters. I leave this wholly to you....” Burr continues with good wishes, plans to place “large orders ... if you should find books cheaply,” and mentions that he has been “confined ... almost wholly to my bed ... by an increase of that complaint in the side....” The use of codes and ciphers was a widespread means of securing sensitive communications in early America. Among others, Monroe, who was in Paris during negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase, sent encoded progress reports to Jefferson; codes also played a central role in Burr’s notorious scheme to establish a new government in Spanish-held territory, which led to his trial (and acquittal) for treason in 1807. Faint intersecting folds (tiny edge separations), narrow mounting remnant to one margin, and light show-through of ink, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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