Burr-Hamilton Duel: Founding Brothers

Words: 313
Pages: 2

The author’s opening chapter of Founding Brothers covers the topic of the famed Burr-Hamilton Duel. Ellis opens the chapter with a typical, one-paragraph summary of the duel. However, this brief summary does not exhibit the reason why this interview was “the most famous duel in American history…” and for this reason, Ellis goes on to write a more detailed version of The Duel that resulted in Hamilton’s death. The author then explains why these two refined gentlemen had taken part in this deadly meeting, Aaron Burr being Vice President, and Alexander Hamilton being one of the most powerful leaders of federalism. For fifteen years, these two had been fighting a duel of words, starting after Burr simply changed his allegiance from Hamilton’s candidate,