The Trials of Aaron Burr, 1808 Edition

Description

Reports of the Trials of Colonel Aaron Burr, (late Vice President of the United States) for Treason gives the original record of Aaron Burr’s 1807 trial – and it wasn’t for killing anybody. As was typical of the period, the extended title explains much of the content. See the bibliographic description below.

These two interesting volumes are far more than a mere verbatim report. Burr’s treason trials related to his alleged plan to conquer part of what is now Texas and Mexico and split it from Spain. The trials in Richmond, Virginia, were a national spectacle, and while Burr was acquitted, his already faltering political career was further damaged.

A fascinating primary document of a one-time “Trial of the Century.”

Both volumes bound in 3/4 leather with marbled boards and end pages, raised spines, and top edge gilt. Light foxing throughout; Volume 2 shaken; Light chipping of the extremities; mottling of spine; scuffs and scratches on both volumes, especially at top. Previous owner’s bookplate; else very good.

Reports of the Trials of Colonel Aaron Burr, (late Vice President of the United States) for Treason, and for a Misdemeanor, in preparing the means of a military expedition against Mexico, a territory of the King of Spain, with whom the United States were at Peace, in the Circuit Court of the United States, held at the city of Richmond, in the district of Virginia, in the Summer term of the year 1807. to which is added an Appendix, containing the Arguments and Evidence in support and defense of the motion afterwards made by the counsel for the United States to commit A. Burr, H. Blannerhassett and I. Smith to be sent for Trial to the State of Kentucky for Treason or Misdemeanor alleged to be committed there. Taken in Shorthand by David Robertson, Counsellor at Law. Philadelphia: Hopkins and Earl, 1808. 2nd edition, 2 volumes, 3/4 leather, marbled boards & end pages, top edge gilt, (Howes B-1013a).