At first Hamilton simply opposed the whole disunion scheme. He agreed with George Cabot. The time was not right to secede. Most of New York’s Federalists helped to nominate Burr as a candidate for governor, despite Hamilton’s efforts to dissuade them.[1]
As a guest at a dinner by John Tayler in Albany, on February 16, 1804, Hamilton privately remarked that Aaron Burr was “a dangerous man, and one who ought not to be trusted with the reins of government.” Dr. Charles D. Cooper was there. After hearing Hamilton’s remarks Cooper wrote an account of the conversation. Newspapers published it.[2]
Hamilton was a leading figure in New York’s Federalist Party, but rank-and-file members of the party dismissed his opinion about Burr.[3]
On March 4, 1804, Timothy Pickering wrote to Rufus King, a moderate Federalist. By this time he had received George Cabot’s letter advising him that disunion was impractical. After expressing his thoughts about secession, Pickering imprudently discussed Burr’s nomination for governor. He wrote:
“Mr. Burr alone, we think can break your democratic phalanx, and we anticipate much good from his success. Were New York detached, as under his administration it would be, from the Virginia influence, the whole Union would be benefited. Jefferson would then be forced to observe some caution and forbearance in his measures. And if a separation should be deemed proper, the five New England States, New York, and New Jersey would naturally be united.”[4]
Timothy Pickering
Next: How Hamilton Learned About Roger Griswold’s Remarks on Burr
Look for it February 17
[1] Henry Adams, History of the United States of America during the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson (New York: Library of America, 1986) 420.
[2] Adams, History of the United States, 421.
[3] Adams, History of the United States, 420-1.
[4] Timothy Pickering to Rufus King, March 4, 1804 quoted in Adams, History of the United States, 422.
