AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS)

n.p., 1 January [early 1800s]. Letter. Some fading of the ink in the last few lines and the signature, but very readable. Near Fine. A one-page letter on laid paper (6" x 7-1/2") without salutation but addressed to Mrs. [Martha] Bradstreet on the address panel. In full: "I very much suspect, my dear friend, that you will escape the noise of our french and spanish infantry today -- they marched, literally marched, to West Chester on Friday last under orders to return last evening -- they have not appeared nor has anything been heard of them -- I wrote to them yesterday by mail desiring that they would return by this morning's stage -- but they may not think of going to the Post Office -- the stage has arrived without them -- It may be concluded therefore that we shall not see them today -- This will not deprive me of the honor of dining with you & of offering in person the assurance of my respect & attachment." SIGNED "A. Burr."

Aaron Burr, a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War and third vice president of the United States, serving during Jefferson's first term (1801-1805), is best known for killing Alexander Hamilton in an infamous illegal duel in 1804, the final year of Burr's vice presidency. All charges against Burr were eventually dropped, but it ended his political career. As a successful lawyer, one of Burr's clients was Martha Bradstreet who, though born in Ireland, spent most of her life in America trying to reclaim ownership of thousands of acres of land around Utica, New York, that belonged before the Revolution to her step-grandfather, General John Bradstreet, former Governor of Newfoundland, best known for his role in the French and Indian Wars.