Of course. I think Jersey was the last state to outlaw the duel.

Your second statement shows that you don't understand how dueling worked. Both participants traditionally wasted their first shot to demonstrate their bravery and courage. Generally, after the first shot was fired in the air, both men were able to retain their honor and the air was considered cleared between them.

What made what Burr did particularly treacherous is Hamilton fired his shot in the air as per the pre-duel agreement and Burr killed him in cold blood with the first bullet which, keeping with his character, is the least honorable thing you could do.

This post was edited on 2/5/14 at 3:56 pm

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by TH03

Mogadishu

Member since Dec 2008

171114 posts

Posted on 2/5/14 at 3:50 pm to therick711

hamilton fired above burr's head, not in the air.

quote:
Hamilton did fire his weapon intentionally, and he fired first. But he aimed to miss Burr, sending his ball into the tree above and behind Burr's location. The bullet only skimmed Burr's ear. In so doing, he did not withhold his shot, but he did waste it, thereby honoring his pre-duel pledge. Meanwhile, Burr, who did not know about the pledge, did know that a projectile from Hamilton's gun had whizzed past him and crashed into the tree to his rear. According to the principles of the code duello, Burr was perfectly justified in taking deadly aim at Hamilton and firing to kill.

also, burr was a notorious bad shot, so historians think it's entirely plausible he too aimed to miss, however, accidentally struck hamilton. which would explain the remorse shown after the fatal shot:

quote:
According to Pendleton's account, Hamilton collapsed immediately, dropping the pistol involuntarily, and Burr moved toward Hamilton in a speechless manner (which Pendleton deemed to be indicative of regret) before being hustled away behind an umbrella by Van Ness because Hosack and the rowers were already approaching

This post was edited on 2/5/14 at 3:53 pm

1 ...

Report Post

O-T Lounge - Replies to Post

Return To Board

Page 1

Return To Board