Lot 103
Burr, Aaron (1756-1836) Revolutionary War officer; Vice president of the U.S. (1801-05); killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804. Autograph Letter Signed ("A. Burr"), 3pp, 9¼ x 7 in., Albany, July 2, 1783. To an unidentified friend, announcing the birth of his beloved daughter Theodosia, on June 21: "On the 21st ult. Mrs. Burr presented me a sweet little girl…" He writes of the recipient's young charge who is visiting Burr's home and to whom he wishes to render "every service in my power" and adds that "Two or three gentlemen of Character propose going to Canada in a few days," then mentions a gift of some wine "which passes with our connoisseurs for old Madeira…." The text and signature are somewhat faded. Theodosia Burr (1783-1813) was raised by her father after the death of her mother when she was ten. He supervised her education and she acted as her father's hostess until her marriage to Joseph Allston, wealthy landowner and governor of South Carolina in 1801. Burr was charged with treason and tried in 1807. Although he was acquitted, he went to Europe for four years. After his return, Theodosia set sail to New York on December 31, 1812. Neither she nor the schooner Patriot was ever heard from again. Burr was devastated.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
Christie's East, Nov. 24, 1998, Lot 141.
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