The Heartbreak of Aaron Burr

April 2, 2012
The relationship of Aaron Burr and his daughter Theodosia Burr Alston is one of the most affecting bonds in the history of major American political figures. Each cherished and doted on the other after the death of Burr’s wife when their daughter was 11. And more tragedy was to come: after the death of Theodosia’s son, she herself drowned at sea in 1813, aged 29, thus leaving two crushed men, her husband and her father. University of Texas–Austin historian Brands (The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin) brings alive this story largely through the affectionate letters between father and child. But it’s a slight, curious work. Written in the present tense, which gives it a formal, Gallic tone, it’s all narrative and takes us nowhere into character. The history it rehearses has long been known, and it introduces not a single idea. Burr’s enigmatic politics and schemes are warp and woof of all written history of the era. But Theodosia? Here, Brands lets us down. For example, it’s clear from her letters that she abetted
her father by egging him on in many of his schemes instead of cautioning him against acting unwisely. What could have been an insightful dual portrait is instead an insubstantial, if pleasing, work. Illus.

March 15, 2012
Most schoolchildren can tell you that Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Brands (History/Univ. of Texas; The Murder of Jim Fisk for the Love of Josie Mansfield, 2012, etc.) chronicles the story of the downward trajectory his fortunes endured thereafter. Burr's relationship and devotion to his only child, Theodosia, produced a wealth of correspondence that allows us to see his tortured, often-desperate persona. His break with Thomas Jefferson over political issues and the outrage after Hamilton's death finished Burr's political life. More importantly, the press of creditors suggested it was a good time to get out of town. He left New York and headed west to investigate the possibilities of land speculation. While traveling he became convinced of an impending war with Spain, either in Mexico or Florida. He raised a great deal of capital to buy a tract of land in the Louisiana Territory and to outfit an expeditionary force. Burr never actually stated the purpose for the 15 boats, 500 men, firearms and provisions, but his intentions made many nervous. It was to be his ultimate undoing. Jefferson didn't trust him, and many others saw his moves as an attempt to split the United States in two. Despite charges of treason, no indictment could be reached after two hearings, but Jefferson rejected the findings and called for his arrest. Burr attempted to evade capture but was eventually taken and transported to Richmond to stand trial. The second in the author's series entitled American Portraits, this is one of the increasingly popular "small stories" that give so much insight into the men, women and events of history. A short but thrilling page-turner. Brands burrows into Burr's psyche and exposes his failings as he details the outstanding talents that were so sadly wasted.

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May 1, 2012

The word "heartbreak"--not to mention the book's subtitle--may imply that Brands (history, Univ. of Texas, Austin; Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt) has taken a turn toward melodrama, but he fairly presents the dramas of Burr's life in the second in his "American Portraits" series of entertaining historical snapshots. Readers who know Burr only as the man who shot Alexander Hamilton will learn that he tied with Jefferson for electoral college presidential votes and became vice president. After the fatal duel, Burr went west to attempt self-reinvention but found more trouble when the Jefferson administration claimed he meant to lead the western states in secession; Brands uses the trial record to create a gripping account of Burr's acquittal. Referencing Burr's published correspondence with his daughter Theodosia, he goes on to paint an intimate portrait of Burr as committed feminist and doting father. Theodosia's disappearance at sea en route to a reunion with her father is heartbreaking. VERDICT Brands uses the documentary record to produce a compelling riff on a quintessentially American character. It's a historical tearjerker recommended to the general reader.--Sebastian Stockman, Emerson Coll., Boston

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