CULTURE OF DUELING
In 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr met with the sole purpose of settling a dispute via duel. Dueling is defined as “a prearranged combat between two persons, fought with deadly weapons according to an accepted code of procedure,especially to settle a private quarrel. (Dictionary.com)” Dueling, especially in the 19th century revolved frequently around defending honor, seen in Phillip Hamilton’s duel as he was attempting to defend his father’s honor. Many steps were taken to reconcile an issue before it came to a duel, and even after a bullet was fired, there was to be another attempt at reconciliation before another bullet could be fired. (Walton) There were many rules to dueling, though they varied region to region, but namely included a requirement of 10 paces between duelers, the presence of a “second,” who’s main role was to prevent the duel from occurring, and No gentleman was allowed to wear spectacles unless they used them on public streets (Smithsonian).
HAMILTON AND BURR'S DUEL
Hamilton and Burr’s duel has been something of contention with many historians, as elements of the duel are unclear, and certain things break many rules. Hamilton, in this duel, practiced what is known as a “delope” or throwing away his shot to end the conflict. He stated his attempt to do so in a statement concerning the duel, saying “I have resolved, if our interview is conducted in the usual manner, and it pleases God to give me the opportunity, to reserve and throw away my first fire, and I have thoughts even of reserving my second fire—and thus giving a double opportunity to Col Burr to pause and to reflect.” This practice wasn’t particularly common, though it didn’t break any rules, and he even advised his son Phillip to do the same in his 1801 Duel with George Eacker. Despite stated intent, It is debated whether or not he actually threw his shot away, as the bullet from Hamilton’s gun landed in a tree 12 feet off the ground, and Burr claimed that Hamilton shot first with intent. Hamilton’s wearing of glasses and his providing non-regulation pistols that had an additional trigger which made the shot more accurate have left many wondering his true intent during this duel.