ten paces apart, the pistols placed in their hands, and
the word being given both fired. General Hamilton instantly fell.
The statement subsequently given out by the seconds is as follows:

"Colonel Burr then advanced toward General Hamilton with a manner and
gesture that appeared to be expressive of regret, but without
speaking turned about and withdrew, being urged from the field
by his friends. No further communication took place between the
principals, and the barge that carried Colonel Burr immediately
returned to the city. We conceive it proper to add that the conduct
of the parties in this interview was perfectly proper as suited
the occasion."

The surgeon in attendance states that after Hamilton was borne
to the barge he observed, "Pendleton knows that I did not intend
to fire at him." As they approached the shore he said, "Let
Mrs. Hamilton be immediately sent for; let the event be gradually broken
to her, but give her hopes." His physician adds:

"During the night his mind retained its usual strength and composure.
The great source of his anxiety seemed to be in his sympathy with his
half-distracted wife and children. 'My beloved wife and children'
was his often used expression, but his fortitude triumphed over
his situation, dreadful as it was. Once, indeed, at the sight
of his children, seven in number, brought to his bedside together,
his utterance forsook him. To his wife he said in a firm voice
but with a pathetic and impressive manner, 'Remember, my Eliza,
that you are a Christian.' His words and the tone in which they
were uttered, will never be effaced from my memory."

After indescribable agony, death came at two o'clock of the day
succeeding the duel. Thus, at the age of forty-seven, perished
Alexander Hamilton, a great man in any country or time. Cities
and counties bear his name in almost every American State. The
story of his wondrous life and tragic death will never lose its
pathetic interest. His unswerving devotion to the country of
his adoption, his untiring efforts in the establishment of the
national Government, and his friendship for Washington, which knew
no abatement, have given Hamilton honored and enduring place in
American history.

As to Burr, the proverb found instant verification that "in duels the
victor is always the victim." Had he, instead of Hamilton, fallen
on that ill-fated July morning, how changed their possible places in
history. A halo has gathered