A Dream of Empire | Page 8

The
four gentlemen spent an hour in lively political and military talk, over a
decanter of Madeira. Under the mellowing influence of wine and good
company, the judge, with Scotch curiosity, made bold to sound Burr in

regard to the purpose of his Western trip.
"We are going out West to witness the 'Rising Glory of America,'" was
the evasive answer. "I am eager to explore that domain of which the
author of 'Bunker Hill,' has sung so sublimely:
'Hail, happy land, The seat of empire, the abode of kings, The final
stage, where time shall introduce Renowned characters and glorious
works.'"
Flattered to hear his own verse recited by the ex-Vice-president, the
judge returned a quick response:
"It is seldom that a poet lives to hear his own prophecies fulfilled. The
'renowned characters' are entering upon the stage; I dare say the
'glorious works' will be accomplished according to prophecy."
The conversation returned to general themes: prospects of trade, routes
of migration, growth of western towns, literature, and education. A
passing comment on the recent purchase and organization of Louisiana
led Colonel Neville to ask:
"When did you last see your former comrade-in-arms, General
Wilkinson?"
"Not lately. I thought I might meet him here in Pittsburg. Is he not due
here?"
"Yes, he is on the way from Philadelphia, but he travels with his family,
and is liable to many detentions. His barge lies at the wharf, to convey
him to Fort Massac."
"So I learn," said Burr. "I fear I shall miss him. He is a jovial
companion."
"A bon-vivant," ejaculated the Judge. "Few men enjoy a convivial
occasion with his gusto, or have the constitution to indulge as he does.
Gossip charges him with living beyond his purse. Some ill-natured

rumors assert that he allows the rites of Bacchus to interfere with the
duties of Mars."
"Bacchus is a gross and vicious god. But your gossips traduce
Wilkinson. He is a brave man and a fine officer," said Burr with an
emphasis of finality.
"O undoubtedly! Apropos of the wine-god, Colonel Burr, do not fail to
tie up your boat at Bacchus Island, you and Mr. Arlington, and call on
my friends the Blennerhassetts. Harman Blennerhassett is an agreeable
man, though peculiar, and his wife is charming."
"A fine woman, is she?" responded Burr.
"Both beautiful and opulent. A sultana, sir!"
"Then, gentlemen," said Burr, rising with glass in hand, "let us do
ourselves the honor of drinking the health of Madam Blennerhassett."
When, at six o'clock in the evening, the travellers went down to the
boat, not a soul did they find on board. Seven o'clock came, but no
Captain Pierce, no minion of his. Burr made inquiry of the agent, the
tavern-keeper and others, without obtaining information concerning
any of the missing men.
Much incensed, he and Arlington were compelled to lodge another
night in the best bedchamber of the Green Tree.

III. PILLARS OF SMOKE.
On the morning after their provoking delay, when the travellers again
appeared at the boat landing, impatient to resume their voyage, Aaron
Burr was in a mood not to be trifled with. It scarcely mollified his
anger to discover on the deck of the boat the slippery crew that had
disappointed him.
"Here we are, sharp on time," bawled Captain Pierce audaciously.

"How soon do you want to start?"
Burr, stepping aboard the vessel, confronted his plausible employee,
and said in a tone of stern reprimand:
"You will be of no use to me unless you obey orders to the letter. You
make a bad beginning. Why were you not here twelve hours ago?"
"I didn't agree to shove off before this morning. We were to come at
six--"
"At six last evening. You broke your word."
"What was the use of lying?" said Arlington contemptuously.
The boatman lowered upon the Virginian, and muttered to Burr: "Then
I must have heard wrong. I thought you said six o'clock this morning.
I'll take my oath on a pile of Bibles."
"Produce the Bibles," suggested Arlington.
Burke ignored the sneering remark, and continued his protestations to
Burr. "I mean to do the fair, square thing, as these men will tell you.
Ask them. They know Burke Pierce keeps his promises."
"Enough; I hope you do. Don't disappoint me again. Put the boat in
motion."
Under the captain's directions, all the hands but one bestirred
themselves. The exception, a burly knot of muscles, with stubby beard
and purple nose, instead of joining in the work, stood idle, chewing
tobacco, ostentatiously. Without a word Burr stepped lightly in front of
the impudent roustabout, and, delivering a blow, with the dexterity of
an expert boxer, knocked him into the river, amid the jeers of his
associates, and of the concourse assembled on the shore to see