Memoirs of Aaron Burr, vol 1 | Page 6

Gouverneur Morris in France; certain members of Congress
recommend Colonel Burr to fill the station; appoint Mr. Madison and
Mr. Monroe to notify the president of their wishes; General
Washington refuses to make the appointment, but agrees to nominate
Mr. Monroe; Burr's opposition to Jay's treaty; proposes amendments,
which are rejected; letter to Thomas Morris; detail of legislative
proceedings in procuring the charter of the Manhattan Company; Burr's
conduct on the occasion; his duel with John B. Church, Esq.; letter of
Burr to -----, giving a history of his transactions with the Holland Land
Company; his daughter married; Miss Burr to Joseph Alston; letter
from Alston to Miss Burr on early marriages; contested election in
New-York in 1800; Burr a candidate for the office of Vice President; a
tie vote with Mr. Jefferson

MEMOIRS OF AARON BURR.

CHAPTER I.
The grandfather of Colonel Aaron Burr, the subject of these memoirs,
was a German by birth, and of noble parentage. Shortly after his arrival
in North America, he settled in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he
purchased a large tract of land, and reared a numerous family. A part of
this landed estate remained in the possession of his lineal descendants
until long after the revolutionary war. During Colonel Burr's travels in
Germany, in the year 1809, various communications were made to him,
orally and in writing, by different branches of the Burr family, some of
whom were then filling high and distinguished scientific and literary

stations.
His father, the Rev. Aaron Burr, was born in Fairfield, on the 4th day of
January, 1715, and was educated at Yale College. In a manuscript
journal which he kept, and which has been preserved, he says, "In
September, 1736, with many fears and doubts about my qualifications
(being under clouds with respect to my spiritual state), I offered myself
to trials, and was approved as a candidate for the ministry. My first
sermon was preached at Greenfield, and immediately after I came into
the Jerseys. I can hardly give any account why I came here. After I had
preached for some time at Hanover, I had a call by the people of
Newark; but there was scarce any probability that I should suit their
circumstances, being young in standing and trials. I accepted of their
invitation, with a reserve, that I did not come with any views of settling.
My labours were universally acceptable among them, and they
manifested such great regard and love for me, that I consented to accept
of the charge of their souls.
"A.D. 1738-39, January the 25th, I was set apart to the work of the
ministry, by fasting, prayer, and imposition of hands. God grant that I
may ever keep fresh upon my mind the solemn charge that was then
given me; and never indulge trifling thoughts of what then appeared to
me of such awful importance. The ministers who joined in this solemn
transaction were Mr. Dickinson, who gave the charge, and Mr. Pierson,
who preached. Mr. Dickinson, who presided at this work, has been of
great service to me by his advice and instruction, both before and since
my ordination.
"In November, 1739, I made a visit to my friends in New-England, and
again in March, 1740. In the following August gust I was in a declining
state of health, and by the advice of my physicians visited Rhode Island.
From thence I proceeded to Boston. On the 19th of September I heard
Mr. Whitefield preach in Dr. Colman's church. I am more and more
pleased with the man. On the 21st, heard him preach in the Commons
to about ten thousand people. On Monday, visited him, and had some
conversation to my great satisfaction. On the 23d, went to hear him
preach in Mr. Webb's church, but the house was crowded before Mr.

Whitefield came. The people, especially the women, were put into a
fright, under a mistaken notion that the galleries were falling, which
caused them to hurry out in such a violent manner, that many were
seriously injured and five killed. The same day, Mr. Whitefield
preached at Mr. Gee's church. In the evening he preached at Dr.
Sewall's church. On Saturday I went to hear him in the Commons; there
were about eight thousand hearers. He expounded the parable of the
prodigal son in a very moving manner. Many melted into tears. On the
4th of October, being on my return to New-Jersey, I arrived at Fairfield,
where I remained two days with my friends."
In the year 1748, Governor Belcher, of New-Jersey, by and with the
approbation of his Majesty's Council, granted a charter to the college of
New-Jersey, subsequently known as Nassau Hall. This college was
opened in Newark, the students living in private families. The Rev.
Aaron Burr was appointed