Memoirs of Aaron Burr | Page 7

year 1754 or 1755,
the trustees commenced erecting the college in Princeton; and in 1757
it was so far completed that the students, about seventy in number,
were removed to the building.
In, June, 1752, President Burr, being then in his 38th year, was married
to Esther Edwards, the daughter of Jonathan Edwards, a distinguished
metaphysician and divine. He was the second president of Princeton
College, being called to that station on the decease of his son-in-law,
President Burr. Thus, the father of Colonel Aaron Burr, and the
grandfather on his mother's side, were, in succession, at the head of that
seminary of learning.
President Burr was alike celebrated for his eloquence and piety; but,
withal, he possessed no inconsiderable degree of eccentricity. His
courtship and marriage partook of it. Miss Edwards, after the
preliminaries were arranged, was brought to New-Jersey to be married.
The occurrence created much conversation, and gave rise to some
newspaper commentary. The following is extracted from the New-York
Gazette of the 20th of July, 1752.
"A letter to a gentleman from his friend, dated

"July 7th, 1752
"Sir,
"As you are a known and peculiar votary to the state of celibacy, I
judged it would do you no disservice to acquaint you of a late
occurrence, which sufficiently evidences, that after the most mature
consideration, some of our wisest and best men do prefer the
endearment of the nuptial bed.
"About eight days since, the Rev. Aaron Burr, president of the College
of New-Jersey, was married to a daughter of the renowned Mr.
Jonathan Edwards, late of Northampton. She is a young lady of about
twenty-one. Her person may be called agreeable; her natural genius
seems to be sprightly, and, no doubt, is greatly improved by a very
virtuous education. In short, she appears to be one every way qualified
to make a man of sense and piety happy in the conjugal relation. As to
the courtship or marriage, I shall not descend to particulars; but only
observe, in general, that, for some centuries, I suppose there has not
been one more in the patriarchal mode.
"I hope, sir, that this instance, both as to matter and form, will have its
genuine influence upon you, and as well bear a part in convincing you
that wedlock is incomparably preferable to the roving uneasiness of the
single state, as to direct you, when you are choosing your mate, that,
instead of acting the modern gallant, wisely to imitate this example,
and endeavour to restore courtship and marriage to their original
simplicity and design.
"PHILOGAMUS."

At different times Colonel Burr received friendly anonymous and other
communications, recommending to him the practice of a religious life.
It is a remarkable fact, that in almost every such instance he is referred
to the letters of his mother. From a communication to him, written by a
lady, the following is extracted. If it should meet her eye, as it probably

will, it is hoped that she will pardon this freedom. Her name is
suppressed, and will not be known, unless through her own
instrumentality.
"My Dear Sir,
"I trust the purity of the motives by which I am actuated will find an
apology in your bosom for the liberty I assume in addressing you on a
subject which involves your eternal interest.
"Here, in the wilds of -----, I have found an extract of a letter, written
by your inestimable mother nearly sixty years ago, of which you are the
principal subject; and a transcript of which I shall enclose for your
perusal. Perhaps you will think me a weak, presumptuous being; but
permit me, dear sir, to assure you, this does not proceed from a whim
of the moment. It is not a mere transient gust of enthusiasm. The
subject has long been heavy on my mind. I have more than once
resolved to converse with you freely; to tell you how my own feelings
were affected relative to your situation; but my faltering tongue refused
to obey the impulse of my soul, and I have withdrawn abruptly, to
conceal that which I had not confidence to communicate. But meeting
(I believe providentially) with this precious relic has determined me. I
will write, and transmit it to you. I am too well convinced of the
liberality of your sentiments; but I still believe you retain an inherent
respect for the religion of your forefathers.
"I have often reflected on your trials, and the fortitude with which you
have sustained them, with astonishment. Yours has been no common
lot. But you seem to have forgotten the right use of adversity.
Afflictions from Heaven 'are angels sent on embassies of love.' We
must improve, and not abuse them, to obtain the blessing. They are
commissioned to stem the tide of impetuous passion;