Page:The Burr-Hamilton duel with correspondence.djvu/23

 now disclosed on the part of Col. Burr appear to him to have greatly extended the original ground of enquiry, and instead of presenting a particular and definite case for explanation seem to aim at nothing less than an inquisition into his most confidential conversations, as well as others, through the whole period of his acquaintance with Col. Burr.

While he was prepared to meet the particular case fairly and fully, he thinks it inadmissible that he should be expected to answer at large as to everything that he may possibly have said in relation to the character of Col. Burr at any time or upon any occasion. Though he is not conscious that any charges which are in circulation to the prejudice of Col. Burr have originated with him, except one which may have been so considered, and which has long since been fully explained between Col. Burr and himself, yet he cannot consent to be questioned generally as to any rumours which may be afloat derogatory to the character of Col. Burr without specification of the several rumours, many of them probably unknown to him. He does not,