Page:The Burr-Hamilton duel with correspondence.djvu/30

 has been ready to enter into a frank and free explanation on any and every object of a specific nature; but not to answer a general and abstract inquiry, embracing a period too long for any accurate recollection, and exposing him to unpleasant criticisms from or unpleasant discussions with any and every person who may have understood him in an unfavorable sense. This (admitting that he could answer in a manner the most satisfactory to Col. Burr) he should deem inadmissible in principle and precedent, and humiliating in practice. To this, therefore, he can never submit. Frequent allusion has been made to slanders said to be in circulation. Whether they are openly or in whispers they have a form and shape, and might be specified.

"If the alternative alluded to in the close of the letter is definitively tendered, it must be accepted, the time, place and manner to be afterwards regulated. I should not think it right in the midst of a Circuit Court, to withdraw my services from those who may have confided important interests to me, and