Page:The Burr-Hamilton duel with correspondence.djvu/38



The following paper in the handwriting of Gen. Hamilton was enclosed with his will and some other papers in a packet addressed to one of his executors, which was of course not to have been delivered but in case of the melancholy event that has happened. As it contains his motives and reflections on the causes that have led to this fatal catastrophe it is deemed proper to communicate it to the public.

"On my expected interview with Col. Burr, I think it proper to make some remarks explanatory of my conduct, motives and views.

"I was certainly desirous of avoiding this interview for the most cogent reasons.

"1. My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of duelling, and it would ever give me pain to be obliged to shed the blood of a fellow creature in a private combat forbidden by the laws.

"2. My wife and children are extremely dear to me, and my life is of the utmost importance to them, in various views.

"3. I feel a sense of obligation towards my creditors, who in case of accident to me, by