Page:The Burr-Hamilton duel with correspondence.djvu/42

 all confidence and esteem, and prove an ornament and blessing to the country."

"As well because it is possible that I may have injured Col. Burr, however convinced myself that my opinions and declarations have been well founded, as from my general principles and temper in relation to similar affairs, I have resolved if our interview is conducted in the usual manner, and it pleases God to give me the opportunity, to reserve and throw away my first fire, and I have thoughts even of reserving my second fire—and thus giving a double opportunity to Col. Burr to pause and to reflect.

"It is not, however, my intention to enter into any explanation on the ground. Apology, from principle I hope, rather than pride, is out of the question.

"To those who, with me, abhorring the practice of duelling may think that I ought on no account to have added to the number of bad examples, I answer that my relative situation, as well in public as private, enforcing all the considerations which constitute what men of the world denominate