Hamilton and Burr
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Alexander Hamilton, in my opinion did not intend to short Aaron Burr. I think that Alexander Hamilton intentionally throw his shot away so that he could have a honorable death and to bring this conflict between two men to an end. There are several evidence that I base my conclusions on: There was a bullet in the tree as the doctor mentioned, letters Hamilton write to his wife and his fellow friend a doctor describing his innermost feelings.
As Mr. Pendleton and other witness at the scene of the duel, a bullet is found stuck in the tree behind Burr. The location is far off the target. Being a trained and skilled soldier during the Revolutionary War, Hamilton has battled in numerous battles. It is not likely that such a skill guns man like him will make such a big mistake so fatal that it might takes his life away, especially when the target is only 10 feet away. It is clearly that Alexander Hamilton do not seek vengeance on Burr, and would like to die in an honorable way.
Not only the evidence can be traced by the location of the bullet and how far the bullet has missed Burr, the actions of Hamilton during the duel and after the duel also shows that he has no intention to kill Burr. According Pendleton, Hamilton have not ÐŽ§spring the hairÐŽÐ of the pistol. And he did not intend to do it. So, if the gun is not cocked and not ready, Hamilton showed he is determined to throw the fire. Also, as Pendleton said, HamiltonÐŽ¦s last words were that ÐŽ§Pendleton knows I did not mean to fire at Col. Burr the first time.ÐŽÐ This alone is strong enough that Alexander Hamilton threw the shot. Also, Hamilton commented on the pistol as to ÐŽ§it might go off and do mischief.ÐŽÐ This indicates that he will not use the gun to do wrong things. During the duel, Pendleton recited, that Alexander Hamilton paused after he threw the first shot, and waited for Burr to shoot him. Burr then take the time and shot Alexander Hamilton.
Through the private letters that Alexander Hamilton sent to Nathanial Pendleton and his wife, we can also tell that Alexander Hamilton has already made his mind that he will not shoot and that he will throw the shot away. He said in his letter, ÐŽ§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 reflect.ÐŽÐ Also, Hamilton also wanted a apology to Burr, rather than pride. Another letter