A True Badass: Aaron Burr

Just finished reading the second volume of Aaron Burr's memoirs by M.L. Davis. It is Christmas Day 2012, and I really feel like one of the best and most sincere historical gifts I can give to the world is set the record straight on one of our country's most impressive, dedicated, and talented stateman.  Unfortunately we live in a fast food, communicate by the second, text message society where the art of research is a lost art unless you are publishing at the university level for scholarly purposes or high level peer reviewed research in a field.  I frequently come across (as a huge Founding Father buff) references to Aaron Burr's character as questionable. Even some school history textbooks (obviously scholars aren't writing primary school textbooks) cast dubious light on Burr as a someone who was found Not Guilty "technically" of treason, and the killer of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in a duel.  Here are the facts of these 2 points in his life:  he indeed challenged Alexander Hamilton to a duel after putting up with Hamilton's attempts at unfairly attacking his character for years. It all boiled down to Hamilton claiming that Burr was not fit to hold office due to his personal lack of integrity (this could not be farther from the truth) that was printed in a letter by Dr. Cooper that ultimately cost Burr the election to New York's governship.  Burr gave Hamilton several chances to either directly avow or disavow the statement.  Hamilton chose to do neither.  Hamilton chose to duel it out as many gentlemen did back in that day over serious slights.  Hamilton lost, fair and square. Hamilton had a reputation for always attacking Burr in a day and time where the best characters of government held themselves above such petty action.  Burr never corrected a rumor or attack in the paper, neither did he attack others. This was not the character of a gentleman.  As for the treason charge, it is made clear by many public documents (the best as letters written and recorded by characters and government leaders in the know included in his memoirs) that to claim Aaron Burr wished to battle the western states against Spain and then secede from the Union is ludicrous.  History remembers Thomas Jefferson as a hero but patron saint he was not.  Much like Hamilton, his political jealousies of Burr rose to the level of the deepest calumny.  Even in the treason trial in the Senate (the State of Virginia rejected such ridiculous evidence as none existed, they could not get a grand jury to indict so Jefferson called up his political buddies in the House and had Burr charged) it was proved that Major Wilkinson (Jefferson's friend) forged a letter of Burr's to make it appear Burr wanted the new western states to secede when it was the exact opposite. Jefferson even had the DA Hay threaten one of the main witnesses (Dr. Bollman) with a pardon which he refused and testified anyway not appreciating the veiled threat of prosecution when all he did was testify to the truth (Burr wanted to help the US by getting the US ready for an inevitable war which was thought at the time with Spain so the Floridas could joing the US).  Neither Hamilton nor Jefferson had Burr's heroic military accomplishments (Jefferson was the Governor of Virginia when the British burned it and he retreated via horseback in fear he was so unmilitary-like).  Jefferson directed that Burr be prosecuted for a crime  he did not commit and used false evidence and threats in an attempt to achieve this. All the while, Burr never lost site of the country's best interest.  When he gave his closing speech as President of the Senate, many Senators cried and viewed it as one of the best speeches ever given at the Capitol.  The speech was Burr explaining all his actions as President of the Senate was for the best of the country. He held nothing against any of them for differing with him politically or on any decision.  He encouraged the future VPs as President of the Senate keep the same traditions and values that he worked hard to achieve.  Burr was not only a dignified statemen, he was a great father. He pushed his daughter Theodosia very hard in all manners of educational and cultural pursuits. Not only did early in his career he attempt to pass legislation to free the slaves he also made attempts at giving women the right to vote.  He believed in the power of women at a time when politically this was not acceptable.  He even had a painting of Mary Wollstonecraft, the leading women's rights philosopher at the time on his fireplace mantel.  He cared so much for women, that when his daughter died he took on the education and direction thereof personally of two young women solely to help them.  He graduated Princeton an abnormally bright scholar and at a very young age. His lawyer skills were unparalled.  His political organization skills unparalled.  He could have been elected President in the controversial 1800 election had he lobbied for himself which he refused to do (although the majority in the House wanted him but settled on Jefferson).  He started one of the first national banks, which still exists today (Chase Bank).  He was cultured beyond description.  He was very well read and took on productive tasks, one of which was to ask his daughter to translate the Constitution into French.  He lived in Europe for four years trying to advance the US interest in expanding the west into the Union.  He was always generous in hosting others including foreigners in his home. He was funny (his letters to his daughter evidence a wicked sense of humor at unexpected times).  He was generous.  History records that at a time when he did not have much money he sold personal items to care and provide food for some children (their mother's written account still exists).  He lived to be 81.  He had a strong temperment.  He never lost faith or became bitter through his two trials in life (the Hamilton duel where he was threatened with criminal action and the treason trial).  He lost his beloved daughter and his only grandchild (Aaron Burr Alston, who died when he was a child of ten) in the same year and his son in law shortly thereafter but he never became bitter about life.  He found new people to help.  Aaron Burr was one of our country's greatest Founding Fathers.  It is my true desire that one day sentiments such as mine will be the pervading sentiments and that we might erect a memorial in his honor.  I submit the following as a possible memorial:  "Here we honor Aaron Burr, third Vice President of the United States.  A man who could have been President in 1800 but chose gentlemanly honors first in the conduct of elections.  Let it be known that he established the proper and respectable rules of Senate conduct during his tenure as President of the Sentate in a way forever to be remembered, emulated, and encouraged.  He was a daring military hero who saved a platoon from capture in New York sent in by Washington himself due to his bravery and skill while others advised retreat.  He lived his life encouraging the abolition of slavery and the promulgation of female talents equal to their male counterparts.  Here lies a rare gentleman the country was lucky to have at its time of need."

Present Day Alarm: take heed

In Writings of Ben Franklin ....edited by Carl Japiske, the last few pages are dedicated to an imaginary conversation with Ben Franklin if he were alive. Scary but true thoughts of how far government has taken away the rights and freedoms in the Constitution. We must reverse this.

Unlikely Allies by Joel Richard Paul

Unlikely Allies by Joel Richard Paul
For those of us who did not grow up history majors, practical reality of the sacrifices of great men to make America possible simply has been lost in the few pages and few battles that most schoolchildren are taught ad nauseum and can recite (Paul Revere, Valley Forge, etc.)  It is a fact that the glorified "winners" of our history: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson & the like get committed to solemn memory as the reason d'etre of our existence. Joel Rchard Paul (an impressive Harvard alum lawyer, diplomat, professor) in his ponderings and extensive reading came across the mysterious and intriguing papers of Silas Deane. Thankfully this bright mind wanted to excavate and explore the contributions of this mysterious Founding Father character and shed light on this bastion of hero strength whom our country owes more than it can ever repay. Silas Deane unfortunately has been categorically cast with negative aspersions as a result of jealous politics and these false innuendos have relegated him to a sad figure in our history.  Paul's work is truth shattering, akin to nothing short of unearthing the Egyptian tombs of Tutankhamun and the like in bringing to light the incredible story of one of our country's greatest heros when brave and talented souls were desperately needed and in short supply to give us a fighting chance in beating the most powerful country in the world at the time and giving hope to all mankind everywhere for democracy. Paul's erudite work reads like a Raiders of the Lost Ark script with Deane proving himself a brilliantly talented and goodhearted pursuer of democracy and equality for all. Long story short, we discover that Deane lost his wife and never was able to see his only surviving child (a son) again in his life as he was in France negotiating quite adeptly for the funds that helped win our country the means to make independence a reality, all the while suffering financially as our struggling county never had the means to pay and provide for our leaders like him when it was needed. He literally bankrupted himself in our country's cause. His mysterious poisoning death as he finally set off for America on a ship after years of sacrifice from the hands of a spy cunning enough to trick Ben Franklin is nothing short of meriting an Alfred Hitchcock plot.  Tied into Paul's brilliant book is the true tales of two other very interesting characters who were in the diplomatic triangle of securing France's resources to the American cause. The two other French men were the Chavalier D'Eon, a man who spent a diplomatic career pretending to be a woman to satisfy the spy necessities and saving face act of King Louis XV and King Louis XVI. His career as the French diplomat to the British Court is nothing short of death defying in risk and rewards. Fascinating how he died a spinster  woman only to have everything that was honorable about him take a back seat to his gender unceremoniously revealed in his death.  The other part of the dynamic and incredulous triage turned out to be the Caron de Beaumarchais who not only invented the wristwatch, earned the respect of the King to the point of being entrusted to tutor his children, but also was the famous playwright behind what would later become the Marriage of Figaro and the Barber of Seville. His being taken in and cared for by a wealthy patron who probably made him his lover till his death only makes it a more salacious tale in the backdrop of the dangerous political missions he was sent on (one of which was to convince the Chevalier D'Eon to act permanently like a woman or die due to politics gone awry which sabotaged the French King's power).  The book would be a fascinating read if it was a work of fiction, the fact that it is true is astounding and proves our American history is proof that it takes all kind of extraordinary people, dedication and talents for the impossible to manifest. This book inspires awe of toughness of character and circumstance. It reminds and teaches us that one should never discount or underestimate a person for not fitting neatly into a  mold. Everyone who is brave and talented is capable of changing the world in a very big way.... This book is a national treasure in that it rights history for the sake of Silas Deane and inspires us that some like Silas Deane, gave it their all, literally. Without funds and France, Washington could have been a captive and executed prisoner of war. Our country like Canada may have flown the British flag for many years to come but this book proves it was through the extraordinary sacrifice of heroes like  Silas Deane that we sing the Star Spangled Banner and Silas could not do it all. We also must thank the Chevalier D'Eon and Caron de Beaumarchais.  Thank you Mr. Paul for a pheonomenal piece of work that sets history straight and inspires us all. Long overdue for the sake of Founding Father Silas Deane.

Baron Von Steuben

In my 6 year quest of reading books on Founding Fathers  decided to read a book on Baron Von Steuben, the amazing Prussian/German military genius who proved a godsend to George Washington by introducing order, discipline & rules into the American Army (even wrote the army's first blue book). It turns out he is gay. It's a shame we don't teach this in schools & in our history books. It would make this whole ridiculous controversy over gay policies in the military moot. 

I recommend the book "The Drillmaster of Valley Forge" by Paul Lockhart

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicholas-ferroni/american-military-history_b_1606530.html

Andrew Jackson & The Battle of New Orleans

Andrew Jackson, Jean Laffite & the Battle of New Orleans 1812

Matthew Arnold once said "Only two things are needed, the power of a man & the power of the moment." Andrew Jackson was that man. Washington DC had been invaded by the British, our capitol burned, the spirit of our people at an alltime low since we won our Independence and the victory at New Orleans gave our country renewed spirit and hope that our fledgling democracy could work. Word of its triumph (even though it occurred after the peace treaty was signed) spread like a grassfire igniting renewed optimism in our grand experiment: a democracy where freedom and opportunity prevailed over privilege and heritage.  At the time the British boasted the most powerful & well trained  military in the world. Their attempt to secure the New Orleans port was strategic in cutting off necessary trade routes for our expansion.  What is striking about Andrew Jackson is his indomitable will to succeed. When he pounded his fist on the table and yelled  the town would burn first  before he let the British take over, he meant victory.  Winston Groom does an excellent job in his book of highlighting the interesting and significant points that illustrate how the impossible can be achieved.  I have summed them up as the 4Ss:

1. Scope- A wealthy Louisiana farmer and plantation owner had the astronomical hobby of gazing into the stars. When he found out the British were invading he lent this magnificent (for its time ) telescope to Andrew Jackson. With it, Andrew could peer over the American ramparts and see all the British action. This was critical to the planning and strategy that won the war for the Americans. The British had nothing like it. They were forced to rely on spyglasses.  Moral lesson ?  Have the right equipment !

2. Sugar- The British found a plentiful supply of sugar bags along the New Orleans wharfs and they confiscated them and used them as shields on the battle fields. All this did was muck up their weapons. Imagine heating up sugar and getting  gooey caramel? Not only did bullets pierce right through killing British soldiers, the heat from the guns carmelized the sugar and rendered useless their weapons.   Moral lesson ? Don't improvise without being wise.

3. Sleep- When the British crossed the swampy marshes, they were so tired they decided to sleep not thinking the Americans would put up much of a defense. They maintained a fairly normal sleep schedule once they landed while the Americans furiously worked around the clock building up their ramparts so that the British would have to climb up and over a hill that went for miles when they attempted to invade the city. This afforded the Americans the greatest advantage although they were outgunned and outweaponed.  Moral lesson ? As Ben Franklin said "No man e'ere was glorious who was not also laborious."

4. Stairs- The British set busily about in having a troop unit build ladders so that when they charged Jackson's ramparts they could get over the hills easier and faster. When the British finally stormed they did so with poor communciation and the troop with ladders could not be located at the forefront; therefore, many British were just killed off like sitting ducks in a pond. Moral lesson: "Only fools rush in."

Men like Jackson with the heart and courage of a lion prove to us that "no guts no glory" is an age old truth and it takes a very powerful person to lead successfullly where most only capitulate unworthy tries.  The story of the Battle of New Orleans is an inspiring David versus Goliath story that proves being smart, hardworking and having your heart in the right place can lead to victory.

John Paul Jones

"Profiteers" and "Privateers" close in semantics and in meaning. The former meaning a person in today's society who capitalizes on a profit making opportunity. The latter a term dubbed on pirates who sailed the seas in search of loot. I am currently reading a biography (in my Founding Father quest) on the father of the US Navy: John Paul Jones. His character was impeccable. His mariner skills keen. His spirit to fight injustice unparalleled. As a Scotch sailor, he quickly joined the American bandwagon for "equality for all" versus a society of the privileged based on monarchy. Everything he did (his raiding of the English coasts in retaliation for the British raiding & burning of American eastern seacoasts), his sea battles, his diplomatic overtures in France were made on principle: to secure democracy for everyone. Yet his detractors claimed he was a "Privateer", a pirate. He had many opportunities to profit as a privateer but did not. His main goal at sea was to capture British ships for American use and secure British prisoners to exchange them for American prisoners. He faced each obstacle with dignity and ultimately overcame each one placed in his path due to his patience, temperance and passion he possessed in fighting for the just principles of equality.

My detractors call me a "Profiteer" claiming I do it for the money. Had one felony DA say it to my face. They are wrong. I go to Austin to fight unjust DWI laws. If I wanted to profit, I would do what many do (which is nothing, stay out of it) or I would be on the side of the interlock industry (the strongest DWI lobbyist when it comes to legislation) and the prosecutors because the more severe the DWI laws, the more opportunity for profit. My record is clear. In the past 4 legislative sessions I have been the most consistent obstacle to stricter DWI laws. When Texas got rid of the 10 year rule for DWIs only myself and one other attorney fought the interlock industry in Austin (they stood to profit more by removing the 10 year rule). I wish DWIs could be treated for what they really are not the overzealous, right wing moral crusade MADD has made it to be. Less than 3500 people die from DWI a year (real numbers not NHTSA's "alcohol related" 14k). This is not justification for overtaking our highway billboards with scare tactics of "Drink.Drive.Go to Jail." which is not even the law. Most people who drink and drive and are pulled over and have hurt no one. Some cop on a DWI quota pulled them over for some minor traffic infraction. They are then subjected to tests no better than what teenage girls used in the Salem Witch Hunt trials, simply put: specious evidence our courts without proper scientific training are letting them get away with. Our justice system has become a haven to these wild zealots whose aim is neoprohibition (history repeats itself). The politicians (judges) and elected DAs feel captive as the old adage goes "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." MADD representatives show up to court, bring cakes and goodies and now even sponsor chili cook offs for the DAs. Simply put: their presence is unmistakeable right down to the DAs' DWI "office policies". The reality is that this extreme sect (MADD) has consistently been ranked one of the country's worst charities (I cite Wikepedia). Those who believe one should never drink anything and drive are not the majority.

I went to law school to learn a trade where I have been blessed with talents: analytical skills, debate and speech. My character for equality and fairness led me to the fight against injustice in DWI. Nothing would make me happier than if cops started only arresting legitimate DWIs (not these pretext stops for speeding, etc. by local bars). I would do what I do no matter what it paid. I definitely would not spend my time and my own expense travelling across the country teaching other lawyers about the injustice of DWI and how best to defend it if I was only in it for profit. If I was selfish I would not choose a profession in which I am in trial the majority of the year, which includes weekends getting ready for trial. My dedication to justice in DWI has caused me intangible sacrifices of time with my family that I can never get back. Being a lawyer, there are a whole lot of other options that both pay more, involve less work and that are not vilified. In the spirit of John Paul Jones, I fight to make the world a fair place for all of us and to use his famous words: "I have not yet begun to fight."

Mimi Coffey, Sr.

Stevens Thomson Mason

The book by Kent Sagendorph would make perfect material for a Hollywood blockbuster screenplay on the life of the young 19 year old Michigan boy governor. At a young age he impressed Andrew Jackson when he visited his home on the campaign trial. Later this came in handy when he convinced Jackson he should be Secretary Governor of the Michigan territory when his dad requested to leave the job assignment in search of exploring govnerment options in making Texas a state. He knew his dad was a dreamer so he essentially running as his dad's page learned the job. He was replaced by Jackson when he ran askew politically of Jackson's party fighting Ohio over the Toledo railroad (Ohio was a state and had votes Michigan did not), even though Ohio had usurped Michigan's land. The people loved him so much they elected him Governor of Michigan territory because they knew he was willing to stick his neck out for the state. Mason was succussful in having Michigan become a state, no small task at the time as the makings of the Civil Wars started impending due to Michigan not being a slave state. He withered the Bank Panic of 1837 and was able to get funding in New York for Michigan's internal improvement programs (railroads, canals). He was falsely accused of benefiting financially from this deal by his political enemy and arch nemesis William Woodbridge, of the Whig party. Unable to defend himself publicly and exonerate himself he was forced to migrate to New York with his young family to try to make a living as a lawyer. History has since exonerated him and years later with pomp and circumstance his body was brought back and buried in Michigan at the site of his original Governor's office with a bronze statue to memorialize the great man. Reading this book, one sees the benefits of youthful optimism and selfless dedication at all costs. Here was a man who did everything for others and for years also took care of his mom and siblings while his dad remained away on adventures that carried him frequently to New Orleans and Texas. Turns out what brought him down, an unethical political party boss Woodbridge also brought down the whole party. Their tactics, their land grabbing and thievery (selling great public works projects to party capitalists) eventually got that party booted out of office. The session of Whigs that managed to falsely humiliate Mason was the last majority of Whigs ever to e dominate the Michigan legislature. Refreshing book on how the masses, the people eventually turn out dirty politics on their own. Mason: a hero.