Historical and Legal Commentary
You Never Know
So this reporter from the Washington Times — yes, the Moonie newspaper — makes a connection between the deals made for Senate votes on health care reform and those made for votes in the Andrew Johnson impeachment trial in 1868. And he cites my book, in an article on Christmas Eve. What a world!…
Read MoreBurr on James Monroe
Aaron Burr virtually never spoke ill of others. That trait may partly explain the deep anger that drove him to challenge Alexander Hamilton to their famous duel in 1804 after Hamilton had slandered him for more than a decade. Nevertheless, there was one notable exception to Burr’s practice: his explosive denunciation (in private correspondence with his son-in-law) of James Monroe,…
Read MoreBurr's Wisdom
In 1795, Burr advised his daughter Theodosia to retain her serenity at all costs. If only he had followed his own advice nine years later when he challenged Alexander Hamilton to a duel! Receive with calmness ever reproof, whether made kindly or unkindly, whether just or unjust. Consider within yourself whether there has been no cause…
Read MoreOn to Providence!
Beginning in early January, I will take up two months of residence (most weekdays) in Providence, Rhode Island, thanks to the Hodson Trust-John Carter Brown Library Fellowship. The fellowship is granted for those working on a book of American history before 1830 — my current project on the Aaron Burr Conspiracy, which is under contract to…
Read MoreAn Open, Serene, Intelligent Countenance
On January 4, 1799, Aaron Burr wrote to his daughter Theodosia, then 16, about the advantages of good presentation in the world: There is nothing more certain than that you may form what countenance you please. An open, serene, intelligent countenance, a little brightened by cheerfulness, not wrought into smiles or simpers, will presently…
Read MoreThe Wit and Wisdom of Aaron Burr
In my current work on the conspiracy of former Vice President Aaron Burr in 1805-07, I am constantly coming across epigrams that flowed from the pen of Burr. I will cram as many as I can in the book. Until then, I have resolved to share them in this forum. So, for our first entry,…
Read MoreNovember 19: Can we handle the truth?
Next Thursday at lunchtime, I try something entirely new: a joint public appearance with my wife, Nancy Floreen, member at-large of the Montgomery County Council! We’ll be at the Literary Luncheon series of the Friends of the Library of Montgomery County, at Strathmore Hall Mansion in North Bethesda, MD. The fun starts at 11:30 a.m.…
Read MoreC-SPAN Posts National Archives Talk on Impeached
On September 23, I spoke about Impeached to a terrific audience at the National Archives, which C-SPAN taped and then broadcast last weekend on C-SPAN 3. The video is now posted on the web, for your viewing pleasure.
Read MoreOn the Road Again . . .
Summer’s over when it’s time to go out and hustle books. So this Thursday (Constitution Day!) I’ll be at St. Mary’s College in southern Maryland at 4:30, speaking on The Summer of 1787. Then it’s back to Impeached, which will be my topic next Wednesday, September 23, at the National Archives in DC, at noon. …
Read MoreImpeachment Season
We started this year of impeachment with Governor Blago in Illinois. Then federal Judge Sam Kent in Houston went down. And now Gov. Mark Sanford of South Caroline — he of the Appalachian Trail euphemism — may be next up on the impeachment hit parade. My musings on this impeachment surfeit are at Huffington Post.
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