15 notes

But even Aaron Burr could not live forever. In 1833, being then seventy-seven, he suffered a slight shock of paralysis, from which he recovered sufficiently to resume his business. A few months later, however, he had another shock, and lay ill and helpless at his office, which was also his home.

In this predicament he was visited by an old friend, a Scotchwoman, whose father, an officer in the British army, had been intimate with Burr. This lady, having lost her property, was then keeping a boarding-house in what was once the residence of Governor John Jay ; and thither she caused Burr to be brought. Here, with his books, pictures, and relics about him, and kindly cared for, Burr spent the next two years.

In the summer of 1836 the Jay house was to be torn down, and Burr’s friends removed him upon a litter to Port Richmond in Staten Island. As the summer advanced, his strength declined, though his mind remained as clear as ever. He was visited frequently by a clergyman, who read to him and prayed for him.

On the last day of Burr’s life this clergyman questioned the old colonel as to what belief he had in a future state and in the forgiveness of his own sins. Mr. Burr answered, he relates, with deep and evident emotion, ’ On that subject, I am coy.’ This characteristic sentence
was the last that he uttered.

He died at two o’clock in the afternoon of September 14, 1836, being then eighty years and seven months old.