Final chapter of a two-part series on the life of Aaron Burr.

By 1806, Aaron Burr’s political career came to a hurried close. His potential as a future leader of the United States and, indeed, his very character were damaged beyond repair as a result of his actions along the American frontier.

The details of his demise can be found in factual data and also within the folktales of the early American frontier. And maybe that is what makes his life such an interesting chapter in American history. He is as much an enigma as he is a known founding father. His downfall began with a meeting in 1804 with Gen. James Wilkinson, who has come to be known as one of the most treacherous figures in American history.

In 1804, Burr met with Wilkinson (now a known Spanish agent) to discuss what many believe was an intended invasion of Spanish North America. The end purpose was to establish a new state with Burr at the head.

Burr’s plans were interrupted by his famous duel with Alexander Hamilton. After killing Hamilton in the New Jersey duel, Burr fled the east headed for the sparsely settled region that marked the border between the United States Territory and that controlled by Spain.

Burr, well known and respected among the people of the U.S. backcountry, found respite among the powerful men that controlled the western reaches of the United States. As a matter of fact, Burr was greeted with grand balls and dinners when he traveled through Nashville, spending several days as the guest of Andrew Jackson.

Burr used his trip through the American west to gauge the sentiment of a possible expansion into Spanish held territory. In 1806, Burr seemingly began to formulate plans to lead an expedition against the Spanish crown. Numerous transport vessels were gathered, and 400,000 acres of land were purchased along the Washita River in present day Oklahoma.

Soon after, U.S. President Thomas Jefferson publicly announced that an illegal military operation was underway in the western states, and he demanded that those involved were brought to justice.

One month later in December 1806, a Kentucky Grand Jury signed a declaration exonerating Burr of any activities threatening the country’s peace. However, On Dec. 20, the secretary of the Navy sent a letter ordering Navy officials in New Orleans to “intercept and if necessary destroy” boats under the command of Burr. Thus began the intrigue that we now associate with the life of Aaron Burr.

As Aaron Burr reached the south Alabama region (then Mississippi Territory) in 1807, he was being hunted by Federal forces to answer for possible charges of treason for his actions. In a story retold over time, Burr and a guide arrived in the village of Wakefield, in what was then Washington County, Mississippi Territory, on the night of Feb. 18, 1807.

The two pulled up to a cabin in which Nicholas Perkins and Thomas Malone were gathered and asked directions to a Col. Henson’s home. After the visit Perkins, having recognized Burr, alerted Capt. Edward Gaines, commander of the Federal troops at Fort Stoddard, of Burr’s presence. On the morning of the 19^th, Gaines captured Burr near the Tombigbee River and took him to Fort Stoddard, where he was held for two weeks.

From Fort Stoddard, Burr was taken on a long and strenuous journey through the southern frontier to Richmond, Va., where he appeared before Chief Justice John Marshall on the accusation of treason. Burr was found not guilty based on any evidence provided by the prosecution on any charge.

Soon after the Virginia trial, Burr traveled for a time, visiting ports of call in Europe and returning to New York to practice law once again. He lived in relative anonymity until his death in 1836.