The Connecticut Courant, Wednesday, July 18, 1804, Vol 40, Num 2060

1803. An Early Report of the Death of Alexander Hamilton [Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804)]. The Connecticut Courant, Wednesday, July 18, 1804. Vol. 40. Num. 2060. 4 pp. Folio (19-1/2" x 12"). Disbound bifolium reinforced at left edge, text in five columns below masthead. Light browning and foxing, faint dampstaining to foot of both leaves, moderate edgewear and a few minor tears, faint horizontal fold line. A well-preserved item. $1,500. * The Connecticut Courant was a pro-Federalist Hartford newspaper. Its July 18, 1804 issue is notable for its heartfelt notice of the death of Alexander Hamilton, the leader of the Federalist Party, on July 12, one day after his duel with Aaron Burr. This was one of the earliest reports of this event. It reads (in part): "With emotions that we have not a hand to inscribe, have we to announce the death of ALEXANDER HAMILTON. He was cut off in the 48th year of his age, in the full vigor of his faculties and in the midst of all his usefulness. [quoting clergyman Benjamin Moore upon visiting Hamilton after the duel:] 'Should it please God to restore you to health, Sir, will you never be again engaged in a similar transaction? And will you employ all your influence in society to discountenance this barbarous custom?' His [Hamilton's] answer was, 'That Sir, is my deliberate intention.'... Do you sincerely repent of your sins past; have you a lively faith in God's mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of the death of Christ? And are you disposed to live in love and charity with all men? He [Hamilton] lifted up his hands and said, 'With the utmost sincerity of heart I can answer those questions in the affirmative - I have no ill-will against Col. Burr. I met him with a fixt resolution to do him no harm - I forgive all that happened.'" Other events noted in this issue include a report on the legislation naming Napoleon emperor of France and an account of the Battle of Vizagapatam, an engagement between British and French warships in the approaches to Vizagapatam Harbor in British India. (Inventory #: 80450)