A century ago the woods of Weehawken were the scene of one of the most significant and famous private encounters that have ever been recorded. Not only did the participants hold exalted positions in the political and social world, l^ut at least one of them had connected his name indissolubly with the history of his country and the record of her progress. At the time of the celebrated Burr-Hamilton duel the former had just been defeated in his candidacy for the governorship of New York. As a consequence of the intense political excitement, both parties indulged more or less in acrimonious speeches. General Alexander Hamilton was the reputed author of statements derogatory to the character of his opponent. The matter was taken up and made much of by some of Hamilton's enemies, and finally led to the writing of a letter by Burr, as follows :

New York, June 18, 1804. Sir:-- I send for your perusal a letter signed Charles D. Cooper, which, though apparently pubhshed some time ago, has but very

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recently come to my knowledge. Mr. A''an Ness, who does me the favour to deliver this, will ])oint out to you that clause of the letter to which 1 particularly request your attention. You must perceive, sir, the necessity of a prompt and unqualified acknowledgment or denial of the use of any expression which would warrant the assertion of Dr. Cooper. I have the honor to be Your obedient servant, A. Burr. Gen. Hamilton.