Letter: The duel and death of Alexander Hamilton
This is an undated photo of an etching of Alexander Hamilton. The announcement in June 2015 that the $10 dollar bill's redesign would replace Hamilton with a woman was welcomed but questioned. Some have asked: Couldn't the more controversial, slave-owning President Andrew Jackson be removed from the $20 bill instead? (AP Photo) Credit: AP
Many historians would disagree with statements made in a letter about Alexander Hamilton ["Hamilton doesn't belong on $10 bill," Sept. 4]. As the letter states, Aaron Burr challenged Hamilton, not vice versa, and Hamilton had an aversion to dueling after his son died in a duel three years earlier. Many believe that Hamilton missed shooting Burr on purpose, which was common in duels.
It's doubtful Hamilton was a poor shot; he served in the Continental Army. Burr was tried for treason in 1807 and acquitted. He went to Europe and tried to meet with Napoleon about a plan to conquer Florida.
Bill Marion, West Babylon
