…and it wasn’t even on a dark and stormy night. And Snoopy wasn’t there to write about it, nor was I there to photograph it. It happened 203 years ago today on the banks of the Hudson in Weehawken, New Jersey.
The event was that infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, two important and loyal Americans who had some issues that escalated through a series of formal letters and ended in an “appointment.” We all know the results. Burr’s shot was accurate; Hamilton’s damaged a nearby tree. Much ink has been spilled over the order of the shots, hair triggers, the intentions of the duelers and such. The whole truth may never be known. Hamilton died within hours. Burr lived until September 14th, 1836, exactly 100 years before the birth of—Bioman.
The photograph was taken three years ago at the 200th anniversary reenactment of the duel, featuring a Burr playing the part of Colonel Burr and a Hamilton playing Alex’s role. Exact replicas of the original pistols were used. It was very well done, in a dignified fashion, with thousands in the audience.
The sad thing is that the original event happened. The two men were once close associates, even friends. But, as so often happens, things went bad. Bad old human pride took over and the results were deadly, to Hamilton’s body and to Burr’s reputation.
Of course, there was nothing new in principle in the Burr/Hamilton affair, only in the particular circumstances. People have been killing people ever since Genesis 3, with swords, spears, knives, rocks, and more recently with guns and explosives. But probably the most deadly weapon has been the tongue (Go back and read James 3:5-11). (Click here)
So today’s post got us away from flowers and bugs and into the ugliness of fallen human nature, just because it happens to be an important anniversary—and as a reminder that we all need the Savior.
More photos of the duel reenactment can be seen here.
1 comment:
Hello! fantastic topic, but will this really work?
Post a Comment