The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
BURR, AARON / IMPERIAL ASPIRATIONS
Burr's enterprise is the most extraordinary since the days of Don
Quixote. It is so extravagant that those who know his understanding,
would not believe it if the proofs admitted doubt. He has meant to
place himself on the throne of Montezuma, and extend his empire to the
Alleghany, seizing on New Orleans as the instrument of compulsion for
our western States. I think his undertaking effectually crippled by
the activity of Ohio. Whether Kentucky will give him the
coup de grace is doubtful; but if he is able to descend the
river with any means, we are sufficiently prepared at New Orleans.
to Charles Clay, 11 January 1807
|