2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/16/2022
A complete and authentic issue of the Boston Gazette, Decmber 7, 1801, 4pp., disbound, minor damp staining, VG. From pg 2, column 1, and runnng fully 1-1/2 columns under the headline, “A Correct and Candid Statement of Facts, Relative to the Late Unfortunate Duel at New York”. In small part, “The friends of young Mr. Hamilton sincerely regret the unfortunate affair, which terminated his life. ....” The lengthy report takes the reader through the cause of the conflict, the tedious efforts to resolve the conflict with desolving Hamilton’s honor, and finally the duel itself. “Unhappily the first fire of Mr. Eacker took effect by mortally wounding Mr. Hamilton. In shock of the wound his pistol went off in the air. .... His confidential friends declare throughout the process ... his behavoir was remarkable temperate ... His manner on the ground was was calm and composed. ... He received his wound about three o’clock and languished till five the next morning in full possesion of his faculties .... soothing occasionaly his afflicted parents, and piosly resigned to the event.” Both Philip Hamilton and his friend Stephen Price went to the theater together and were critical of a speech made by George Eacker who was within easrshot of Hamilton’s criticism. Hamilton believed Eacker had insulted his father in that speach. Eacker pulled Hamilton aside in the lobby calling them both rascles. Bothe Hamiton and Price challanged George Eacker to duels. Stephen Price faced the 27-year-old Eacker in a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey, on November 22. Four shots were exchanged, but neither party was injured. It was the following day that Philip Hamilton faced Eacker on the same grounds. The same grounds that 3 years later where Alexander Hamilton would lose his life in a duel to Aaron Burr.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.