Alexander Hamilton Dies from Wound Sustained in Duel (1804)

In the presidential election of 1800, a tie between Thomas Jefferson and his running mate, Aaron Burr, left the choice of chief executive to the House of Representatives. Hamilton's influence made Jefferson President and Burr Vice President. In 1804, Hamilton again thwarted Burr in his bid for governorship of New York, and Burr challenged him to a duel. The two men met on July 11, and Hamilton was mortally wounded and died the next day. Why do some believe Hamilton missed Burr on purpose? More...

I admire Hamilton as well, but, actually, I don't propose to pick a favorite. It was the discourse of ideas from men of many backgrounds that led to the masterpiece of the Declaration and of the Constitution:

Left to his own devices, Hamilton would have crowned George Washington a king. He had many practical ideas about the need for a powerful central government, but he was restrained by others such as

Thomas Jefferson, who, left to his own devices, would have left the USA an anemic collection of loosely confederated local governments.

From opposing tensions such as these our lasting Republic sprang.

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"Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless, and do no wrong". (Knight's Oath, Kingdom of Heaven)