Columbian Centinel & Massachusetts Federalist Account of duel

The Columbian Centinel of July 25, 1804, reprinted a widely circulated account by Nathaniel Pendleton and William Van Ness, who witnessed the duel: “Col. Burr arrived first on the grounds as had been previously agreed; when General Hamilton arrived the parties exchange salutations and the seconds proceeded to make their arrangements. They measured the distance, ten full paces, and cast lots for the choice of position ... They then proceeded to load the pistols in each others presence, after which the parties took their stations … The fire of Col. Burr took effect, and General Hamilton almost instantly fell.”