Burr–Hamilton duel

Sandbrook says stories of Burr celebrating in New York taverns were untrue, as he actually fled south to Georgia.

“I mean, this is actually just totally untrue. Because actually what happened is that Burr fled New York straight away and he went all the way south to Georgia”

The Rest Is History: 685. Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3) (Jul 5, 2026) · Listen from 1:06:50

Sandbrook concludes it is most likely that Hamilton fired first and deliberately missed.

“I think it's very plausible that Hamilton did fire first and he ostentatiously missed fire. That seems most likely to me”

The Rest Is History: 685. Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3) (Jul 5, 2026) · Listen from 59:29

Sandbrook rejects the death-wish theory about Hamilton's show with his glasses, arguing he was taunting Burr.

“I think that's highly unlikely. I think he's basically just trolling Burr. He's taunting him. He's winding him up”

The Rest Is History: 685. Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3) (Jul 5, 2026) · Listen from 50:38

Sandbrook believes Hamilton declined the hair trigger because he feared being accused of cheating.

“I think the answer is obvious. Hamilton is very anxious about He doesn't want to be accused of cheating because that would be very bad for his reputation”

The Rest Is History: 685. Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3) (Jul 5, 2026) · Listen from 47:47

Holland defends Hamilton's letter as a deft puncturing of Burr's pomposity.

“He's been sent a ludicrous letter by a ludicrous buffoon, and he's pricking the pomposity of Burr in a very delicate and engaging way”

The Rest Is History: 685. Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3) (Jul 5, 2026) · Listen from 29:05

Holland declares himself on Hamilton's side and considers Burr a terrible man.

“So, you know, I'm team Hamilton on this. I think Burr's a terrible man”

The Rest Is History: 685. Hamilton: Duel to the Death (Part 3) (Jul 5, 2026) · Listen from 7:15