News of a Federal Grand Jury enquiry into the conduct of Aaron Burr reaches the Falls of the Ohio. Coincidentally, Aaron Burr himself arrives in Louisville where he defends himself in a letter to Governor Harrison. Unknown to the citizens there, President Thomas Jefferson issues a proclamation for Burr’s arrest.
Aaron Burr (1802)
By John Vanderlyn
Oil on canvas, 22 1/4 × 16 1/2 in. The New York Historical, gift of Dr. John E. Stillwell.
When John Vanderlyn (1775-1852) arrived in New York City from Kingston, New Yrok in 1792, he honed his painting skills by copying portraits by Gilbert Stuart, among them a painting of Aaron Burr. Impressed by the copy, Burr took Vanderlyn under his wing, sending him to Paris to continue his artistic training at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Vanderlyn returned to New York in 1801 and, a year later, painted this right-facing portrait of Burr, which became the subject’s standard image.[1]The New York Historical, emuseum.nyhistory.org/objects/41606/aaron-burr-17561836 accessed 2 january 2026.
From the Frankfort Palladium
IN the Federal Court on Tuesday morning last, the attorney for the United States, renewed his motion for a grand jury, to enquire into the conduct of Col. Burr; which the court granted, and directed the marshal to have the jury ready on Tuesday next.
. . . unless a decisive step was now taken, Mr. Burr would be afloat with his flotilla in a short time.
From Aaron Burr
Louisville, Nov. 27th, 1806.
Dear Sir [His Excellency Gov. Harrison],
Considering the various and extravagant reports which circulate concerning me, it may not be unsatisfactory to you to be informed (and to you there can be no better source of information than myself) that I have no wish or design to attempt a separation of the union, that I have no connection with any foreign power or government, that I never meditated the introduction of any foreign power or influence into the United States, or any parts of its territories . . . .
A. Burr[2]Daniel Clark, Jr. Proofs of the corruption of Gen. James Wilkinson, and of his connexion with Aaron Burr . . ., (Philadelphia: W. Hall, Jun. & Feo. W. Pierie, Printers, 1809) Notes, page 17, … Continue reading
No record indicates whether William Clark met with Aaron Burr while the two were in Louisville. Most likely, Clark wisely distanced himself from Burr to avoid guilt by association.
From Thomas Jefferson
Whereas information has been recieved that sundry persons, citizens of the US. or residents within the same, are conspiring & confederating together to begin & set on foot, provide & prepare the means for a military expedition or enterprize against the dominions of Spain . . . that for this purpose they are fitting out & arming vessels in the Western waters of the US, collecting provisions, arms military stores, and other means are decieving & seducing honest & well meaning citizens . . . .
I have therefore thought fit to issue this my Proclamation, warning & enjoining all faithful citizens who have been led to participate in the sd unlawful enterprizes without due knolege or consideration to withdraw from the same without delay . . . .
and I hereby enjoin and require all officers civil or military of the U.S. or of any of the states or territories, & especially all Governors, & other executive authorities, all judges, justices, & other officers of the peace all military officers of the army or navy of the US & officers of the militia to be vigilant, each within his respective department and according to his functions, in searching out & bringing to condign punishment all persons engaged or concerned in such enterprize . . . .[3]“Proclamation re Military Expeditions against Spain, 27 November 1806,” Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-4596.Paragraphs added for … Continue reading
Notes
| ↑1 | The New York Historical, emuseum.nyhistory.org/objects/41606/aaron-burr-17561836 accessed 2 january 2026. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Daniel Clark, Jr. Proofs of the corruption of Gen. James Wilkinson, and of his connexion with Aaron Burr . . ., (Philadelphia: W. Hall, Jun. & Feo. W. Pierie, Printers, 1809) Notes, page 17, archive.org/details/proofsofcorrupti00clar. |
| ↑3 | “Proclamation re Military Expeditions against Spain, 27 November 1806,” Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-4596.Paragraphs added for clarity. |
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail
The Lewis and Clark Trail Experience—our sister site at lewisandclark.travel—connects the world to people and places on the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Discover More
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.
This site is provided as a public service by the
Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
with additional funding from the following:
