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By J. Owen Grundy
Originally appeared in The Villager on September 13, 1945
The Ghost of Aaron Burr
About 1797, Richmond Hill passed into the hands of the owner with whose successes and tragedies it has long remained associated. Col. Aaron Burr, a name that strikes a million fancies, his dramatic ghost must still linger ‘round this spot where he came with his beloved Theodosia, three years after her mother’s death. At the age of fourteen, this brilliant, beautiful girl became the mistress of her father’s household, entertaining at Richmond Hill as extravagantly as had the Adamses before them. Col Burr had a fondness for France and the refugees of the Revolution, aristocrats and scholars, were among his most charming guests. Among the French visitors were Talleyrand and Louis Philippe. Others who frequently called were the Clintons and occasionally Alexander Hamilton.
Colonel Burr had been at odds with General Hamilton for a long time. They seemed to be forever in each other’s way. Politically, professionally, and personally they were enemies. By 1804, the feud between them reached a climax by an exchange of bitter, unyielding correspondence and finally the challenge to duel. On a July morning, Col. Burr, in a white rage of temper, passed through the iron gates of Richmond Hill on his way to the dueling grounds at Weehawken, New Jersey. He left the house that day, its distinguished master and gallant host: save Hamilton, he had no peer at the New York Bar. When he returned, the deed done – Hamilton removed – he came back a broken man, his own career ruined. He sought the quiet confines of Richmond Hill, and for hours paced its broad halls. Finally, he dispatched a letter to Dr. Hosack: “Mr. Burr’s respectful compliments. He requests Dr. Hosack to inform him of the present state of General H. and the hopes which are entertained for his recovery. Mr. Burr begs to know at what hour of the day the Dr. may most profitably be found at home, that he may repeat his inquiries. He would take it as very kind if the Dr. would take the trouble of calling on him as he returned from Mr. Bayard’s”
Hamilton had been taken wounded, after the duel, to William Bayard’s house, the site of which is marked by a tablet at 82 Jane Street. On July 13, the New York Herald announced his death.
Twilight of Grandeur
By 1820, the neighborhood around Richmond Hill had vastly changed. City blocks had grown up all around it. Eleven years later the old house became a theatre. A prize was offered at the opening for the best “poetical address.” The winner was Fitz-Greene Halleck, But the theatre never succeeded from a commercial standpoint, and soon the historic house was turned over to a circus. By 1842, it housed a menagerie – a sad commentary on the once proud halls that knew Washington, Adams, Burr, and Louis Philippe! However, it was not long before this desecration came to an end. The old house was demolished in 1849; a row of little, red brick houses were erected on the Site.
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