Aaron Burr: Motion to the Court to Limit Prosecution Evidence

( 1807 ) Commentary by Kirk H. Beetz, UC Davis, Emeritus

“If, said he, the gentlemen mean or expect to prove an overt act; if they mean to prove that I am the source of the whole transaction, and that there was anything like an act of violence on Blennerhassett's Island, and that there was actual war waged, actual exertion of force used, a collision of arms, or the like, then to be sure the case will have a right to go on to that point; but even then there would be an absurdity, because of my being absent at that time, at a distance where I could not take a part in it.” - Motion to the Court to Limit Prosecution Evidence
“I was desirous that the court, the jury, and the country should know what was charged against me; this has been done, and it has been found that I cannot be connected with the facts. I demand the opinion of the court on these points.” - Motion to the Court to Limit Prosecution Evidence

Aaron Burr (Library of Congress)

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