Founding Brothers : The Revoluntary Generation

The compelling and infectious novel of Founding Brothers; The

Revolutionary Generation written by Joseph J. Ellis combines our founding

fathers weakness' and strongest abilities in just six chapters. His six chapters

tell the stories of: The duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.

This entertaining chapter describes how duels were undertaken and played

out in that time, and helps the reader understand both men's motives. The

dinner which Thomas Jefferson held for Alexander Hamilton and James

Madison in June 1790. This featured one of the greatest political compromises in American history. The silence throughout our formative

years given to the most explosive subject of all - slavery. This was the most

gripping chapter for me, since I've always wondered why the slavery issues

wasn't tackled head-on at our nation's founding. The farewell address given

by George Washington. It would be impossible to put these profound words

in a proper context without hearing about the politics surrounding and the

history behind Washington's presidency. The collaborators that worked

together behind the scenes, forming strong political alliances and enemies

soon after the days of Washington's presidency. And the friendship

between Adams and Jefferson. Ellis concentrates mainly on the letters they

exchanged for the last fourteen years of their lives. These letters possess

priceless wisdom, especially with regard to the revolutionary generation's

achievements.

In the famous duel between Colonel Aaron Burr and General Alexander Hamilton, and the controversy surrounding the different accounts of the mornings events. It is believed that Hamilton fired first, but that he intentionally aimed to miss Burr, which he did. It is believed that Burr fired two shots, one of which of which was a fatal wound to Hamilton, entering 4 inches above his hip, ricocheting of his rib cage, piercing his liver and diaphragm a lodging in his spinal cord. It is not certain the exact order of events. Some say Burr fired and hit Hamilton,