Sometimes, what is not said is more intriguing than what is. Such is the case with a 104 word story that appeared in Clermont County's 1880 history. Royal J. Bancroft wrote:
"In 1806 Aaron Burr was there lodged[ at Kain Hotel], much to the chagrin of some patriots of the Revolutionary War, who formed themselves into a company commanded by George W. Stall,(John MacKnight fifer, and Samuel Howell drummer),and parading along the street before the house played the "Rogues' March". It is said that Burr appeared at the door and looked on with silent contempt, and with a manner that suggested beyond doubt that he would not be trifled with, whereupon the company marched a little distance away from the tavern and, after indulging in some expressions not at all complimentary to Burr, quietly dispersed."
At first blush this story seems improbable. Why would Aaron Burr, the former vice president of the United States, come to Williamsburg, Ohio? In 1805 and 1806 Burr was involved in trying to found a new country on lands in the American South West and/or Mexico. His alleged plans have been called "The Great Western Conspiracy". The extent of his activities and his actual intent are still murky. He was clearly up to something.
Unfortunately, Bancroft does not cite his sources, denying the reader the opportunity of delving deeper into the story to evaluate its historical accuracy. One way to evaluate the passage is to pull it apart and research its individual elements. Then, viewing it as a whole, is it more likely than not that the story is historically accurate?
Aaron Burr was a man of great accomplishment-a Revolutionary War hero, brilliant lawyer, and vice president of the United States. He was a man of great talent, but also had an outsized ego that often overcame his good sense. He had the ability to inspire men, but was also capable of making implacable enemies. His killing of Alexander Hamilton in a duel two years before clearly placed him outside the bounds of acceptable society. Burr was unapologetic. He wrote, "I live my life as I deem appropriate and fitting. I offer no apologies, no explanations. I hate them."
Burr allegedly came to Williamsburg in 1806 and stayed at the Kain Hotel. James Kain, friend of the village founder William Lytle, opened the first public house (Pub) in 1799 and remodeled it in 1802. Two of the elements of Bancroft's story pan out.
Bancroft does not give a more specific time other than "1806". Was Burr in the general area during that year? Yes, Burr was in southern Ohio during the first week of September. He stayed with his friend U.S. Senator John Smith who lived at Round Bottom Mills in what is now known as Terrace Park. Terrace Park is about twenty miles from Williamsburg, certainly within a day's ride on horseback.There is no known transcription of what was said during Burr's visit with Senator Smith, nor is there any detailed accounting of Burr's activities for this time period. (Smith was later caught up in Burr's great scheme. It seems that Smith may have contributed a small amount of money to Burr without understanding the full extent of Burr's plans. Although there is no solid evidence linking Smith with Burr's conspiracy, he was found guilty by association. Smith survived an attempt to expel him from the U.S. Senate, but felt compelled to resign his position. He died a broken, bankrupt man in Louisiana.)
The story claims that a group of Revolutionary War veterans organized the protest in the village. Bancroft very specifically named three individuals-George Stall, John MacKnight (who Bancroft described as a fifer from Scotland who was very patriotic and a man of "blunt speech".) The three men played the "Rogues' March" while leading a parade of villagers in front of the Kain Hotel.
The "Rogues' March" was typically played at "drumming out" ceremonies when soldiers were
dishonorably discharged from the service. Aaron Burr was a legitimate Revolutionary War hero. He lost support from the veteran community when he killed fellow veteran Alexander Hamilton in a duel earlier than his purported visit to Williamsburg. The playing of that song under the circumstances was an understandable way to express the community's view of the former vice president.
Who did Burr want to meet with in September 1806?
He could have come to Williamsburg to recruit foot soldiers for his "scheme", but would have a much larger pool of men in Cincinnati to choose from. No, he must have come to catch a big fish. It had to be William Lytle. Lytle, known as the "father of Clermont County", was a wealthy businessman who could have contributed money and supplies to Burr's cause. He was also a colonel in the Ohio Militia and had a reputation as a fierce Indian fighter. His support would have given the controversial enterprise great credibility.
As intriguing as this story may be for Clermonters, there is no mention of it in the personal records of Lytle, Burr, or Smith. Nor is there any reference to it in the history of the western expedition. If Lytle had shown any support for Burr he would have been arrested and tried. Lytle could have been away from home or savvy enough not to meet with the former vice president. It is not surprising that Burr didn't mention the visit since he was publicly rebuffed.
One final factor that should be considered in answering the question is the reputation of the reporter. Royal J. Bancroft was an historian and attorney. Today, his work is still highly regarded.
When considering all of the elements of the story, and the totality of the circumstances it seems more likely Burr did visit Williamsburg and was rudely received by its residents. Burr's time in Clermont County was apparently an insignificant incident in his crowded life, but it would be interesting to know more.
Aaron Burr was acquitted of one charge of Conspiracy to Commit Treason.
