Later Years

When it appeared in 1798 that the country would go to war against France, Hamilton was made inspector general of the army, then under the nominal command of George Washington. Hamilton assumed actual command and began planning an elaborate military campaign against Louisiana and Florida. President Adams, however, ended the threat of war—and Hamilton's dreams of military glory—by sending a peace commission to France.

In the Presidential election of 1800 there was a deadlock between Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Although no friend of Jefferson, Hamilton preferred him to Burr, and threw his influence to his side. As a result, Jefferson became President and Burr Vice President. In 1804, while still Vice President, Burr ran for governor of New York. During the campaign, Hamilton made statements attacking Burr's character. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. The two exchanged shots on July 11 at Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton was fatally wounded and died the next day. He was buried in Trinity Churchyard, New York City.

The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (27 volumes) were published from 1916 to 1987.