Every semester it is the same thing at school, read, read, read! This semester has not seemed to change that trend one bit. I am glad, however, to be having my nose in a book that does not include confusing calculus problems or scientific formulas. The book that I read dealt with America and how our founders set up a strong foundation that would help in many years to come. The book I read was The Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis. At first I was very hesitant about reading the book. All I had been told about the book was that it was horrible, and I must say that is an understatement! Joseph J. Ellis broke his book down to six chapters: "The Duel", "The Dinner", "The Silence", "The Farewell", "The Collaborators", and "The Friendship." It is these six Ellis addresses how our "Founding Fathers" and struggles they faced in order to solidify our country and its future.
Ellis started the book out with the most exciting chapter of the book, "The Duel." This chapter went in depth on a subject that most people only hear about briefly in a history class. It talks about the fatal duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. The two men had been bitter enemies and political foes for years. Burr was the vice-president at the time and could have been president if it were not for Hamilton's interference. After his term, Burr ran for governor of New York and was again challenged by Hamilton. Burr was outraged and challenged his rival to a duel. The two men met near Weehawken, New Jersey to settle the score. Ellis explained the dueling process as counting ten paces turning and firing. This indeed happened and Hamilton was fatally wounded. Legend has it that Hamilton missed Burr on purpose and Burr did not mean to kill Hamilton, however, Hamilton may have died, but Burr's reputation was ruined forever.
The following event in the book was a secret meeting between Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.