In the State he was the leader of the Democratic party, which under his lead crushed the Federalists; and as a reward he was given the second highest office in the nation.

Then his open enemies and secret rivals all combined against him.

The other Democratic leaders in New York, and in the nation as well, turned upon the man whose brilliant abilities made them afraid, and whose utter untrustworthiness forbade their entering into alliance with him.

Shifty and fertile in expedients, Burr made an obstinate fight to hold his own.

Without hesitation, he turned for support to his old enemies, the Federalists; but he was hopelessly beaten.