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American Patriot - Philip
Schuyler
One of America's most influential early citizens and Alexander
Hamilton's father-in-law, Schuyler was defeated in one of the
earliest clashes between Hamilton and Aaron
Burr -- the 1791 battle for one of New York's seats in the U.S.
Senate.
Schuyler was born into a prominent New York family in 1733. Like many
early leaders, he established himself on the field of battle, in his
case, during the French and Indian
War (1755-60). He served in the New York State Assembly and the Second
Continental Congress.
When war broke out in 1775, he was commissioned as a general in the Continental
Army. His career as a revolutionary was a less than glorious one.
In an effort to clear his name after the fall
of Fort Ticonderoga, he requested trial in a military court. He
knew he would be proven innocent, and he was. His acquittal, however,
did not completely repair his reputation.
After serving two terms in the New York senate and a term as a U.S.
Senator representing New York, Schuyler was opposed for his Senate
seat by Aaron Burr. The powerful Livingston and Clinton families, who
were Schuyler's enemies, helped deliver victory to Burr. This
infuriated Alexander Hamilton, who had married Schuyler's daughter
Elizabeth and had backed his father-in law's candidacy. Hamilton was
counting on Schuyler to support his economic platforms in the Senate.
It was the first major battle between Hamilton and Burr.
Following his defeat, Schuyler served another term as a state senator
before retaking his U.S. Senate seat from Burr in 1797, thanks to
Hamilton's renewed control of New York State's politics. Schuyler
retired soon after and died in 1804, just few months after his
son-in-law was killed by Aaron Burr. |
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