We’ve become, now, an oligarchy instead of a democracy. I think that’s been the worst damage to the basic moral and ethical standards to the American political system that I’ve ever seen in my life. — Jimmy Carter
New York, 1804
“This is a mortal wound, Doctor,” I say to the frantic old man. His hands move from my wrist to my neck, desperately searching for a pulse. Footsteps surround me, heavy, rushed. They slowly fade. Dr. Hosack calls for help. More footsteps soon break the silence. Men arrive.
“Hamilton has been shot,” the Doctor shouts. “Hurry up.”
They lift me off the ground. We move through the tall grass and down the path. The gentle rush of the river stirs the waiting boat in which I am carefully laid. I sense the body I do not feel. I fall out of consciousness.