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Current Project: Telling the Story of Theodosia Burr Alston

If you’ve seen Hamilton the musical then you’re familiar with Aaron Burr and the song he sings with Alexander Hamilton entitled “Dear Theodosia”. A fatherly letter in musical form, “Dear Theodosia” states the heartfelt hopes both Burr and Hamilton likely had after the births of their firstborns.

When I first heard the song, I didn’t think much about Burr’s daughter… despite the fact that her name is in the title! It wasn’t until I’d listened to the soundtrack and watched the film a handful of times that I became curious: what happened to Theodosia? How did Aaron Burr’s tragic fall from grace impact her?

Read more & get the 1st chapter here

“The past is never dead; it’s not even past.”

- Gavin Stevens (character created by William Faulkner)

Excerpted Correspondence

"I really think, my dear Theo., that you will be very soon beyond all verbal criticism, and that my whole attention will be presently directed to the improvement of your style. Your letter of the 9th is remarkably correct in point of spelling. That word received still escapes your attention. Try again. The words wold and shold are mere carelessness; necessery instead of necessary belongs, I suspect to the same class..."

Philadelphia, 14th of January, 1794. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 10).
Amanda Rosen - Historical Fiction Author
2023-10-04T13:57:57+00:00
"I really think, my dear Theo., that you will be very soon beyond all verbal criticism, and that my whole attention will be presently directed to the improvement of your style. Your letter of the 9th is remarkably correct in point of spelling. That word received still escapes your attention. Try again. The words wold and shold are mere carelessness; necessery instead of necessary belongs, I suspect to the same class..." Philadelphia, 14th of January, 1794. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 10).
"At length, my dear Theo., I have received your letter of the 20th of January -- written, you see, a month ago. But I observe that it was not put into the postoffice until the day before yesterday. I suppose Frederick or Bartow had carelessly put it in some place where it had lain forgotten. It would indeed have been a pity that such a letter should have been lost. There is something in the style and arrangement of the words which would have done honour to a girl of sixteen..."

Philadelphia, 20th February, 1793. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 10)
Amanda Rosen - Historical Fiction Author
2023-10-04T13:48:12+00:00
"At length, my dear Theo., I have received your letter of the 20th of January -- written, you see, a month ago. But I observe that it was not put into the postoffice until the day before yesterday. I suppose Frederick or Bartow had carelessly put it in some place where it had lain forgotten. It would indeed have been a pity that such a letter should have been lost. There is something in the style and arrangement of the words which would have done honour to a girl of sixteen..." Philadelphia, 20th February, 1793. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 10)
"Learn the difference between then and than. Your will soonest perceive it by translating them into Latin. Let me see how handsomely you can subscribe your name to your next letter, about this size: [sample signature provided]..."

Philadelphia, 8th January, 1794. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 10).
Amanda Rosen - Historical Fiction Author
2023-10-04T13:53:24+00:00
"Learn the difference between then and than. Your will soonest perceive it by translating them into Latin. Let me see how handsomely you can subscribe your name to your next letter, about this size: [sample signature provided]..." Philadelphia, 8th January, 1794. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 10).
"I rose up suddenly from the sofa, and rubbing my head -- 'What book shall I buy for her?' said I to myself. 'She reads so much and so rapidly that it is not easy to find proper and amusing French books for her' and yet I am so flattered with her progress in that language, that I am resolved that she shall, at all events, be gratified. Indeed, I owe it to her.' So, after walking once or twice briskly across the floor, I took my hat and sallied out, determined to not to return till I had purchased something..."

Westchester, 8th October, 1792. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 9)
Amanda Rosen - Historical Fiction Author
2020-06-04T16:05:36+00:00
"I rose up suddenly from the sofa, and rubbing my head -- 'What book shall I buy for her?' said I to myself. 'She reads so much and so rapidly that it is not easy to find proper and amusing French books for her' and yet I am so flattered with her progress in that language, that I am resolved that she shall, at all events, be gratified. Indeed, I owe it to her.' So, after walking once or twice briskly across the floor, I took my hat and sallied out, determined to not to return till I had purchased something..." Westchester, 8th October, 1792. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 9)
"I have received my dear Theo.'s two little, very little, French letters. The last left you tormented with a headache and toothache, too much for one poor little girl to suffer at one time, I am sure: you had doubtless taken solue sudden cold. You must fight them as well as you can till I come, and then I will engage to keep them at bay... Whatever you shall translate of Terence, I beg you to have copied in a book in a very fair handwriting."

Philadelphia, 7th of June, 1794. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 11).
Amanda Rosen - Historical Fiction Author
2023-10-04T14:00:08+00:00
"I have received my dear Theo.'s two little, very little, French letters. The last left you tormented with a headache and toothache, too much for one poor little girl to suffer at one time, I am sure: you had doubtless taken solue sudden cold. You must fight them as well as you can till I come, and then I will engage to keep them at bay... Whatever you shall translate of Terence, I beg you to have copied in a book in a very fair handwriting." Philadelphia, 7th of June, 1794. Excerpted letter from Aaron Burr to his daughter, Theodosia (aged 11).
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Amanda Rosen - Historical Fiction Author

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