Theodosia Burr
Disappeared Circa January 2, 1813Theodosia_Burr_Alston_by_John_Vanderlyn,_1802
Founding father Aaron Burr served as the third Vice President of the United States, but he is probably best known for his 1804 duel with Alexander Hamilton. Burr was also quite the womanizer, but his fondness for ladies extended past the bedroom. He genuinely believed women were the intellectual equals of men. This philosophy extended to his daughter, Theodosia, who received an uncommonly extensive education.
Theodosia married Joseph Alston, a landowner who would later go on to become Governor of South Carolina during the War of 1812. When Burr returned to New York City after spending some time in Europe, Theodosia boarded the schooner Patriot in Georgetown, South Carolina on December 31, 1812 to travel north and visit her father. Patriot never arrived at its destination. The perils of such a journey were many and there are several theories as to the ultimate fate of the ship. Some claim it is most likely that Patriot was wrecked on Cape Hatteras, which is infamous for sandbars and rough waters. Others claim the vessel was intercepted by pirates, who would no doubt have slaughtered everyone aboard and taken their valuables. More than 200 years later, no trace of the ship has ever turned up.
Interesting, isn't it? I never knew about this disappearance until I read this article.
Coffee out on the patio again today!
I guess the bottom line is that man has ALWAYS lived in dangerous times.
ReplyDeleteWow! I had never heard of this either. I'll pick up some donuts to share this morning:))
ReplyDeleteAnother story i had never heard about. Great mystery. Thanks for the donuts, Mamahen.
ReplyDeletePirates, passing the graveyard of the Atlantic, storms, freak waves or just anything could do a ship in. I think Mr. Smythe is correct about dangerous times.
ReplyDeleteI'll see you on the patio & pick up some doughnuts on the way!
Hey Gorges...
ReplyDeleteHow true that is.
Thanks for stopping by this morning!
Hey Mamahen...
Donuts are always welcome on the patio, for sure!
Thanks for coming over today!
Hey Linda...
I'm glad that you enjoyed it. That's what I strive for.
Thanks for the visit this morning!
Hey Rob...
All of the above is possible, no doubt.
Many thanks for dropping by today!
Ships disappeared all the time -in fact, they still do, in spite of our technology.
ReplyDeleteHey Sixbears...
ReplyDeleteSomethings just never seem to change.
Thanks for stopping by today, sir!
I love a good mystery and you have been giving up some really good ones. I was watching PBS on and off this weekend and they had some good mysteries that until this day they haven't found answers for.
ReplyDeleteLots of donuts this morning. But I good with some coffee of course I say that until the donuts are in front of me :)
Hey Jo...
ReplyDeleteYou might have to give in when you see the goodies right in front of you, right? I know the feeling.
Thanks, sweetie, for coming over today!