Charles D. Cooper

Charles D. Cooper

Name	Charles D. Cooper
Birth name
Birth date	1769
Birth place	New York City, New York, United States
Death date	January 30, 1831
Death place	Albany, New York, United States
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Politician
Years active
Organization
Known for	Involvement in the Burr–Hamilton duel
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Charles D. Cooper (1769 – January 30, 1831) was an American physician and politician, notable for his involvement in the events leading up to the infamous Burr–Hamilton duel.

Early Life and Education

Charles D. Cooper was born in 1769 in New York City. Details about his early life and education are sparse, but it is known that he pursued a career in medicine, becoming a respected physician in his community.

Medical Career

Cooper practiced medicine in Albany, New York, where he gained a reputation for his medical expertise. During this period, he was involved in various public health initiatives and contributed to the medical community through his practice and writings.

Political Involvement

In addition to his medical career, Cooper was active in politics. He served as a member of the New York State Assembly and was involved in the political discourse of the time. His political activities brought him into contact with many prominent figures of the era.

The Burr–Hamilton Duel

Charles D. Cooper is perhaps best known for his indirect role in the Burr–Hamilton duel, a pivotal event in American history. In 1804, Cooper attended a dinner where he overheard Alexander Hamilton express a "despicable opinion" of Aaron Burr. Cooper later wrote a letter to a friend, which was published in a newspaper, stating that Hamilton had made disparaging remarks about Burr. This letter was one of the catalysts that led to the duel between Burr and Hamilton, resulting in Hamilton's death.

Later Life and Death

After the duel, Cooper continued his medical practice and political activities. He remained a respected figure in Albany until his death on January 30, 1831.

Legacy

Charles D. Cooper's legacy is largely tied to his involvement in the events leading to the Burr–Hamilton duel. His actions, though indirect, had a significant impact on American history, highlighting the volatile nature of political discourse in the early United States.

Also see

• Burr–Hamilton duel
• Alexander Hamilton
• Aaron Burr
• New York State Assembly