The Empire was to be kept in the family, and his beautiful
daughter Theodosia was to be Queen after him; but it was gravely
debated whether her husband could take the title of King or not.
The mad scheme grew daily. Burr's plan was suddenly to seize both
President and Vice-President. Then having the heads of government
in his power he would next lay hands on the public money and
the navy. He would take what ships he wanted, burn the rest, and,
sailing to New Orleans, he would proclaim his empire. But Burr dare
not let every one know his real intentions, and so he gave out that
he meant to lead an expedition against Mexico.
As time went on hundreds of people knew of his conspiracy. It was
talked of everywhere. But Jefferson paid no heed. He did not believe
that Burr meant any treason against the Union. So the conspirators
went on building boats, and arming men, undisturbed.
But things did not go so smoothly as Burr had hoped. He had expected
to get help from Britain, and he got none. He had expected help
from Spain, and he got none. Still he went on with his scheming. He
had even written out his Declaration of Independence it was said,
when suddenly the end came. One of Burr's friends betrayed him and
at length President Jefferson woke up to what was going on.
At once he issued a proclamation declaring that a conspiracy against
Spain was being carried on, and commanding all officers of the
United States to seize the persons engaged in the plot.
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