ime. Since it was well known at that time that to commit treason you had to actually commit an overt act of treason, not only plan one, Burr claimed (later) that his strategy was a reasonable one. Burrs grand plan began to fail when he realized he could not obtain the funds he required without the help of both Yrujo and Merry. Both ministers had, unknown to Burr, discovered his true intentions. This left Burr desperate for funds and with nowhere else to turn except the east coast of the United States (where he was still wanted for murderthough nobody seemed particularly interested in prosecuting him). Shortly after his arrival rumors began to spread that Burr was trying to split the East from the West. Jefferson, having received a letter about Burrs offer to Yrujo and Merry, quickly made a public announcement declaring that he had learned of a conspiracy to split the country and that everyone associated with it should distance themselves as soon as possible (though he never mentioned Burrs name). Within several days the conspiracy was shattered. Three months later, on January 22nd, 1806, President Jefferson issued a special message to congress saying, Aaron Burr was the arch conspirator in a treasonous enterprise to divide the nation. Although Jefferson gave no evidence at this time, Burrs reputation was ruined and public sentiment would be against him for the rest of his life. There were several important conspirators who helped Burr with his plan. The most important, and a key witness later in the trial against Burr, was General James Wilkinson. General Wilkinson was a corrupt and selfish politician who was always willing to sell himself to the highest bidder. In 1787 Wilkinson swore allegiance to the Spanish crown in order to get the exclusive privilege to sell Kentucky produce in the metropolis of Louisiana. He would later try to separate Kentucky from Virginia, with the idea that upon achieving statehood Kentucky wou...
