June 30, 1807.
"Of myself you could expect to hear nothing new; yet something new and unexpected was moved yesterday. The counsel for the prosecution proposed to the court that Aaron Burr should be sent to the penitentiary for safe keeping, and stated that the governor and council had offered to provide me with an apartment in the third story of that building. This is extremely kind and obliging in the governor and his council. The distance, however, would render it so inconvenient to my counsel to visit me, that I should prefer to remain where I am; yet the rooms proposed are said to be airy and healthy."
July 3, 1807.
"I have three rooms in the third story of the penitentiary, making an extent of one hundred feet. My jailer is quite a polite and civil man—altogether unlike the idea one would form of a jailer. You would have laughed to have heard our compliments the first evening.
"Jailer. I hope, sir, it would not be disagreeable to you if I should lock this door after dark.
"Burr. By no means, sir; I should prefer it, to keep out intruders.
"Jailer. It is our custom, sir, to extinguish all lights at nine o'clock; I hope, sir, you will have no objection to conform to that.
"Burr. That, Sir, I am sorry to say, is impossible; for I never go to bed till twelve, and always burn two candles.
"Jailer. Very well, sir, just as you please. I should have been glad if it had been otherwise; but, as you please, sir.
"While I have been writing different servants have arrived with messages, notes, and inquiries, bringing oranges, lemons, pineapples, raspberries, apricots, cream, butter, ice, and some ordinary articles."