"Burr is flattered and feared by the administration." (Plumer to Thompson, Dec. 23, 1804, Plumer MSS. Lib. Cong.; and Plumer to Wilson, Dec. 7, 1804, Plumer MSS. loc. cit.)
[504] Davis, ii, 360; also Adams: U.S. 218-44.
"It must be acknowledged that Burr has displayed much ability, and since the first day I have seen nothing of partiality." (Cutler to Torrey, March 1, 1805, Cutler: Life, Journals and Correspondence of Manasseh Cutler, ii, 193.)
At the beginning of the trial, however, Burr's rigor irritated the Senate: "Mr. Burr is remarkably testy—he acts more of the tyrant—is impatient, passionate—scolds—he is in a rage because we do not sit longer." (Plumer, Feb. 8, 1805, "Diary," Plumer MSS. Lib. Cong.)
"Just as the time for adjourning to morrow was to be put ... Mr. Burr said he wished to inform the Senate of some irregularities that he had observed in the Court.
"Some of the Senators as he said during the trial & while a witness was under examination walked between him & the Managers—others eat apples—& some eat cake in their seats.
"Mr. Pickering said he eat an apple—but it was at a time when the President had retired from the chair. Burr replied he did not mean him—he did not see him.
"Mr. Wright said he eat cake—he had a just right to do so—he was faint—but he disturbed nobody—He never would submit to be schooled & catechised in this manner.
"At this instance a motion was made by Bradley, who also had eaten cake, for an adjournment. Burr told Wright he was not in order—sit down. The Senate adjourned—& I left Burr and Wright scolding.
"Really, Master Burr, you need a ferule, or birch to enforce your lectures on polite behavior!" (Ib. Feb. 12, 1805; also ib. Jan. 2, 1805.) Burr was sharply criticized by the Washington Federalist, January 8, for his rude conduct at the beginning of the trial.