With his political career ruined after killing Alexander Hamilton in duel in July 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr began plotting a conspiracy whose objects included the invasion of Mexico or the separation of the western states from the United States, depending on whom he was trying to interest in his plans. On 25 July 1806 Burr described the status of his "enterprise" in a letter to a coconspirator, Samuel Swartwout:

Protection of England is secured. . . . navy of the United States are ready to join, and final orders are given to my friends and followers. It will be a host of choice spirits. . . . Burr guarantees the result with his life and honor—the lives, the honor, and fortune of hundreds, the best blood of our country. . . . The people of the country to which we are going [Mexico] are prepared to receive us: their agents", now with Burr...