Theodosia Burr: From Hamilton toThe Watery Part of the World

hamilton logoHamilton mania hits its fever pitch-perfect this weekend with Sunday night’s Tony Awards. The whole country can get a glimpse of the runaway Broadway smash at the “HamilTonys” – where the show is nominated for 16 awards – and we won’t need $849 for a regular ticket or heaven-sent luck for the $10 ticket lottery or saintly patience for the next available seat seven months from now.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster musical has earned the country’s attention with both its groundbreaking songs, lyrics, cast and stories, bringing the lesser-known center stage. His contemplation of what becomes our “official” history includes not only Alexander Hamilton – and his famous duel with Vice President Aaron Burr – but many of the women who helped shape our new nation.

Parker_WateryPartOfTheWorld_pbk_jkt_rgb_web_HRAmong them is Theodosia Burr Alston, the Vice President’s daughter, who is the subject of her father’s thoughts and songs, including the popular “Dear Theodosia.” She is also the inspiration for Michael Parker’s outstanding novel, The Watery Part of the World – just a Tonys-special $1.99 for the e-book now!

Theodosia was quite the remarkable woman – worthy of both song and story. Her father saw to it that she was highly educated, studying such subjects as arithmetic, classical languages, and English composition that were traditionally taught only to men, according to History of American Women. By the age of 12, Theodosia spoke Latin, French and German, and also read Greek. After the death of her mother, Theodosia began hosting large dinner parties at her father’s estate by the age of 14, aiding her father’s political career and sticking by his side.

Theodosia Burr Alston

As Parker writes in The Watery Part of the World, “Even in light of the misery they’d both suffered in the last few years – the duel, the treason charges, his exile and onerous return to New York – she felt blessed to have such a loving and honorable father. How deeply misunderstood he was now, how wide the discrepancy between his public persona and the father he’d been to her, eternally supportive and giving.”

Tragedy eventually split the family, and it is this lesser-known incident from history that inspired The Watery Part of the World. In early January of 1813, in the midst of the War of 1812, Theodosia journeyed by ship from her home in South Carolina to visit her father in New York, and was never heard from again.

Parker imagines what might have happened if Theodosia had survived on an island off the North Carolina coast. The Watery Part of the World is a story of pirates and slaves, treason and treasures, madness and devotion. And it is the perfect way for Hamilton fans to spend some more time with the not-to-be-forgotten Theodosia Burr.

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  1. Hamilton becomes the Secretary of the Treasury due to his excellent work to Washington when he was elected as the President. As an affiliate of the new government, Hamilton makes cogent additions including compensating up a cyberbanking arrangement and a bill arrangement which are still employed today. He as well presents a significant part in the sanction of the United States Constitution.
    Though this book essentially concentrates on Hamilton’s abundant work, it as well shows his obscure side. Although Hamilton wedded an affluent woman and became an affiliate of the royalty, he was as well connected to a disgraceful affair and eventually died in a fight protecting his honor.
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