Publisher's Synopsis
This is a study of one of the most influential and controversial men in the United States at the time of Jefferson and Jackson. It discusses various episodes in Swartwout's career, including his first appearance on the national stage as a participant in Aaron Burr's "Western Conspiracy," his support of Andrew Jackson for the presidency and the position as customs collector of New York City to which the successful candidate appointed him after the election, the accusation that he stole a million dollars and his reputation as the "Prince of Thieves," and the legal proceedings against him.
