He was a revolutionary war hero, but George Washington snubbed him

After returning from combat in Quebec, Burr was allowed to join Washington's staff in 1776. That June, he saw the general in person accept the post. But Burr wouldn't hold onto it for long, dissatisfied with his role as "a practical clerk," he started longing for a career that would put him in more battle situations. He asked for and was granted a transfer to Major General Israel Putnam's staff within a month. During the Revolutionary War, Burr gained national fame as a hero, yet his general, George Washington, completely overlooked one of his most valiant feats. In 1772, Burr's leadership prevented his whole brigade, including future dueling partner Alexander Hamilton, from being taken by the British. However, for an unknown reason, Washington made no mention of this or offered Burr any kind of prize.

Burr left the military as a lieutenant colonel due to health reasons without ever receiving a single honor from Washington throughout his time in the service, which is one of the interesting facts about Aaron Burr. After then, Burr and Washington's friendship deteriorated. "By all that I have learned and heard, Burr is a courageous and capable officer, but the issue is if he has not equal abilities at intrigue," the Virginian said about his former employee in 1798. Burr once reportedly said in private that "he regarded Washington as a man of no skills and one who could barely spell a phrase in common English," according to John Adams.