Burr was living in lodgings at eight shillings a week at that time, and his only caller was John Vanderlyn.
In 1812 it seemed safe, even advisable, for the exile to return to America again, but where was the money to be found?
He was penniless.
Well, the money was found quite easily.

Vanderlyn made a pile of all his best canvases, sold them, and handed over the proceeds to his friend and erstwhile benefactor.

And so Burr came home to America.
I think the nicest part of all this is Vanderlyn's loyal silence about the older man's affairs.

It is likely that he knew more about Burr's troubles and perplexities and mistakes than any other man, but he was fiercely reticent on the subject.

Once a writer approached Vanderlyn for some special information.