Albert Gallatin was Thomas Jefferson's treasury secretary. Just like Alexander Hamilton, Gallatin was born abroad, Unlike him, Gallatin arrived in the United States from Geneva only after the War of Independence, which cost him his place in the US Senate. Instead he became Jefferson's point man and watch dog regarding financial manners in the House of Representatives on the ways and means committee. After Jefferson's election, Gallatin played a crucial and enduring role in responsible fiscal management, refinancing the Louisiana purchase and the war of 1812.

A perpetual dove, he abhorred war and its destruction. He spent his second part of his public career as a diplomat in Europe (greatly helped by his French native tongue), negotiating treaties. Finally returning to the United States, he chaired the National Bank of New York (today JP Morgan Chase) and wrote about Native American languages. A great man combining the best of the old and the new world.

This booklet offers a good introduction to the man. Apparently, the biography written a hundred years ago by Henry Adams is still the best treatment available of the man. ( )