CHAPTER I.
EARLY LIFE Of all European-born citizens who have risen to fame in the political service of the United States, Albert Gallatin is the most distinguished.
His merit in legislation, administration, and diplomacy is generally recognized, and he is venerated by men of science on both continents.
Not, however, until the publication of his writings was the extent of his influence upon the political life and growth of the country other than a vague tradition.

Independence and nationality were achieved by the Revolution, in which he bore a slight and unimportant part; his place in history is not, therefore, among the founders of the Republic, but foremost in the rank of those early American statesmen, to whom it fell to interpret and administer the organic laws which the founders declared and the people ratified in the Constitution of the United States.

A study of his life shows that, from the time of the peace until his death, his influence, either by direct action or indirect counsel, may be traced through the history of the country.
The son of Jean Gallatin and his wife, Sophie Albertine Rollaz, he was born in the city of Geneva on January 29, 1761, and was baptized by the name of Abraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin.

The name Abraham he received from his grandfather, but it was early dropped, and he was always known by his matronymic Albert.

The Gallatin family held great influence in the Swiss Republic, and from the organization of the State contributed numerous members to its magistracy; others adopted the military profession, and served after the manner of their country in the Swiss contingents of foreign armies.