Throughout his life he had an aversion to debt; small or large, private or public.
It was arranged that Gallatin's part of the purchase money was not to be paid until his majority,--January 29, 1786,--but in the meanwhile he was, in lieu of interest money, to give his services in personal superintendence.

Later Savary increased Gallatin's interest to one half.
Soon after these plans were completed, Savary and Gallatin moved to Richmond, where they made their residence.
In February, 1784, Gallatin returned to Philadelphia, perfected the arrangements for his expedition, and in March crossed the mountains, and, with his exploring party, passed down the Ohio River to Monongalia County in Virginia.

The superior advantages of the country north of the Virginia line determined him to establish his headquarters there.

He selected the farm of Thomas Clare, at the junction of the Monongahela River and George's Creek.

This was in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, about four miles north of the Virginia line.