In the early days of 1786 a rumor of his death reached Geneva, and greatly alarmed his family.

Mr.Jefferson, then minister at Paris, wrote to Mr.Jay for information.

This was Jefferson's first knowledge of the existence of the young man who was to become his political associate, his philosophic companion, and his truest friend.

Meanwhile Gallatin had attained his twenty-fifth year and his majority.

His family were no longer left in doubt as to his existence, and in response to his letters drafts were at once remitted to him for the sum of five thousand dollars, through the banking-house of Robert Morris.