Of favoritism in appointments Mr.Gallatin could not be accused.

During his twelve years in the Treasury he procured places for but two friends; one was given an obscure clerkship in the department; the other, John Badollet, was made register in the land office at Vincennes, against whom Gallatin said in the application for appointment which he reluctantly made, there was but one objection, "that of being his personal and college friend." The dispositions for the sale of lands in the western territory, the extinguishment of titles, and the surveys fell under Mr.Gallatin's general supervision, and were the objects of his particular care.

So also was the establishment of the authority of the United States in the Louisiana territory.

In the course of these arrangements he was brought into contact with Mr.Pierre Choteau of St.Louis, who controlled the Indian trade of a vast territory.

The foundation of an intimate acquaintance was then laid.