Description:

Gallatin Albert 1761 - 1849 Albert Gallatin ALS regarding mineralogy

Cream paper inscribed in black ink, signed "Your obedt Servant Albert Gallatin" at bottom of page. Letter written in New York on September 16, 1838 and addressed to "Dallas Bachs Esqre, Phila." In fine condition with expected folds, overall toning, and minor water stain upper right corner, letter measuring 7.5" x 9.625".

The body of the letter reads as follows: "Although that [introductory letter] for Humboldt contains matter foreign to your object, do not transmit it, but keep it to be delivered personally, sealing it before you give it. Mr. Patterson has a copy of his Queries; and if you can be the bearer of some additional information on that subject (our native gold), or indeed on any new geological fact, or in mineralogy &c; it will secure you a more satisfactory reception than any letter of mine".

Abraham Alphonse Albert Gallatin (1761-1849) emigrated to the United States from Switzerland in the 1780s. He engaged in a variety of vocations including teaching French, commanding a frontier garrison, becoming an investor of a glassblowing concern, and bartering mercantile goods, to name just a few. After relocating to Pennsylvania, Gallatin became involved in Democratic-Republican politics, reaching a national stage when he became House Minority Leader in 1797. His adept understanding of finance propelled him into Jefferson's cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury between 1801 and 1814. Gallatin then served as U.S. Minister to France during the tumultuous period of the Bourbon Restoration.

This letter was written while Gallatin was serving as President of the National Bank in New York City. The parties he mentions - Humboldt, Patterson, and even the recipient Dallas Bachs - are unknown, but we can assume that these were members of his large intellectual circle. Gallatin was one of the founding members of New York University, and believed in educational opportunities for all. Gallatin also had a lifetime interest in American Indians and their languages; he had published an ethno-linguistic work entitled Synopsis of the Indian Tribes of North America two years earlier in 1836.

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