Jefferson’s Treasure: How Albert Gallatin Saved the New Nation from Debt

Washington had Alexander Hamilton, and Jefferson had Albert Gallatin. In the first fight to set federal fiscal policy for the new American nation, Gallatin won. He cut taxes, reduced by the national debt by half, reformed government finances and funded both the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812. In his new book Jefferson’s Treasure, Gregory May explains why Gallatin, more than Hamilton, was America’s financial founder.