To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 27 July 1803
From Albert Gallatin
Washington 27 July 1803
Dear Sir
I have not yet heard whether you have arrived safe at Monticello; and I write only to inform you that I leave this city to day for New York. I will stop in Philada. to treat with the Bank & will communicate the result.
Nothing has taken place, since you left this connected with the Treasury, except E. Livingston’s journey here. He called on me at my house, said nothing of his defalcation & left the city two days after without calling at the office. This compels me to take the commission to N. York where I will fix the matter. I have written on the subject to De Witt Clinton.
With sincere attachment & respect Your obedt. Servt.
Albert Gallatin
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Treasury Department on 29 July and “E. Livingston” and so recorded in SJL.
For Edward livingston’s misappropriation of public funds, see Gallatin to TJ, 16 June. The Treasury secretary had solicited DeWitt clinton, senator of New York, to convince Livingston of the necessity of resigning and to provide recommendations for a successor to the district attorney’s office (same; Gallatin to TJ, 2 July). On 27 July, Gallatin informed Clinton of Livingston’s visit to Washington, writing, “He was here, saw me, & did not speak on the subject. I am afraid that he is not impressed with the absolute necessity of a successor being appointed.” Gallatin noted that he would bring a commission for Nathan Sanford with him to New York in early August. If Livingston did not resign, he would be removed. “As you have spoken to him on the subject,” Gallatin concluded, “I thought it right to let you know the precise state of things” (, 8:566).