No foreigner of any other race ever obtained such distinction in American politics as Mr.
Gallatin, and he only because he was the choice of a constituency, to every member of which he was personally known.

It is questionable whether in any other condition of society he could have secured advancement by election--the true source of political power in all democracies.

John Marshall, afterwards Chief Justice, recognized Gallatin's talent soon after his arrival in Richmond, offered him a place in his office without a fee, and assured him of future distinction in the profession of the law; but Patrick Henry was the more sagacious counselor; he advised Gallatin to go to the West, and predicted his success as a statesman.

Modest as the beginning seemed in the country he had chosen, it was nevertheless a start in the right direction, as the future showed.

It was in no sense a mistake.
Neither did the affairs of the wilderness wholly debar intercourse with the civilized world.