Existing comment:
A Chance Encounter with Washington:
April, 1784 -- Based on their inequiries, Savary purchases warrants on 120,000 acres of land south of the Ohio River. As payment for his services, Gallatin first receives one quarter, then later one half of the total land purchased. Traveling west they pass through Fayette County, Pennsylvania and Monongalia County, Virginia (present day West Virginia), where they meet George Washington. Washington is looking for a route to build a canal or road over the Allegheny Mountains. Gallatin interrupted the retired General telling him the best choice. Washington was very offended by this interruption but later threw down is pen, turned to Gallatin and said, "You are right, sir." Gallatin greatly liked this region of the country and was very knowledgeable of the frontier. He liked to speak of the region as "...a place where others buried their reputation -- I established mine." |