Alexander J. Dallas Reports the Court's Decisions
Alexander J. Dallas was an immigrant who worked his way up to the Reporter of Decisions for the Supreme Court.
Dallas kept climbing until he became both Secretary of Treasury and of War during the War of 1812.
Alexander J. Dallas
Alexander J. Dallas was born in the Caribbean but grew up in England.
As a young man he married a woman from Pennsylvania and, after a few other stops, they moved to Philadelphia.
This was just after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War.
Reporter of Decisions
Dallas began practicing law as well as writing for several newspapers.
He quickly developed a reputation as an author, which coincided with the US Capital moving to Philadelphia.
Despite being a foreigner, Alexander was chosen as the first Reporter of Decisions for the United States Supreme Court.
In this office it was Dallas’ duty to publish the outcomes of any Supreme Court Cases. Unfortunately, this was an unpaid position which meant that it fell on Alexander’s list of priorities. His work as Reporter of Decisions was known for being incomplete and often took years before submission.
Still, his accounts were the official record and are important to historians today.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
After gaining citizenship, Dallas was selected as the Secretary of the Commonwealth for Pennsylvania.
He spent a decade in this position, playing a major role in the development of the State during its early existence.
He followed this up with an appointment by President Thomas Jefferson as a US Attorney, a job he held for almost fifteen years.
Secretary of Treasury (and War)
In 1814, President James Madison selected Dallas to replace Albert Gallatin as Secretary of the Treasury.
The two years Alexander served in this position coincided with the War of 1812, with a major part of his goal to fund the effort.
Simultaneously, Dallas spent six months as Secretary of War.
The climax of his career led to the head of two of the most important Departments in the United States Government.
Here are some other articles about EARLY AMERICAN FINANCES
Robert Morris - The Founding Father We’re Supposed to Know
Choosing A Comptroller - The Death of Nicholas Eveleigh
Albert Gallatin Controls America’s Finances
The War of 1812 is often overlook as an important part of the American Founding.
‘The War that Forged a Nation’ takes an exciting look at this war and its contribution to the creation of the United States.
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