Alexander James Dallas, an American statesman, born in the island of Jamaica, June 21, 1759, died at Trenton, N., Jan. 14, 1817. He was educated in London, studied law, married in 1780, and went to Jamaica, where he remained till 1783, when he removed to the United States. Admitted in 1785 to the bar in Pennsylvania, he commenced practice at Philadelphia. He prepared "Reports of Cases ruled and adjudged in the Courts of the United States and of Pennsylvania before and since the Revolution" (4 vols., 1790-1807). He also wrote for various periodicals, and was engaged in editing the "Columbian Magazine," published in Philadelphia. He was appointed secretary of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1791, 1793, and 1796. While in this office he published an edition of the laws of the state, with notes. On the election of Jefferson as president, he was appointed United States district attorney for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, and held that office till 1814, when he was appointed secretary of the treasury by President Madison. At that time the war with Great Britain was in progress, and the government was financially embarrassed. Mr. Dallas was interrogated on the part of the committee of ways and means as to the best mode of providing the money required and sustaining the public credit.

In reply, he made a report which was remarkable for its ability in grappling with the difficulties encountered. He was of opinion that the money required could not be raised exclusively by taxation, but that it must be obtained in part by loans, and recommended the establishment of a national bank for the purpose of obtaining it. The house having in committee of the whole reported (Oct. 24, 1814) in favor of such a bank, Mr. Dallas was again interrogated as to the probable effect of a large issue of treasury notes. His reply had great influence in restoring public confidence and rousing the spirit of the nation. His administration of the treasury department was able and energetic. When he was appointed treasury notes were taken with reluctance; within a few months from that time they were sold at par with interest added. In March, 1815, Mr. Dallas, in addition to the duties of secretary of the treasury, assumed those of secretary of war, among which was the superintendence of the reduction of the army, consequent on the return of peace.

In November, 1816, he resigned his office, and intended to resume the practice of his profession, but died a few weeks afterward.