Temporary Closure of Mint in 1855/1856

RKKay

Can anyone enlighten me as to what Snowden is referring in this July 11, 1856 letter to Guthrie (quoted in Taxay's The US Mint and Coinage at p126)? Thanks in advance.



<< <i>In a former communication respecting an alteration of the cent coinage I took occasion to say I had requested the melter and refiner to prosecute further experiments with a view to the ascertainment of the most suitable alloy for that coinage. These experiments were not completed, chiefly because the Mint was in a dismantled condition when the bill relating to the coinage of the cents was prepared... >>

RKKay

Upon further review...I think I have an understanding as to why, but still not the entire timeframe. Anyone who can shed some light on exact timing? Here's the March 10, 1855 letter from Snowden to Guthrie that tells us why:



<< <i> In view of the present state of exchanges with Europe it seems probable that we shall not be called on for some time for a heavy coinage at the Mint. I have therefore taken this opportunity to cause the accounts of the Melter & Refiner to be settled as is provided in the 28th Section of the Mint laws. And as the boilers in the Coining department require cleaning I have also directed this to be done. These considerations induce me to suggest that the alterations contemplated in the Mint building, for which the recent appropriation of $125,000 was made, should be commenced and completed at as early a period as possible. When I had the pleasure of a personal interview with you on this subject it was then thought advisable to have the alterations made in the summer, but for the reasons suggested it seems highly expedient that they should be made at an earlier period. >>

DaveG

I've taken a very brief look at the Mint Annual Report for 1855 and Director Snowden says:

"The operations of the mint, except the receiving of deposits and melting, assaying, and paying the same, were suspended on the 19th of July last [i.e., in 1855], at which time the repairs authorized by an appropriation made by the last Congress to the mint building were commenced.

The construction of these repairs was entrusted to officers designated by the Treasury Department, and they are being completed in the most thorough and substantial manner, so as to render the mint edifice, in all its departments, entirely fire-proof. Advantage has also been taken of the opportunity thus offered to introduce useful changes and improvements in the rooms appropriated to the different branches of business, whereby the efficiency of the mint and the security of the treasure therein will be greatly advanced and promoted.

During the suspension of coinage deposits were received and paid as heretofore, so that no inconvenience to depositors has resulted therefrom. But the accumulation of bullion, and the necessity of supplying coin, especially to the treasury of the United States, have made it necessary to resume the coinage operations, notwithstanding the work upon the repairs is in an unfinished state.

The preparation of standard ingots for coinage was commenced on the 4th of the present month [i.e., January 1856], and the delivery of coins to the treasurer was resumed on the 19th instant [i.e., 19th of January 1856]. The mint is now in active and efficient operation, although considerable inconvenience is experienced in consequence of the repairs not being fully completed. The suspension of coinage for the period of six months will sufficiently account for the diminished operations at the principal mint during the past year."


In his report for 1856, Director Snowden has some additional brief comments on the construction, mainly to the effect that the repairs have been completed and the Mint is "now in a condition of great efficiency."

RKKay

Thanks for your help, Dave!

Unknown

This content has been removed.

DaveG

Generally speaking (depending on time period and mint facility),

The mint's laborers were paid by the day and laid off (or perhaps not called in) when there wasn't any work.

Salaried employees (including the Mint Officers) were often let go if the mint facility was expected to be closed for an extended period. For example, the Carson City Mint was partially or fully closed several times during its life and the affected salaried employees (including Officers) were let go.

RKKay

Just came across this today, one big letter underlying the report...Thanks again.