Just off the boat and no room at the Mint

[RogerB]

Newer members might not have seen this little letter from Director Linderman concerning working space for George Morgan. He did not receive a warm and fuzzy greeting at the Philadelphia Mint.

Treasury Department
Office of the Director of the Mint

October 11, 1876

Hon. James Pollock, Superintendent
U.S. Mint
Philadelphia, Pa

Sir:
In consequence of the crowded conditions of the Engraver’s room, and in view of the fact that there is no other room in the Mint in the [sic] which Mr. Morgan could be accommodated, it has been decided that he shall conduct his work in his own private room [at 1614 Mt. Vernon St.], and visit the Mint as often as it may be necessary to do so in the prosecution of his duties.

You will please afford Mr. Morgan every proper facility which he may require, and instruct the Engraver to do the same.
Respectfully,
H. R. Linderman, Director

[vamnuke]

[messydesk]

19th century telecommuting. I picture him being given a room not unlike the Cupboard Under the Stairs at the Dursleys.

[playtime1]

Poor George Morgan was working virtually from home. Please stay away from the Mint (the Barber shop).

[RogerB]

He rented a room at Ms. Eckfeldt's house. His pay averaged $216 a month.

[shortnock]

Gutsy Morgan. Probably hostile employees.

[RogerB]

William Barber was likely confused and disappointed. He did not learn until late August that an engraver had been hired from England. He had already prepared designs and pattern pieces for silver coins, including the dollar, and fully expected his work to be put to use in 1877. Also, at the end of September Director Linderman wrote that he had heard nothing from Morgan, and that Barber was to proceed with preparing final hubs and arrange for working dies.

Suddenly a letter arrived from London stating that Morgan would arrive in 8-10 days. Linderman put everything on hold. By the middle of October, Linderman had requested coin designs - basically squashing Barber's work - and maybe dream of have his initial on circulating coinage.

[See Girl on the Silver Dollar for photos and more details about Barber's "almost dollar."]

[RogerB]

PS: The normal work day for engravers was 9-3 Monday-Friday, and 9-1 Saturday. (The Mints closed at 1pm Saturday - in "mint language" this was called a "half-day holiday.")

[Longstrider]

Very typical of todays government workings. Nothing ever changes but the names. Your book is great. Thanks.