Primary reason for no 1878-O silver dollars

[RogerB]

The following letter helps explain why no New Orleans Mint silver dollars were made in 1878. (The hydraulic press referred to was used to press water from refinery cake silver and mercury from amalgam.)

Messrs. Robert Wetherill & Co.
Chester, Penna.
October 5, 1878

Gentlemen,
Owing to the prevalence of yellow fever at New Orleans since July last, we have been unable to procure detailed estimates of the amount and different kinds of machinery required, and the expenses of equipping a sylphuric acid refinery at the Mint in that city.

Considering these facts and the limited amount of the appropriation for this purpose, it has been decided to reject all bids opened at this office on the first instant.

Having already one coining press, we will not contract for the manufacture of a second one at this time.
Your bid for the manufacture of a hydraulic press and that of Orr, Hess & Morgan of Philadelphia being the same $2,000, we have decided to ask a new bid from both parties for this machine as well as for a grinding machine, the latter to be supplied with an emery wheel.

I will thank you to inform this office as early as practicable of the price at which you will construct these machines.

The bid of Messrs. Orr, Hess & Morgan for a grinding machine was considerably less than yours; but we deem it but justice to you to afford you an opportunity to again compete for the manufacture of that machine.

Very respectfully
Robert E. Preston, Acting Director

[RG104 Entry 235 Vol 17 p65]

[alefzero]

Interesting.

[RogerB]

The first New Orleans Mint Morgan dollars were delivered Feb 27 (10,000) and Feb 28 (12,000) 1879.