From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 14 April 1791
To Thomas Jefferson
Treasury Department 14th. April 1791
Sir
It was the intention of the President that you and myself should take such measures as appeared to us eligible towards carrying into execution the Resolution empowering him to procure Artists from Europe towards the establishment of a mint.1
It appears to me of great importance, if still practicable, to acquire Mr. Droz,2 And the terms mentioned in the enclosed note when applied to so preeminent an Artist do not seem extravagant. Mr. Droz however ought to be bound to give his service for not less than a year after his arrival in the United States. I should think it advisable too that some determinate allowance should be concerted with him as an equivalent for the expences of himself and servant. It may be per day.
With regard to instruments, such as are indispensable and difficult of execution ought to be procured in Paris.
The having a person who is practically and accurately skilled in the assaying of metals is of course an essential part of the establishment meditated. None such has hitherto been found in the United States. If one can be procured from France on terms not immoderate, I am of opinion that it will be expedient to procure him; unless it should appear upon inquiry that Mr. Droz is himself perfectly equal to this part of the business also. The requisite apparatus for making the assays ought in the first instance to be brought from Europe.
In the engagement of such a person it is highly important that no mistake should be made. He ought to be a man not only well skilled in the business, but altogether trust worthy.
If the payment of compensations could be deferred ‘till after the services have been performed it would give security to the United States.
The requisite dispositions will be made to enable Mr. Short3 to possess himself of the funds which the execution of this trust may require.
I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem. Sir Your obedient humble Servant
Alexander Hamilton
The Honble. Thomas Jefferson.
Copy, William Short Papers, Library of Congress; letterpress copy, Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress; LC, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
1. On March 3, 1791, Congress adopted the following resolutions:
“Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a mint shall be established under such regulations as shall be directed by law.
“Resolved, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized to cause to be engaged, such principal artists as shall be necessary to carry the preceding resolution into effect, and to stipulate the terms and conditions of their service, and also to cause to be procured such apparatus as shall be requisite for the same purpose.” ( 225.)
2. Jean Pierre Droz, a citizen of the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, had invented a machine that would strike the two faces and edge of a coin at a single stroke. Jefferson was not successful in his attempt to bring Droz to the United States; instead Droz was employed by the British government to set up the necessary machinery for coining copper halfpenny pieces in England.
3. William Short, chargé d’affaires at Paris.