BRANCH MINT AT CHARLOTTE.

LETTER
from the
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY,

Transmitting

Extracts from letters, showing the necessity for repairing the buildings of the branch mint at Charlotte, North Carolina.

January 18, 1855. – Referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, and ordered to be printed.

Treasury Department,
January 13, 1855.

Sir: Representations having been made to this department that the United States branch mint at Charlotte, North Carolina, needed certain repairs, the Superintendent was directed to report its condition. From his letter, and those of the Director of the mint – extracts from which are herewith sent – and from specimens of the material used, it appears that the roof of the building is so decayed as scarcely to afford protection against the weather. The Superintendent also states, as will appear from his letter, that there is constantly great danger from fire.

This department caused measurements of the building to be made, with a view to estimates for a fire-proof roof for the same. From these, and other data at hand, it is ascertained that a metallic roof will cost $8,850.

Congress has directed that the buildings, now in the course of construction under this department shall be covered with fire-proof roofs. A sound policy would seem to dictate that like roofs be substituted for wooden ones, wherever there is necessity for a change, and the character of the buildings otherwise justifies such a measure.

I have, therefore, respectfully to suggest the propriety of an appropriation of the amount named, and for the purpose specified.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully,

JAMES GUTHRIE,
Secretary of the Treasury.

Hon. George S. Houston,
Chairman Committee of Ways and Means, Ho. of Reps.

Extracts from letters of the Superintendent of the branch mint at Charlotte, N.C., to the Director of the United States mint; and of the latter to the Treasury Department.

United States Branch Mint,
Charlotte, N.C., December 8, 1854.

Sir: On yesterday we had quite a narrow escape from being destroyed by fire. Between 1 and 2 o’clock, as the melter was melting a pot of ingots, a spark from his chimney lighted on the roof, and set fire to the shingles; and had it not been immediately discovered, there is no telling what damage might have been done.

I therefore earnestly request that an appropriation be made by Congress for covering the mint with a metallic or slate roof, as our present wooden one is very unsafe – samples of which, taken indiscriminately from the roof, I enclose for your inspection, and from which you will perceive we are daily in danger.

I beg, therefore, if it meets your approbation, that you will have an item appropriated for covering the roof of this mint either with tin or slate, whichever may be considered to combine the greatest safety with the greatest economy, and that authority be granted for the immediate expenditure of the money.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

G. W. CALDWELL,
Superintendent.

J. Ross Snowden, Esq.,
Director of the Mint.

Mint of the United States,
Philadelphia, December 15, 1854.

Sir: I enclose for your examination a copy of a letter from the Superintendent of the branch mint at Charlotte, N.C., informing me of the narrow escape of that institution from destruction by fire on the 7th instant, and requesting an appropriation by Congress for covering the same with a metallic or slate roof. Fully concurring with the Superintendent as to the necessity of covering the branch mint building with a fire-proof roof, and believing the estimated cost to be reasonable, I have to request that, if it meet with your approval, you will procure from Congress an appropriation.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your faithful servant,

JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN,
Director.

Hon. James Guthrie,
Secretary of the Treasury, Washington City.

Mint of the United States,
Philadelphia, December 27, 1854.