Letter from the Acting Agent to the Governor General to Government,
dated
In consideration
of the necessity of instituting an inquiry into the mode in which the mint at
Farrukhabad is at present conducted, and that some arrangement should be made
for the future regulation of it and for the correction of any abuses which may
exist.
I beg leave to
submit for the consideration of his Excellency the Most Noble the Governor
General, the expediency of nominating a committee to consist of the Judge and
Magistrate and the Agent to the Governor General for the time being of this
district for this purpose and that the mint should be hereafter under their
joint management and control.
His Excellency in
Council approves the suggestion of the Acting Agent for nominating a committee
to superintend the regulation of the mint at Farrukhabad and directs that the
Judge and Magistrate of the zillah, and the Agent to the Governor General for
the time being, be nominated for the purpose, and that they be desired jointly
to report to Government upon the arrangements which they may deem necessary for
the future regulations of the mint.
Ordered that the
necessary communication to the Judge and Magistrate of Farrukhabad be made from
the judicial department and Acting Agent to the Governor General at
Farrukhabad.
Letter from the
Mint Committee at Farrukhabad to Government, dated
The ruinous state of the mint
house at Farrukhabad requiring at this season some immediate repairs, we beg
leave to request the sanction of his Excellency the most Noble the Governor
General in Council to carry the amount of repairs Viz. 485.10.. Furr. Rupees to
the debit of Government under the head of mint charges.
This was authorised
but the Mint Committee was told not to incur further charges without first
getting approval.
His Excellency the
most Noble the Governor General in Council having been pleased to require the
Mint Committee at the Presidency to submit to his Excellency in Council their
sentiments with regard to the expediency of establishing a coinage of the same
weight and standard throughout the provinces ceded to the Honble Company by his
Excellency the Nawaub Visier, I am directed by his Excellency in Council to
acquaint you that you are to correspond with that committee relative to the
coinage in the Ceded Provinces, and that you are to furnish them with whatever
information they may call upon you for, connected with this important subject.
His Excellency in
Council being desirous of being furnished with a statement of the coinage in
the mint at Farrukhabad since the cession of that district to the Honble
Company, I am directed to desire that you will submit to His Excellency in
Council the following accounts as early as possible.
An account of the
money coined from the date of cession of Farrukhabad to the expiration of the
year 1802, exhibiting the quantity of bullion and of the different descriptions
of specie brought to the mint for coinage, the number of rupees coined and of
what description, and the charges of coinage to Government and the individual.
An account
containing the particulars above mentioned from the commencement of the present
year to the end of September.
I am further
directed to desire that you will transmit to the Governor General in Council a
monthly account of the above nature from the first of the present month
forwarding the same as early as shall be practicable after the expiration of
each month.
The Governor General in
Council having reason to believe that the introduction of a copper coinage in
the ceded provinces would be productive of great general utility without being
attended by expense to Government, I am directed to desire that you will report
to his Excellency in Council your sentiments with regard to the expediency of
establishing a coinage of the above description at the mint under their charge.
In the event of
the measure being deemed advisable, it appears to his Excellency in Council
that, in determining the weight and standard of the coin to be struck, it would
be expedient to adhere to the weight and standard of the existing copper
currency in the Ceded Provinces and to regulate the delivery of the new coinage
from the mint according to the average relative value which copper coin has
hitherto borne in those provinces in exchange for silver. Should you, however,
be of opinion that the copper specie now in circulation is so much debased as
to render it expedient to increase its intrinsic value, you are to state your
sentiments with regard to the proportion which the new coinage should bear to
pure copper.
Number rupees
coined at Farrukhabad:
From date of
cession to end 1802 = 557,670
From
October 1803 =
50154
November 1803 =
104,189
December 1803 =
175100
January 1804 =
135,467
February 1804 =
318,087
March 1804 =
151,120
Letter from Mint
Committee at Farrukhabad (Grant and Russell) to Government, dated
No Farrukhabad
rupees coined in April 1804 = 524,582.
Letter from the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad to Government, dated
Number of
Farrukhabad rupees coined in May 1804 = 262,894
Number Farrukhabad
rupees coined in June 1804 = 97,339
Number Farrukhabad
rupees coined in July 1804 = 180,309
Number Farrukhabad
rupees coined in August 1804 = 112,976
Number Farrukhabad
rupees coined in September 1804 = 152,503
Number of
Farrukhabad rupees coined in October 1804 = 194,812
Number of
Farrukhabad rupees coined in November 1804 = 243,513
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Committee (Ferguson & Lloyd) to Government, dated
We take the
liberty of requesting you will do us the honor of submitting to the notice of
His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council our suggestion of
introducing into the Farrukhabad Mint the coinage in lieu of milled money.
We presume that
the objections, which formerly existed to the manufacture of the latter species
at the Presidency, are also applicable to the coinage of it at this mint, and
that the substitution of the mill would be attended with equally important and
beneficial consequences both to Government and to the public.
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Committee to Government dated
We have the honor
under this date of recommending to the attention of His Excellency the Most
Noble the Governor General in Council the coinage of milled money, in place of
hammer monay, in the mint of Farrukhabad, as a measure tending to correct
several existing imperfections and abuses.
The defective
state of the manufacture can however be now greatly retrieved by the
application of better instruments than those in present use, for altho the
introduction of the mill may ultimately be adopted, some previous instructions
and practices will still be necessary.
We shall state,
therefore, one particular imperfection and then allude to such European
instruments as we believe could be substituted for those now used, and shall
embrace the occasion of offering some further remarks with a view to the
improvement of the Farrukhabad mint.
The defect in
question is found under the head of multa in every monthly account, and arises
from the partial impression of the two figures on the planchet, or piece of
metal, and from the planchet being thrown out of its horizontal position when
struck by the hammer, causing dents and scratches (multa) on the surface of the
image. The allowance for multa not only reduces the amount of public tax (no
duty being levied on one tenth of the bullion, on account of this blemish), but
also affords an opening to shroffs to reject the defaced rupee or receive it
below its intrinsic value, to the great embarrassment of merchants, and loss
and vexation to individuals.
We presume this
defect can be remedied by the superior kind of steel masses and dyes, and we
conclude they can be made far more perfect in
Having now pointed
out a defect removable by substituting superior implements without a deviation
from the principle of the present construction, we proceed to state that great
inconvenience arises from the present tedious process of coining, and the use
of numerous instruments. This inconvenience we imagine could be obviated by the
introduction of modern implements. We therefore further request to be furnished
with such as are used at the Presidency mint, and which we conclude are
manufactured after the European model, namely 1st a mold for casting
the plates of metal, 2nd a laminating engine and rollers for giving
the plate its uniform and exact thickness, and 3rd a steel trepan to
shape and cut off the planchet at one and the same time.
The use of these
machines is evidently separated from the subsequent process of impressing the
edges of the coins, as also from the mill engine, being only designed to form
the planchet. We are consequently induced to hope that our application for
these or other instruments intended for the same purpose will be honored with
an early compliance.
They then went to
state that the Farrukhabad rupee had the most general currency in the Doab and
that it should be considered as the coin given universal circulation in the
Doab, particularly as its standard meant that it was unlikely to be exported.
They asked that
rules and regulations for the conduct of the mint should be sent from
They stated that
they would submit their views on a new copper coinage in due course but,
meanwhile, asked Government to acquaint them with the principles on which the
copper coinage at the Presidency had been founded.
Production of the
Farrukhabad gold coinage had been suspended for a number of years, but tey did
not feel confident to judge whether it should be revived.
They enclosed 5
rupees as specimens of the current coinage.
All this was
referred to the Mint Committee at
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Committee (Rd Ahmuty & Charles Lloyd) to Government, dated
Reply to the
question of introducing a new copper currency. A suggestion had arisen that any
captured guns not in use, might be melted and used as a source of copper.
Letter from the Mint Committee to the Commander in Chief, dated
Asked
if they can have two small guns from a local fort to try melting them for
copper.
From the Mint Committee to Government, dated
Number Farrukhabad
rupees struck in February 1805 = 408,728
Letter from the Mint Committee at
Concerning
the establishment of a uniform coinage for the Doab. They recommended
that the Farrukhabad rupee should be adopted and issued from a mint at
Farrukhabad. This was recommended because of its ‘centrical’ situation and
because of its extensive commercial concerns. Since most of the output of the
mint would be payable to the military, the Committee recommended that the mint
should be cited in the vicinity of the principal military station.
They also
recommended that the coinage then produced at
Letter from
Government to Farrukhabad Mint Committee (Richard Ahmuty, Magistrate, and
Charles Lloyd, Acting Agent to the Governor General) ,
dated
I am directed by
His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council to acquaint you
that His Excellency in Council has determined on the immediate introduction of
a new silver and copper currency, of an uniform weight and standard, into the
provinces ceded by the Nawaub Vizier to the English East India Company, and
into the conquered provinces in the Doab and on the right bank of the river
Jumna, including the zillah of Bundlecund, to be denominated the Lucknow sicca
rupee of the 45th sun, struck at Farrukhabad, corresponding in
weight and standard with the rupee at present struck at Lucknow, in the
dominions of the Nawaub Vizier, and thence denominated the Lucknow rupee, and
to select the town of Farrukhabad to be the place at which a mint shall be
established for striking the new silver and copper coin to be established in
the said provinces.
I am further
directed to acquaint you that His Excellency in Council has been pleased to
appoint the Judge and Magistrate of zillah Farrukhabad for the time being, and
the Agent or Acting Agent to the Governor General at Farrukhabad for the time
being, to be a committee for the superintendence of the business of the mint at
that station, and to appoint Mr Robert Blake to the joint offices of Mint and
Assay master for the immediate conduct of the business of the mint at
Farrukhabad, subject to the authority of the Mint Committee, above mentioned.
You will herewith
receive for your information a copy of the instructions which have been this
day transmitted to Mr Blake, in order that you may conform to the exigency of
such parts thereof that relate to the Mint Committee of which you have been
appointed the immediate members. I am at the same time directed to inform you
that the operation of the mint at Farrukhabad is to be continued, in the
coinage of the silver specie hitherto struck at that mint until the
promulgation of the regulation, which will be immediately published, for the
reform of the silver and copper coinage in the Ceded Provinces.
His Excellency in
Council understands that the present mint at Farrukhabad is situated within the
limits of that town. In calling upon you for your report respecting the place
at which you would propose that the mint should be permanently established, His
Excellency in Council directs me to acquaint you that it appears to him to be
advisable, on many considerations, to select the town of
In the event of
your not being aware of any other alternative, you will submit to His
Excellency in Council, your sentiments respecting the construction of a
suitable building for the operation of the mint, accompanied by a plan and
description of the building proposed to be constructed and an estimate of the
expense. In recommending a building for
the above purpose, you will be guided in determining its situation by a due
regard to the convenience of the bankers, and others, who will have occasion to
bring bullion or old coin to the mint for coinage, and to the security of the
property deposited therein. In the meantime the business of the mint may
continue to be conducted in the building in which it is at present held.
I am directed to
acquaint you that whatever arrangement may be proposed regarding the provision
of a suitable building for a mint at Farrukhabad, His Excellency in Council is
not aware of the necessity of constructing an expensive building for that
purpose. His Excellency in Council accordingly expects that you will regulate
whatever propositions you may have to submit on the foregoing subject by a due
reference to the purposes for which the building is required, and by a proper
regard to economy informing an estimate of the expense.
Letter to R. Blake
from Government dated
His Excellency the
Most Noble the Governor General in Council, having determined on the immediate
introduction of a new silver and copper coinage into the provinces ceded by the
Nawaub Vizier to the English East India Company, and into the conquered
provinces in the Doab and on the right bank of the river Jumna, including the
zillah of Bundlecund, and to select the town of Farrukhabad to be the place at
which the mint for the coinage of the new silver and copper currency in the
above mentioned provinces shall be established, I am directed to acquaint you
that His Excellency in Council has been this day pleased to appoint you to the
joint offices of Mint and Assay Master at Farrukhabad for the immediate conduct
of the business of the mint at that station.
I am further
directed to desire that you will proceed to Farrukhabad as early as may be
practicable, after having furnished the Mint Committee at Bareilly with the
information which that Committee has been instructed to require from you on
various points immediately connected with the subject of the new silver and
copper coinage about to be established in the Ceded and Conquered Provinces.
On your arrival at
Farrukhabad you will place yourself under the orders of the Mint Committee at
that station. You will at the same time make sure such preparations as you may
judge necessary (subject to the approbation of the Mint Committee at that
station) with a view of commencing the new coinage, to a sufficient extent for
the demand for the same, immediately on arrival at Farrukhabad of the dies and
machinery which will be sent to you from the Presidency.
You will be
apprized by the Mint Committee at
You are desired to
submit to the Governor General in Council, accompanied by the sentiments of the
Mint Committee at Farrukhabad thereon, a detailed statement of the
establishment of native officers which you may consider to be indispensably
necessary to enable you to conduct the duties of the mint at Farrukhabad,
specifying the monthly salary which you would propose to be granted to each
officer. The establishment must be adequate to the coinage of thirty thousand rupees
per diem. It not being the intention of Government to issue copper coin on
their own account, but to leave it to the option of individuals to bring copper
and old copper coin to the mint for coinage, it is not expected that the demand
for the new copper coin will be so considerable as to interfere materially with
the silver coinage. It therefore appears to His Excellency in Council that a
very inconsiderable addition will be necessary, to the establishment for the
silver coinage, for the purpose of conducting the business of the copper
coinage, to be reduced or increased as circumstances may render expedient.
I am also directed
to acquaint you that the Calcutta Mint Master has been instructed to send a
sufficient number of skilful workmen with the machinery to be provided from
hence, for the purpose of instructing the workmen in the mint at Farrukhabad in
the use of the same.
No. 16. Letter to the Mint Master at
Farrukhabad had
been selected as the place for a mint to provide the new coinage for the Ceded
and
The Lucknow sicca
rupee of the 45th sun is to be of a circular form, and one inch in
diameter, and is to bear the same impression as the nineteenth sun sicca struck
in the Calcutta mint, with an exception to the sun, or year of the reign of the
present King Shah Alam, and to the name of the place at which the coin is
struck. The new coin is to bear the 45th sun and the words ‘zurb
Farrukhabad’ are to be substituted for the words ‘zurb Moorshedabad’. The edges
of the new silver coin are to be milled, and the dies are to be of the same
size as the coin so that the whole of the impression shall appear upon the
surface of it.
In preparing the
dies for the new silver coinage in the Ceded and
…The Governor
General in Council understanding that machinery, which you have been instructed
to prepare for the mint which the Government have it in contemplation to
establish at Fort St George, is completed. I am instructed to desire that you
will appropriate as much of that machinery as may be necessary to the use of
the mint at Farrukhabad…
I am further
directed to acquaint you that the Governor General in Council has determined on
the introduction of a new copper coinage in the Conquered and Ceded Provinces,
to be also struck in the mint at Farrukhabad, consisting of pure copper, and
corresponding in form, size and impression with those prescribed for the new
silver coinage intended to be immediately established in the said provinces.
The pie is to be of the same size as the rupee and the half pie of the same
size as the half rupee, increasing in thickness in proportion to the difference
in weight between silver and copper coin. It is not intended that smaller
copper coin shall be struck than a half pie. In preparing specimens of the new
copper coin you will regulate the weight of each pie at 290 grains troy weight.
It is necessary to add that the edges of the new copper coin are not to be
milled, or to have any mark or impression thereon…
Copper coins were
only to be produced in response to people bringing copper to the mint.
…You are desired
to replace the machinery to be sent to Farrukhabad, and originally intended for
the use of the mint at Fort St George, with all practicable expedition.
Letter from the Calcutta Mint Master to Government, dated
He advised that
collar dies should be used at Farrukhabad with the laminating and cutting
machinery, and as these had already been prepared for Fort St George, they
could quickly be dispatched. He suggested that members of the Mint Committee
should go to the mint for a demonstration.
As far as the
copper coins went, it would not be possible to make circular coins without the
use of a cutting machine.
However, the
Governor General did not consider it necessary to introduce the laminating and
cutting machinery. He believed that copper coins could be made sufficiently round
with the use of a hammer and, if not, the coins could be struck at
Mr Blake’s
allowance was to be a commission based on the coinage at Farrukhabad, but in
the meantime he was permitted to draw Rs 1500 per month as salary.
Letter from Robert Blake to Government, dated
I have the honor
to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 25th ultimo acquainting
me of my appointment to the joint offices of Mint and Assay Master at
Farrukhabad.
I beg that you
will be pleased to express to His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor
General in Council the high sense I feel for the honor conferred upon me, and I
trust that by attention to the duties of my office, and my exertions to carry
this business into effect will be such as may not render me unworthy of this
mark of favour.
Resolution.
The Governor
General in Council having been informed that the figures 1204 have been
introduced in the four anna pieces prepared at the mint in Calcutta as
specimens of the four anna pieces proposed to be circulated in the upper
provinces. Ordered that the Mint Master be directed to prepare a new die for
these pieces and to omit the figures above mentioned.
Letter from the
Calcutta Mint Master (H. P. Forster) to Government, dated
In obedience to
the orders of His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council
contained in your letter dated the 11th instant,
I have the honor to forward herewith specimens of the new coinage for the Ceded
and
Were it permitted
me to offer an opinion on the subject, I would venture to suggest the propriety
of making the coin in question more obviously distinct from the Calcutta sicca
rupees than the mere alteration of the date of the year and place of coinage
render them, which to the bulk of people not acquainted with the Persian
character is no distinction at all, and they will of course be liable to be
imposed upon. At the same time I would with deference recommend that the
inscription on the copper coinage be not the same as that on the silver, as it
furnishes a ready means of imposing on the public by silvering them over with
quicksilver and passing them for rupees and half rupees and, under the idea
that His Excellency will approve of the suggestion, I have likewise prepared
distinct dies for the pice and half pice with an inscription in the Persian and
Nagree characters on one side expressive of their denomination and value. The
reverse remains the same as directed.
Part of the
machinery is dispatched and the rest will be immediately.
Ordered that the
Mint Master at the Presidency be informed in reply to the letter above
recorded, that the specimens of the new coinage for the Ceded and
Ordered
that the Mint Master at the Presidency be also informed that the alterations
suggested by him in the inscriptions on the silver and copper coin are not
considered by the Governor General in Council to be necessary.
Letter from the Farrukhabad Mint Committee to Government, dated
We have the honor
to submit to you copy of a report made to us by Mr Robert Blake under date the
4th instant, on the subject of the mint in the city of Farrukhabad.
Should it meet
with the approbation of His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in
Council, we beg leave to recommend that Mr Blake’s suggestion of renting or
purchasing one of the numerous premises in the vicinity of Futtehghur for a
temporary mint, may be authorized, until a proper situation can be selected for
erecting the requisite buildings.
We are aware that
little or no inconvenience can arise to individuals from the adoption of this
measure as, for the first year, the operations of the mint will be confined to
the recoinage of the revenues of the Ceded and Conquered Provinces, and
individuals will not themselves have recourse to the recoinage of the old
rupees till the circulation of the new coin is in some degree established.
We are opinion
that this object will be greatly facilitated by striking a coin of the
The revenues being
realised in the new coinage from the commencement of the ensuing Fussily year, in October, the old rupees will bear a
considerable batta, when individuals will find it in their interest to convert
their bullion into the new coinage.
Mr Blake will
hereafter submit for the consideration of Government, a report on the copper
coinage as well as a statement of such establishment as may appear
indispensably necessary for conducting the duties of the mint.
Next is Mr Blake’s
letter to the Farrukhabad Mint Committee concerning the above matter. Then:
Letter from Government to the Farrukhabad Mint Committee, dated
I am directed by
His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter dated the 6th instant with its enclosure,
and to acquaint you in reply that the mint to be established at your station
ought, unquestionably, in the judgement of His Excellency in Council, to be
situated in the town of Farrukhabad. You will accordingly submit for the orders
of Government a plan and estimate of the expense of erecting a proper building
for this purpose (if none can be purchased) within the limits of the town.
The Governor
General in Council does not consider it to be proper to adopt your suggestion
for striking a coin of the
Resolution of Council.
Read the
proceedings in the department of the Ceded and
Ordered
that the Mint Master be directed to dispatch the machinery ordered to be
prepared on the above date with the least possible delay.
Ordered that the
Mint Master be further directed to communicate with the Post Master General as
to the safest and quickest method of dispatching the dies to Farrukhabad, and
to forward the dies accordingly as soon, on the receipt of the present order,
as may be practicable.
Mint Committee is
asked to send the figures for mint production directly to the Accountant
General.
A Regulation for
the Reform of the Gold, Silver and Copper coin of the Provinces Ceded by the
Nawab Visier to the Honorable the English East India Company – passed by the
Governor General in Council on
1.
The first paragraph says, essentially, that there are
many different silver rupees, copper pice and gold mohurs in circulation in the
Ceded Provinces.
2.
‘A silver coin to be denominated the Lucknow sicca
rupee of the forty fifth sun, struck in the mint at Farrukhabad, corresponding
in weight and standard with the sicca rupee at present struck at Lucknow’ is to
be the legal silver coin in the Ceded Provinces.
3.
The weight and standard will be published in due
course.
4.
A mint will be established in Farrukhabad to produce
the rupees, halves and quarters.
5.
The rupees will be of the same size and form as the 19
sun siccas struck at
6.
The half and quarter in proportion.
7.
The edges milled and the dies the same size as the
coin.
8.
Dies prepared in the mint at
9.
Mint Committee to be established at Farrukhabad
consisting of the Magistrate and the Collector. They will conform to
instructions from the Calcutta Mint Committee.
10.
A ‘Mint and Assay’ Master will be appointed at
Farrukhabad and will be subject to the Mint Committee.
11.
The Circuit Judge will visit the mint every six months
to check that all is in order.
12.
The Calcutta Mint Master will cause a private mark to
be added to the Farrukhabad dies, not visible to the naked eye. He must keep a
registry of these marks.
13.
One member of the Committee will, every two weeks,
indiscriminately select three of each description of coin and send them to the
Mint Master at Calcutta for examination.
14.
Counterfeiters, clippers etc will be dealt with by the
criminal courts.
15.
The coins will be considered legal tender throughout
the Ceded Provinces and must be accepted as such.
16.
The coins must not be marked and if they are, then
they cease to be legal tender.
17.
The triennial settlement of the land revenue will be
fixed in the new
18.
Since it will take some time to get enough rupees into
circulation, old rupees may be used to pay taxes up until the year 1216 Fussily.
19.
Similar to previous except applies to other
transactions between Government and Individuals up to 1214 Fussily.
20.
More about the rate of exchange between rupee types.
21.
ditto
22.
After the start of 1214 Fussily
all rupees of types other than the
23.
From the start of 1216 Fussily
no other rupee will be considered legal tender.
24.
Deals with bonds written in a particular type of
rupee.
25.
Ditto
26.
After 1216 all agreements must be written in the 45
sun rupee.
27.
Native officers must accept payments made in these
rupees.
28.
And not in any others.
29.
Silver delivered to the mint will be returned as 45
sun rupees.
30.
Lower standard silver will be refined to the new
standard.
31.
Charge for refining silver.
32.
Individuals can choose to have their old coins
refined.
33.
Wear of 6 annas per cent will be allowed.
34.
If the coins lose weight through fraudulent means, as
opposed to wear, they will be received at their intrinsic value.
35.
Ditto
36.
Ditto
37.
Mint Master at
38.
Silver received at the mint will be assayed, refined
and coined in the order in which it is received.
39.
Describes the registers to be kept at the Farrukhabad
Mint.
40.
The registers must regularly be sent to
41.
The operation of the mint at
The coinage of the
silver specie hitherto struck in the mint at Farrukhabad and denominated the
Farrukhabad rupee shall be discontinued from the time when the Mint Master at
that station shall be furnished with the necessary machinery and dies for
commencing the new silver coinage established by this regulation. Immediately
on being enabled to commence the new silver coinage, the mint master at
Farrukhabad shall fix up a written notification under his signature in a
conspicuous part of the mint, declaring that no silver bullion or silver coin
will be received at the mint for coinage into any other description of rupee
than the rupee established by this regulation from and after the date of such
notification.
The notification
will be distributed to Collectors throughout the Ceded Provinces.
42.
No gold coinage is deemed necessary because silver is
used overwhelmingly. Gold mohurs will not be considered a legal tender in the
Ceded Provinces.
43.
A copper coin of the forty fifth san weighing two
hundred and eighty four and a half grains troy and consisting of pure copper
shall be established.
44.
The form size and impression to be the same as the
rupee but the edge will not be milled.
45.
These pice and half pice will be coined at
Farrukhabad.
46.
Individuals may have copper coined.
47.
They may chose whole or half pice.
48.
Ditto
49.
Issued for fractional parts of a rupee.
50.
Officials must accept the coins.
51.
What applies to the silver, applies to the copper –
registers etc.
52.
Collectors etc may be sued for damages for breaching
this regulation.
AD 1805 Regulation
XL
Extends the above
regulation to the Conquered Provinces situated within the Doab and on the right
bank of the river Jumna, ceded to the EIC by Dowlat Rao Scindia and to the
territories situated in Bundlecund and the right bank of the river Jumna ceded
to the EIC by the Peshwah…
The operation of
the mint at Saharunpore and of any other mint or mints within the provinces and
territories mentioned in section II, the operation of which shall not have
already ceased, shall be discontinued from the date of promulgation of this
regulation with the exception of whatever silver is already in the mint.
…ordered
that the Mint Committee at
Ordered likewise
that the other Collectors in the Ceded and
Letter from the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad to Government, dated
Number of rupees
coined – statement forwarded to the Accountant General, and not present in
these papers
Letter to the Mint
Committee at Farrukhabad (Ahmuty & Lloyd) from Government, dated
I am directed by
the Governor General in Council to inform you that the Sub-treasurer has been
desired to dispatch with all practicable expedition to Farrukhabad from the
treasure arrived from
The remittance is
to be made in dollars and it is to be recoined by the Mint Master at
Farrukhabad into money of the currency established by the late orders of
Government, viz. The
Letter to the Mint
Committee at Farrukhabad (Ahmuty & Lloyd) from Government, dated
In continuation of
the orders communicated to you in my letter of the 10th instant, I
am directed by the Vice President in Council to desire that in the event of the
arrival at Farrukhabad of bullion to which that letter refers, before you
receive the new machinery from the mint at the Presidency, you will instruct
the Mint Master to coin the bullion into the Farrukhabad rupee of the
established standard now in circulation.
The remittance
will be dispatched this day from
Letter from the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad to Government, dated
Statement of
rupees produced in August. Forwarded to the Accountant General.
Letter from the Collector at Etawah to Government, dated
In reply to the 3rd
paragraph of your letter of 24th August, I beg leave to acquaint you
that the mint at Etawah was abolished many years previous to the cession of
their territories, and on enquiry I understand that all the dies and
instruments of coinage have long since been destroyed.
Letter from the
Commander-in-Chief (
I have the honor
by direction of the Right Honorable Lord Lake, to request you will submit to
Government the accompanying copy of a letter from Mr Ahmuty,
and Mint Committee at Farrukhabad together with His Lordship’s reply thereto.
His Lordship
trusts that the measure he has accepted in sanctioning the erection of a mint
at the recommendation of Mr Blake, the Mint Master, will meet with the
approbation or sanction of Government.
His Lordship
deemed the measure indispensably necessary at the present crisis, as any delay
in the coinage of the bullion, might be attended with the greatest hazard and
inconvenience to the public service.
Letter to
We have to request
you will be pleased to report to His Excellency the Right Honorable Lord Lake
that the Mint Master has represented to us that the native mint in the city of
Government have
directed an estimate to be submitted for erecting a mint within the city of
Letter to the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad from
I have had the
honor to submit your letter of the 15th instant to the Right
Honorable Lord Lake on the subject of a suggestion by Mr Blake, the Mint
Master, for erecting a mint near the cantonments of Farrukhabad for coining the
bullion now coming up from the Presidency.
In consideration
of the urgent demand for cash at the present moment and the great inconvenience
that must arise to the public service from any delay in coining the bullion
proceeding to Farrukhabad, His Lordship is pleased to sanction the erection of
a mint at the spot recommended by Mr Blake.
It is His
Lordship’s intention immediately to report to Government the measure he has
deemed it expedient to authorize on this occasion.
Ordered that the
Secretary writes the following letter to the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad.
I am directed by
the Honorable the Vice President in Council to transmit to you the enclosed
copy of a letter from the Secretary to the Right Honorable the
Commander-in-Chief and to acquaint you that the expense which may have been
incurred under His Lordship’s orders in preparing the temporary mint for the
coinage of the bullion dispatched from the Presidency, will of course be
sanctioned. You are desired however to submit a detailed account of the
expenditure for the consideration of Government.
You are likewise
desired to expedite the report required from you on the 25th July
last respecting the establishment of a permanent mint in the town of
Letter from Colonel Morris to Government, dated
He offers to rent
his estate for use as a mint at the rate of 250 rupees per month, or sell it
for 2000rps.
Recommended that
the property be purchased
From Mint
Committee at Farrukhabad to Government, dated
Mr Blake had been
fully occupied coining the bullion into rupees for the use of the army. This
should be complete on the 10th or 12th of January.
Letter from the
Mint Committee at Farrukhabad (Ahmuty & Potts) to Government, dated
List
of all the rupees current in the Ceded and
Letter from the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad to Government, dated
We have the honor
to submit to you for the orders of the Honble the Governor General in Council a
copy of a letter addressed to us by the Agent to the Governor General at
Letter from the
Acting Agent to the Governor General (Seton) to the Farrukhabad Mint Committee,
As the utmost
distress is experienced at this place from the scarcity, I might almost say
from the total disappearance, of copper pice, I think it my duty to notice it
to you. The true cause of this inconvenience I have not yet been able to
ascertain. I am however inclined to believe that there is in truth a scarcity
of that species of coin, which may partly have given rise to the present
distress, but that it is principally occasioned by a combination among the
bankers.
If circumstances
admitted of the coinage of copper pice and half pice taking place in conformity
to the 45th section of the 45th regulation of 1803, or
even if half and quarter rupees could be coined and brought into circulation
agreeably to the 4th section of that regulation, it occurs to me
that the convenience of the community would be greatly promoted.
To address you on
this subject may not, perhaps, be strictly speaking within my province, but I
feel it a sort of duty to communicate to you on an occasion of this interesting
nature, the result of my observations.
Ordered that the
secretary write the following letter to the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad.
I am directed to
acknowledge the receipt of a letter from you dated the 27th ultimo
with its enclosures, and to acquaint you that the Honble the Governor General
in Council authorizes you to direct the Mint and Assay Master at Farrukhabad to
coin such quantity of pice and of half and quarter pice, as you may deem
necessary, as a medium of exchange in the Ceded and Conquered Provinces, after
making such enquiries respecting the quantity required for that purpose as you
may judge to be advisable from the Agent to the Governor General at Bareilly
and other local officers. The Acting Commercial Resident at
Ordered that the Acting
Commercial Resident at
Letter from Captain Thomas Preston to Government, dated
I have the honor
to return the plan of Colonel Morris’s estate at Futy Ghur with the paper
transmitted therewith, and I beg leave to offer it as my opinion that the
property is fully worth sicca rupees 12,000, the sum for which it is offered to
Government.
The ground
measures about 28 biggahs and contains two extensive buildings, which appear to
me well calculated either for a courthouse or a mint and may be adopted to
either purpose, as I conceive, at a very moderate expense.
Should the
Honorable the Governor General in Council think proper to authorize the
purchase of the above property, either the rent from the time that Mr Blake has
been in possession, or the cost of putting the premises into habitable repair,
ought, I think, to be deducted from the sum paid for them.
There then follows
a letter from Colonel Morris asking for rent from October 1805 to February
1806.
The Governor
General accepted the proposal to buy the property for 12,000 Rs, and instructed
the Company’s attorney to prepare the necessary paperwork. The cost of making
the house habitable was to be deducted from the amount paid, and the rent was
to be paid.
Letter to
Government from the Company’s Attorney, dated
In obedience to
the orders of the Governor General, communicated to me by your letter of the 17th
ultimo, I prepared under the directions of the Advocate General, a conveyance
by deeds of lease and release from Colonel Morris to the Honble Company of
premises at Farrukhabad for a mint at that station, which I have the honour to
forward to you duly executed and to return the plan.
Letter from Colonel Morris to Government, dated
I have the honor
to enclose my bill for house rent and beg the favour of your submitting it to
Government for payment.
Any expense for
actual repairs that the Mint Master may have laid out on the premises, after
his taking possession, by order of the Commander in Chief, I promise to
reimburse.
|
To the rent for this house at Futtyghur for the
following months: October, November, December 1805. January, February, March,
April and May 1806, at the monthly rent of 250 rupees |
Rs 2000 |
Ordered that the
Board of Revenue be desired to instruct the Collector of the 24 Pergunnahs to
pay Col. Morris the sum of Rs2000 on account of the rent of the buildings at
Futtyghur, lately purchased by Government, for the months of October etc.
From Colonel Morris to Government, dated
May I request the
favour of you to submit the accompanying bill for house rent to Government.
On my Agent’s
applying for the rent due to me, previous to my estate being used as a mint by
order of His Excellency the Commander in Chief, he received a note from Mr
Blake, Mint Master, an extract from which I have the pleasure to enclose.
I think it
necessary to inform you that the house rent bill I made out and presented to
Government, commenced on
|
To the rental of my house at Futtyghur For a mint for the month of September 1805 |
Rs250 |
Also enclosed is a
letter from Mr Blake confirming that the rent began on 1st September
not 1st October.
Accountant General to Government.
I have the honor
to acquaint you that the Mint Master at Farrukhabad has not transmitted any of
his accounts since April last. It is unnecessary for me to point out the
inconvenience arising from public officers not furnishing their monthly
accounts regularly. The Mint Master ought to have transmitted each month’s
account by the 15th of each succeeding month at latest. I trust the
Honorable the Governor General in Council will be pleased therefore to issue
such orders for the due transmission of these accounts in future as will render
it unnecessary to trouble the Government again on this subject.
Ordered that the
secretary write the following letter to the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad:
I am directed to
transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter from the Accountant General and
to acquaint you that the Honorable the Governor General in Council desires that
you will call upon the Mint and Assay Master at Farrukhabad for an explanation
of his conduct in neglecting to furnish the necessary accounts at the
prescribed period of time and that you will forward his reply to Government
with any observations which may occur to you on the subject.
You will at the
same time direct Mr Blake to forward the accounts, now due, to the Accountant
General with the least practicable delay.
Letters from
Farrukhabad Mint Committee & Blake stating that the reason the accounts had
not been submitted was that Blake had been too busy building the new mint,
which was now ready for operations.
Letter from Colonel Morris to Government, dated
In the bungalow
Government purchased of me for a mint at Futty Ghur, there was
a number of wall-shades, paintings, pictures and other furniture, which Mr
Blake, Mint Master, who, I understand, now resides on the premises, has
detained and positively refuses delivering them up to my agent.
I have used every
means in my power thro’ my agent to recover this property and even adopted
accommodating measures to prevent my present appeal to Government.
I have therefore
to request you will do me the honor of representing Mr Blake’s unwarrantable
conduct in this instance to the Governor General in Council and solicit his
interference in compelling Mr Blake to deliver up to my agent, Mr Robertson, at
Futy Ghur, all the property that belongs to me.
There are then
copies of letters between Robertson and Blake. Blake is directed to return the
items.
Letter from the Mint Committee at Farrukhabad to Government, dated
The Bungalow
containing the mint and assay office was hit by lightening on
Letter from the
Costs of the
Farrukhabad mint for November and December 1805 and January and February 1806.
A lot of caveats added by the auditor.
Letter from the
Costs of the
Farrukhabad mint from March to December 1806, again with many comments from the
auditors.
The Governor General likewise
proposes that Mr R Graham be appointed to the position of Mint Master at
Farrukhabad with a salary of Rupees 800 per month and that Mr R Blake be
appointed Assay Master at that station, with a salary of Rupees 1200 per month.
Letter from
Farrukhabad Mint Committee to Government, dated
Very long letter drawing
attention to the fact that the new 45 sun coins were being issued at a rate
below their intrinsic value thereby causing problems. This was referred to the
Board of Commissioners.
Concerning the property
claimed to have been stolen from the house sold by Colonel Morris for use as a
mint. Mr Blake claimed that he had agreed with Colonel Morris that he should
have the property. The Governor General stated that it was not the business of
Government and would have to be sorted out by the parties involved.
Letter from Blake to Government, dated
Charge of the mint
had been handed to Mr R Graham.
Letter from R. Graham to Government, dated
Charge of the mint
had been received from Mr R Blake.
The Governor
General proposes on consideration of the accompanying letter from Mr R Graham
that his application for leave of absence from his station be complied with and
that Mr H G Christian be nominated as Collector of Farrukhabad until Mr
Graham’s return to his station, or until further orders.
Adverting likewise
to the necessity of investing a person experienced in the business of the
coinage with the charge of the mint at the above mentioned station, His
Lordship proposes that Mr T Yeld, the Mint and Assay Master at Banaras, be
deputed to officiate as Mint Master at Farrukhabad until Mr Graham’s return or
until further orders, and that the Mint Committee at Banaras be directed to
make such provision for the conduct of the business of the mint at that station
as may appear to them most advisable, reporting the arrangement for the
conformation of Government. It will of course be necessary that MT Yeld should
proceed to Farrukhabad with all practicable dispatch. Mr Graham should await
the arrival of Mr Yeld at Farrukhabad unless the state of his health should
previously render it indispensably necessary for him to quit his station, in
which case he must, as the only expedient, deliver over charge of the mint
temporarily to Mr Blake.
Letter from the Board of Commissioners to Government, dated
Your Lordship will
perceive from our correspondence with the Mint Master that we have attended in
person at the mint for the purpose of inspecting the machinery and satisfying
ourselves with respect to the manner in which the coinage is at present conducted.
We shall proceed therefore to offer such remarks as have occurred to us on the
present state of the mint in the course of our different visits, in order that
your Lordship in Council may be enabled to determine what measures are
necessary for the purpose of placing this establishment on a proper footing.
The machinery used
in the European process of coinage appears to us to be generally in an
inefficient state at present, and the laminating machines we found could not be
used until the ingots had been prepared for them by the hammer.
In consequence of
the defective state of the machinery, the want of skill of the workmen, and of
our entertaining doubts with respect to the practicability of preparing proper
machinery at this place, it appears to us that it would not be advisable, at
present, to attempt to carry on the coinage generally by means of the
laminating and cutting machines, and that no fixed establishment should
therefore be allowed for those machines or for the adjustment of the planchet.
The melting was
reported to us by the Mint and Assay Masters in the first instance to be very
defective and those officers stated that it had been found impracticable to
reduce the metal to a perfect fluid state, but this difficulty, we are happy to
say, has been overcome upon actual trial in our presence. A difficulty
experienced from a want of proper moulds for casting ingots fit for the
laminating machine was also complained of, but it may also we think be easily
surmounted in a short time.
The persons at
present employed in carrying on the different processes by machinery appeared
to us to be very inexpert, and we should not have supposed that they could have
had any experience whatsoever. Those in particular who were collected as
adjusters had never, we understood, been employed before in that process.
The coinage also
carried on by Daraps appeared to us to be coarse and imperfect. The tools used
in this process are very defective and do not admit of the workmen producing as
good planchets as might be fabricated even by the ordinary process in use among
the natives.
The planchets made
by the Daraps, not being circular, and the concave and collar dies as they are
at present used, not having the effect of rendering them so, the milling dies
are likely to be greatly injured in being applied to such planchets, and the
milling is consequently imperfect. We suggested to the Mint Master to apply for
new milling dyes, and we recommend that these dyes be always furnished from the
Presidency as they cannot be properly made here at present, and it is desirable
that the construction and use of the milling machine should not be generally
known.
There appeared to
us to be a want of order and arrangement throughout the different departments
of the mint. The duties of the several officers and workmen had not been
defined, and some general regulations for the conduct of the business were
evidently wanting.
The actual loss
incurred in the processes of refining and milling had not, we understand, been
ascertained, but our orders to the Mint and Assay Masters of this date have in
view to obtain accurate information on this point, as well as to ascertain the
loss likely to be incurred in adjusting the planchets by the European process.
The late Mint
Master states the loss on melting may he thinks be reduced to 3as 6ps per cent,
the rate allowed by him at Patna, and that the weight or loss on refining may
by further improvements be reduced to about 8 annas per cent, altho’ he was
obliged to allow 1¼ per cent, and we do not find that this charge was
subsequently reduced by working up the [??].
The present Mint
Master appears to have been guided by a table of rates mentioned to have been
established by Government for regulating the allowance for refining, and to the
rates allowed by this table he seems to think about 14 annas per cent must be
added, which, however, is recoverable from the furnaces. No experiments appear
yet to have been made for the purpose of ascertaining the actual waste or loss
on refining, and, as we are not aware that any table of rates has been
established for this mint, we have desired the Mint Master to report under what
authority the table alluded to has been assumed by him. It has been ascertained
that the allowance granted by the table of rates used in the Calcutta mint,
exceeds the actual loss, and this table ought not therefore to be adopted here
without particular enquiry for the purpose of determining whether a saving of
expense cannot be effected on this process.
With a view to
ascertaining this and other essential points connected with the business of the
mint, we have deemed it necessary to direct the Mint and Assay Masters to carry
on conjointly a series of experiments in person, and we hope that from the results
some judgement may be formed with respect to the measures which it may be
necessary for your Lordship in Council to adopt for regulating the
establishment in future.
We have prolonged
our stay at this station beyond the time which we had originally fixed for our
departure in order that we might ascertain by personal enquiries the present
state of the coinage, but as a considerable time would be necessary were we to
attempt to regulate the internal economy of the mint, and as we can no longer
delay our departure without prejudice to the other and important and more
immediate objects of out deputation in these provinces, we have determined to
proceed towards Agra on the 2nd proximo,
and our early departure will account to your Lordship in Council for our not
having prosecuted our enquiries to a conclusion, and for this report not being
so complete as we should otherwise have been desirous of rendering it.
About 10 letters follow
requesting information from the Mint and Assay Masters and te replies detailing
the cost of each part of the process etc. There is an inventory of dead stock
which includes a list of the dies then in the mint:
30 pairs of dies
as follows:
28 prs for the new
45 Sn Rps
14
prs fit for use
14
prs reported unserviceable
2
prs of plain dies for the half rupee
3 prs of dies for
the copper coinage
12 prs of concave
dies
5 prs of ditto for
½ and ¼ rupees
58 prs of plain
dies for forming the planchets
37 spare ditto ditto
4 prs plain dies
for ½ rupee
7 prs ditto for ¼ rupee
5 spare ditto ditto
Letter from Yeld to Government, dated
I have the honor
to acknowledge your letter of the 20th instant, conveying the orders
of the Right Honorable the Governor General in Council to me to repair with all
practicable dispatch to take charge of the office of Mint Master at Farrukhabad
during the absence of Mr Graham or until further orders.
I have by this
night’s dawk, written to the different stations to have dawk bearers laid on
the road for me, without delay, and intend to leave on this day week, which
will be so soon as they can be ready for me.
Letter to Government from the Board of Commissioners, dated
I am directed by
the Board to transmit for the inspection of the Governor General in Council,
fifteen specimens of the coinage of the mint at Farrukhabad.
The specimens in
question appear to the Board preferable to the planchets they had an
opportunity of inspecting when they personally attended [gap] that the Mint and
Assay Masters at
Ordered that a
copy of the above letter, together with the specimens of the rupees mentioned
to accompany it, be sent to the Mint
Master and Assay Master, and that they be directed to furnish Government with a
joint report upon the fabric and assay of the coinage in its several stages.
Letter from the
Board of Commissioners (Box and Tucker) to Government, dated
We have the honor
to report for the information of your Lordship in Council that we returned to
this station on the 4th instant, chiefly for the purpose of
ascertaining what progress had been made in the business of the mint.
Immediately upon
our arrival we called upon the Mint Master and Assay Master to report to us
their proceedings under our instructions to them of the 31st October
and, altho’ our letter has not yet been expressly acknowledged, we have the
honor to submit for the consideration of your Lordship in Council copy of a
letter and its enclosure on the subject, which we have just received from those
officers.
We attended also
in person at the mint for the purpose of observing whether any improvement had
taken place in the coinage, and in the mode of conducting business, but we can
only report from our own immediate observations that the mint appears to be in
much the same state as we had the honor to represent it in our letter of the 31st
October. Some workmen have been employed in improving the tools (the anvils and
hammers) used by the duraps, and a furnace and several new sheds appear to have
been erected, but as the necessity for the latter was not apparent, we directed
the Mint Master to discontinue all work of the kind, until they shall have been
sanctioned, and the authority of Government has been obtained for incurring the
expense.
The machinery
intended for the European process of coinage, has not we understand been used
during our absence and we, ourselves, doubt whether the laminating and cutting
machines can be used successfully in their present state. We beg leave
therefore to repeat what we had the honor to state in our letter of the 31st
October, that no attempt should, we think, be made to introduce the European
process of coinage at this mint until your Lordship in Council shall have had
opportunity of making arrangements which will afford a more satisfactory
assurance that it can be introduced with effect.
It does not appear
to us necessary to offer any remarks upon the letter from the Mint and Assay
Masters, but your Lordship in Council may probably deem it proper to order the
statement accompanying it to be referred to the Mint and Assay Masters at
Calcutta, with a view to ascertaining how far the loss in refining and melting
corresponds with the rates of charge in the Calcutta mint.
Having in our
former letters (and particularly in those of the 12th and 31st
October) submitted to your Lordship in Council every information in our power
respecting the new coinage, and our other duties rendering it necessary that we
should proceed immediately to a different part of the country, it is not
probable that we shall again have occasion to address your Lordship on the
business of the mint. Everything, which an earnest desire to promote the public
interest suggested, has been done or has been suggested by us and if the
coinage should continue imperfect or any difficulty should be experienced in
introducing the new currency and in establishing its circulation at its
intrinsic value, we trust that no reproach can be considered to attach to us.
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Master (R. Graham) and Assay Master (R. Blake) to Board of
Commissioners, dated
We have the honor
to acknowledge the receipt of your secretary’s letter of 31st
October last and, in conformity with the directions therein contained, we now
transmit the results of an experiment made under our mutual superintendence on
a lac of rupees coined by duraps, which we trust will be found to exhibit all
the information required by the Board and we hope will prove satisfactory,
since to the best of our judgement and information the result, even by the
present process, is fully equal to those obtained in the Calcutta mint.
We further beg
leave to add that the experiment directed by the Board to be made with a lac of
rupees by machinery, has been unavoidably delayed by our having been subjected
to repeated and severe indisposition, which precluded our undertaking the
experiments, as well from the want of proper ingot moulds (which are now
prepared), as the attention of the foreman, who is the only person in the mint
to whom the superintending conduct of the machinery can be entrusted, having
been engaged in other departments where his immediate and constant attention
was indispensable.
The above is also
a very considerable impediment to the machinery being conducted on an extensive
scale and which we indeed conceive to require the undivided attention of one
experienced European artificer to do justice to that department, as well as
additional machinery such as another laminator, cutting machines, spare rollers
etc, the moulds for casting which are now in readiness in the mint.
There then follows
a table of the result of the experiment.
A number of
letters then follow:
Board of
Commissioners complain about the tone of the Mint Master’s letter
Mint Master
complains about Board of Commissioners interfering
Mint Master states
that coinage by machinery is not recommended by him.
Letters concerning
Jaynarain, the Dewan of the mint, and Collypershaud, a Mutsuddy, and their
re-appointment
Also several more
and the finally:
From Government to
Board of Commissioners dated
The Governor
General in Council in consideration of the information submitted with your
several letters of the above dates, has been pleased to adopt the
recommendation contained in the 4th paragraph of your address of the
9th ultimo –Viz. “that no attempt should be made to introduce the
European process of coinage at Farrukhabad until such arrangements shall have
been adopted as may afford a more satisfactory assurance that it can be
introduced with effect”. His Lordship in Council accordingly desires that you
will issue such orders to the Mint Master for the conduct of the coinage by
means of Duraps as may appear to you to be necessary under the forgoing
resolution..
Letter from the
Calcutta Mint Master (H. P. Forster) to Government, dated
In obedience to
the requisition contained in your letter dated the 1st instance, to
report upon the fabric of the coinage in its several stages in the mint of
Farrukhabad, I beg leave to inform you I transmitted copy of your letter and
its enclosures, together with specimens of the coins, to the Assay Master for
his report on the assay thereof.
With respect to
the fabric, I beg leave to observe that the blanks in the first instance do not
appear to be forged near to circular as they ought and might be, and that this
is a course attended with a considerable defect throughout the rest of the
stages. A piece of malleable metal on receiving a blow spreads equally on all
sides, as appears by that struck on the concave die, and which, by not being
perfectly circular when put into the collar die, one side must always be
brought up squarer then the other. At the same time I beg leave to observe that
the milling is still more defective, the fixed die of that machine being seven
or eight threads too long, so that part of the rupee is double milled, and the
coin not being originally circular, is pinched in one part. Besides the milling
machine is evidently too light secured, which causes the milling to be worse
and too deep, and subject to great wear by the friction of so many rough edges.
I see no objection to the impression dies. They appear to be accurately and
well taken up.
There then follows
a ore from the Assay Master stating that the standard seems fine but the
variation in weight is too great. This could be corrected by getting the
weighmen to pay better attention.
Letter from T.
Yeld (Acting Mint Master) to Board of Commissioners, dated
Following the
disappearance of 110 rupees from the mint every person except the Darogah and
Treasurer was to be search each night as they left the mint. On the first night
the mint employees refused to be searched and were forced to spend the night in
the mint. The same thing happened on the second night. The Acting Mint Master
requested confirmation that his order should stand.
From Board of Commissioners to Yeld,
Confirmed that
everyone leaving the mint should be searched and this was subsequently
confirmed by the Governor General on 5th February (No. 27).
Letter from Government to the Board of Commissioners, dated
The Governor
General in Council has been pleased to re-appoint Joynarain Bhose and Callerpersand
[?] to be Dewan and Mutsuddy of the mint at Farrukhabad as recommended.
Letter to Government from the Board of Commissioners (for the Conquered
and
In the original
establishment for the mint at Farrukhabad the Dewan received a salary of 150
rupees per mensum which, in the establishment subsequently proposed by the late
Mint Master and now in use, was reduced to rupees 75. The Acting Mint Master
having lately addressed us on the inadequacy of the salary to the trust reposed
in and the duties required from this officer, we called upon him to state
whether in recommending an increase of salary to the Dewan, he proposed to
revert to the former establishment in which it stood at 150 rupees , or to now
model the present establishment so as to admit of the increase without any
additional expense to Government. The Acting Mint Master has informed us, in
answer, that the original establishment having been formed on a calculation of
only half the present monthly coinage could not now be reverted to, and that
with the increasing business of the mint, no reduction could be made in the
present establishment. As we concur with the Acting Mint Master in opinion,
that the salary of rupees 75 now received by the Dewan is very inadequate to
the duties and responsibility attached to his station, we beg leave to
recommend that an additional 75 rupees per mensum be allowed to him from the
ensuing month.
Reply dated
On consideration
of the circumstances stated by you, the Governor General in Council has been
pleased to increase the salary of the Dewan of the mint at Farrukhabad to
rupees 150 per month as recommended by you from the 1st of the
ensuing month.
Letter from Government to the Board of Commissioners, dated
I am directed to
transmit to you the enclosed extracts from the proceeding of Government in the
judicial department, respecting a claim preferred by Rajah Dyaram to
compensation for the loss sustained from the abolition of the mint at Hatras.
Although the Rajah
may not possess any legal claim, strictly speaking, to compensation, yet
adverting to the length of time which the mint was established and to all the
circumstances of the case, the Governor General in Council is disposed to offer
a favourable attention to the claim of the Rajah to compensation for the loss
sustained from that cause. You are accordingly desired to consider in the
formation of the ensuing settlement of the Rajah’s estate, what deduction
should be allowed on that account.
Letter from Yeld to the Board of Commissioners, dated
I am truly
concerned to have to report to your Board the loss of an active diligent and
industrious public servant by the death this morning of Mt Gairard, the foreman
of the mint, after a short but severe illness of three days.
The extreme
badness of the native artisans in this part of the country leads me to request
the favour of your immediate application for his situation being filled without
delay by a properly qualified person from the Calcutta Mint, and for the
information of those to whom the selection may be referred, I beg to state that
the foreman is required to be capable of directing and superintending the
repairs and occasional remaking of all the machinery used in a mint, and all
kinds of work done by carpenters, bricklayers and blacksmiths and that he
should be personally master of turning in steel and hard metals, and also that
he should be particularly conversant in the adjustment of the milling machinery
and striking presses. It may also be necessary to state that the salary is 25
rupees per month without apartments or any accommodation for a residence in the
mint.
Letter from
Government to the Board of Commissioners (No. 23)
The Mint Committee at
Letter from the Board of
Commissioners to Government, dated
Asked for extra
allowance for Mr Yeld ‘on the occasion of his surrendering the charge of the
mint at Farrukhabad’. He was granted an extra Rs300 per month for the time he
was in charge.
Letter from the Magistrate at Farrukhabad to Government, dated
Parcels
of coins, each containing 10 rupees taken in June, July, August, September and
October 1808.
Letter from Government to Board of Commissioners, dated
Request to know
the rules established for individuals taking bullion (or coins) to the mint for
coining.
Bengal
Consultations, 27th January 1809. IOR P/55/18, No. 24.
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Magistrate to Government, dated 4th December 1808.
Three parcels each
with 10 rupees taken in November and December 1808 and sent to the Presidency.
Bengal
Consultations, 17th February 1809. IOR P/55/18, No. 21.
Letter from Yeld
to Government (via Board of Commissioners), dated 15th February
1809.
The letter
explains that his extra costs have actually been Rs500 per month and he
therefore requested a further 200 per month in addition to what he had already
been given. This was granted from ‘20th November 1807 to 8th
December 1808’.
Bengal
Consultations, 5th May 1809. IOR P/55/21, No. 16.
Letter from
Government to Board of Commissioners (Colebrooke & Deane), dated 14th
March 1809.
We have the honor
to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s orders contained in the 2nd
paragraph of Mr Secretary Dowdeswell’s letter of the 13th January
last, directing me to state what rules we would propose to be finally
established at the mint of Farrukhabad with respect to the payment to
individuals of the produce of their bullion or dollars.
From a comparison
of the letters from the sub-treasurer and the Mint Master at Calcutta, which were
transmitted to us by your Lordship’s instructions, and on reference to the
advertisement on the 6th April 1803 quoted by the sub-treasurer, we
observe that the mint certificates are made payable in ten days for standard
bullion and in fifteen days for bullion inferior to standard, from the date of
the delivery of the bullion, but that an authority was at the same time given
for the discharge of these certificates at the General Treasury, whenever the
state of the treasury might admit of it, without any discount in consequence of
such certificates not being payable at the time, and for the receipt of them in
payments on account of salt and opium whether payable at the time or otherwise,
and that those individuals who are prepared to wait for the payment of their
certificates from the mint, are paid the produce of their bullion in the course
of 5 to 7 days according to circumstances, while those who prefer carrying
their certificates to the General Treasury are now allowed to exchange them for
treasury notes bearing interest from the date on which their bullion was
delivered to the mint.
From the accounts
of the Farrukhabad mint since the month of September, when individuals first
began to bring their bullion to the mint, we find that payment to them of the value
of their bullion has varied according to the state of the coinage from 2 to 10
days, and that the usual and average period of payment is 6 days from the
delivery of their bullion, and as the influx of private bullion continued to
increase rapidly and progressively during the four subsequent months under this
system of payment, we are not aware of any provision being necessary for
accelerating the payment.
It is however to
be observed that during these months the coinage on account of Government has,
except in the month of January, been inconsiderable, and that as in this month
also the public coinage bore no proportion to the private bullion, individuals
experienced no interruption in the receipt of their money on the public
account.
|
September |
|
|
October |
89,498 |
|
November |
|
|
December |
281,023 |
|
January |
434,010 |
|
|
804,531 |
It may be
therefore expedient to make some provision for obviating any delay in the event
of the payments to individuals being necessarily postponed in consequence of
any pressure of public coinage and we accordingly take the liberty of
suggesting that in such case, and if at the same time the state of the
Collector’s treasury should admit of payment being earlier made from that fund,
the Collector be generally instructed to discharge all mint certificates when
produced to him, as long as such payments should not interfere with the
authorized demands on his treasury or with any appropriation which the
superintendent of resources may have directed to his efficient balance.
|
September |
32,702 |
|
October |
332,244 |
|
November |
551,447 |
|
December |
650,640 |
|
January |
662,185 |
|
|
2,229,218 |
The progressive
increase above noticed in the influx of private bullion to the mint had
extended from 32,702 in September to 662,185 in January, yielding a total
coinage of twenty-two lacs. The whole of the public money realised during this
time was only eight lacs. The private bullion in February had fallen down to
130,188 and the operations of the mint are now wholly at a stand for want of
bullion either public or private. The Mint Master attributes the discontinuance
of the delivery of private money to the alarming height to which gang robberies
have lately been carried and he mentions one mehajun to have sustained a loss
of 63,000 dollars intended for the mint, and two other mehajuns to have lost
the whole of their remittances. A public remittance of two lacs of rupees of
sorts from the Agra treasury has been some time lying at Mynpooree for want of
an escort to convey it to the mint. As our residence at Farrukhabad will now be
of some duration, we shall apply our attention to ascertaining the real causes
of this interruption to the influx of private bullion, and will hereafter do
ourselves the honor of addressing your Lordship on the subject.
We take this
opportunity of submitting to your Lordship copy of a letter from the Mint
Master in regard to the assistance which he will require from the Presidency
for carrying into effect the experiment of a coinage by machinery which your
Lordship has authorized in the 2nd paragraph of your orders of the
28th November last and we solicit your Lordship’s directions for his
being furnished with the laminating machine and its necessary numbers of spare
rollers, the two cutting presses, two milling machines and the turner’s lathe
paticularized in the 5th paragraph of his letter.
We take the
liberty of suggesting at the same time that these articles, and all others
occasionally supplied from the Presidency, may be new. What is usually received
here appears to have been previously used in the Calcutta mint and repaired
(not always in the completed manner) for dispatch to Farrukhabad. The machines
now in use here are accordingly in constant want of repair, and the
interruption as well as expense thereby occasioned are equally productive of
inconvenience.
The necessity for
glazing the apartments in which the machinery may be worked appears
indispensable. The effects of the hot winds, exclusive of the dust, can only be
obviated by the intervention of glass, and we may also observe that the dust is
not confined to the season of the hot winds. It is in this neighbourhood raised
in the most troublesome quantities at all times of the year whenever the wind
is of any force. We accordingly beg leave to suggest that the Mint Master may
be permitted to purchase the requisite supply, in the mode proposed by him,
whenever an opportunity may offer of procuring it on favourable terms.
The mechanical abilities of
both Mr Donnithorne and Mr Blake might we think be advantageously employed in
preparing on the spot most of the articles now supplied from Calcutta. Both
gentlemen are equally perfect in the practical as well as the theoretical parts
of mechanics, and the two milling machines on which Mr Donnithorne is now
engaged, promises to equal the most delicate execution of a professional
artist. The corrections he has given to the milling machines now in use have
already removed a defect to which that part of the process had till now been
liable.
Bengal
Consultations, 5th May 1809. IOR p/55/21, No. 23.
Letter from
Government to the Board of Commissioners dated 5th May 1809.
I am directed by
the Right Honorable the Governor General in Council to acknowledge receipt of
two letters from you dated the 14th March last and 17th
ultimo with their enclosure.
The Governor
General in Council approves and sanctions the rule proposed by you to be
adopted with respect to the payment to individuals of the produce of bullion or
dollars brought by them for coinage to the mint at Farrukhabad. Viz. that the
Collector should discharge all mint certificates when produced before him,
provided that the payment thereof not interfere with the discharge of any
authorized demands on the treasury or with the approbation ordered by the
Superintendent of military resources to be made of the efficient balance.
The Governor
General in Council has learnt with much concern the entire discontinuance of
the coinage on account of individuals and the causes to which that occurrence
is ascribed. His Lordship in Council is of course desirous of receiving any
further information which you may have obtained on this subject.
A copy of the 6th
and 7th paragraphs of your report together with a copy of the letter
from the Mint Master will be forwarded to the Mint Committee at the Presidency
with directions to cause the article required for the mint at Farrukhabad to be
prepared and dispatched to that station. The committee will at the same time be
directed to attend to your suggestions respecting the quality and condition of
the articles required.
The Mint Master is
authorised to purchase the glass required for the mint at Farrukhabad in the
manner suggested by you.
His Lordship in
Council has observed with satisfaction the testimony borne by you of the
ability displayed by Mr Donnithorne and Mr Blake in execution of the machinery
of the mint.
I am directed to
transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter to the Governor General by the
Mint Master at Farrukhabad and to acquaint you that Government has been pleased
to increase the salary of the Assistant to the Collector and Mint Master to
Rupees 600 per month from the 1st instant. The sum of Rupees 600 per
month is the ordinary allowance of an Assistant to a Collector and the sum of
Rupees 200 per month as the allowance of the Assistant to the Mint Master. You
are desired to communicate these orders to Mr Donnithorne.
Bengal
Consultations, 5th May 1809. IOR P/55/21, No. 26.
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Magistrate to Government, dated 24th April 1809.
I have the honor
to advise you of my having this day forwarded under the care of Lieutenant
Gilman specimens of the coinage taken from the mint at this station in the last
five months.
Bengal
Consultations, 19th May 1809. IOR P/55/21, No. 49-50.
Letter from the
Board of Commissioners to Government, dated 25th April 1809.
Requested
permission to construct a building to store charcoal. Total cost was Rs 315.
This was authorised.
Bengal
Consultations, 2nd June 1809. IOR P/55/22, No. 27-30.
Letter from the
Board of Commissioners to Government, dated 1809.
The letter
supports the Mint Master’s request to build a new building to replace those
struck by lightening.
Letter to Board of
Commissioners from Mint Master (Donnithorne),
Request to replace
buildings destroyed by lightening with an estimate of the cost – Rs 3919 - 8ans
Authorised
building
Bengal
Consultations, 22nd July 1809. IOR P/55/23, No. 28.
Letter from the
Board of Commissioners to Government, dated 21st June 1809.
Enclosed and
supported a letter from Mr Blake (Assay Master) for extra payments whilst he
was Mint and Assay Master.
Letter from Blake
to the Board of Commissioners.
I beg leave to
submit to the consideration of the Board my claim to a further remuneration for
the duties performed by me as Mint and Assay Master at Farrukhabad from the 25th
April 1805 to the 2nd July 1807.
Shortly after the
cession I was encouraged by the Marquis Wellesley to come up into this part of
the country to carry into effect the views of Government for the reformation of
the coin in the upper provinces and I in consequence quitted the indigo pursuit
in which I was engaged near Patna, where it is presumable from the success of
others in that quarter I might, had I remained, have acquired ere this a
competent fortune.
From the rainy
season of 1802 I remained (with a short exception) until April 1805, at
Bareilly in expectation of the post with which I was afterwards honored, and
during the whole of this period I received no pay or emolument tho’ repeatedly
employed by the lieutenant Governor and Board of Commissioners, and
subsequently under the orders of Government by the Agent to the Governor
General, in making assays and reports of the various coins current in this
quarter of India and in preparing the table of rates and in deputation to
investigate and report on the commerce of cumman and Almoah. The expense
incurred in the duties here mentioned was defrayed from my private funds.
He had received Rs
1500 per month but now asked for Rs 2500. He was granted an extra 309 rupees
per month for the 26 months that he held the job.
Bengal
Consultations, 13th October 1809. IOR P/55/24, No. 39.
From the
Farrukhabad Magistrate to Government, 19 August 1809.
Parcels, each of
10 rupees, taken in May, June, July and August 1809.
Bengal
Consultations, 27th October 1809. IOR P/55/24, No. 49.
Farrukhabad
Magistrate to Government, 15th October 1809.
Specimens of coins
taken from the mint in the last 2 months.
Bengal
Consultations, 8th December 1809. IOR P/55/25, No. 43.
Letter from the
Acting Magistrate of Farrukhabad to Government, dated 15th October
1809.
Sent samples of 10
rupees each taken in August, September and October 1809.
Bengal
Consultations, 29th June 1810. IOR P/7/32, No. 113.
Letter from
Government to the Calcutta Mint Committee dated 29th June 1810.
Sent a copy of the
recommendations of the Board of Commissioners on the rate of duty payable by
individuals at the Farrukhabad mint, and the rates proposed for refining such
bullion. The enclosure is not present.
Bengal
Consultations, 9th February 1811. IOR P/7/39, No.23-24.
Letter from the
Board of Commissioners to Government, dated 7th December 1810.
Extensive
experiments had been conducted but the Farrukhabad rupees appeared to weigh
what they should
Letter from
Donnithorne to Board of Commissioners, dated
Stated that the
weights of the rupees examined were as they should be.
Bengal
Consultations, 18th October 1811. IOR P/7/46, No.45-47
From the Mint
Committee at Bengal to Government, dated
They explained
that some mis-understanding must have occurred in interpretation of their assay
of Farrukhabad rupees. In fact, although there was some difference between the
highest and lowest weight coins, the average was slightly higher than required.
From the Calcutta
Assay Master to the Calcutta Mint Committee
He explained the
above to them.
To the Board of
Commissioners to Government, dated
Explained the same
to them and expressed the belief that Mr Donnithorne would be able to reduce
the differences between the highest and lowest weight coin.
Bengal
Consultations, 17th January 1812. IOR P/7/50, No. 44-46
From the Board of
Commissioners to Government dated 27th April 1810.
In submitting to
Government the accompanying reports on the accounts of the Farrukhabad mint for
the years 1807/08 and 1808/09 we take the opportunity as offering it as our
opinion that no objection can now exist to imposing a duty on the coinage
carried out for individuals.
As long as it was
an object to withdraw from circulation the rupees of sorts and to engage the
introduction of the new coinage, any impediment to the measure by a duty at the
mint would have been impediment [?], and it appeared by fair that Government
should bear the charge of bringing into currency the new coinage established by
themselves.
In this point of
view however, any further continuance of this exemption of private coinage from
duty can be no longer necessary. No rupees of the old currencies have been for
a long time past brought to the mint and the whole coinage on account of
individuals is now confined to dollars and other bullion…
Auditors report
The number of
pieces coined in 1807/08 was
3,398,877
1808/09
was 5,553,341
Nos. 56-59
Several letters
essentially agreeing that the charges should be imposed.
Bengal
Consultations, 23rd July 1813. IOR P/8/19, No. 21-23.
Letter from the
Calcutta Mint Committee to Government, dated 9th July 1813.
We have the honor
to submit for the consideration and orders of your Lordship in Council the
accompanying copy of a letter and its enclosure from the Mint Master forwarding
and recommending an application from the foreman of the mint, Mr. W. Da Costa,
to be remunerated for the extra duty of superintending the execution of two
complete sets of machinery for the mints of Farrukhabad and Banaras.
The machinery
intended for the Farrukhabad mint was completed in February 1810, that for the
mint at Banaras in January last, and we have great satisfaction in being able
to report that both sets were finished in a manner highly creditable to Mr Da
Costa.
It being usual to
consider work of this kind and as extra duty and to remunerate the foreman of
the mint accordingly, and the sum of 6000 rupees having been granted to Mr Da
Costa’s predecessor on completing an extensive set of machinery for Madras in
the year 1806, we beg leave to recommend that Mr. Da Costa may be allowed the
sum of 6000 rupees as a compensation for the extra duty of superintending the
construction of the machinery for the mints at Farrukhabad and Banaras.
There then follow
the two enclosures mentioned and a letter from Government confirming the award.
Bengal
Consultations, 13th June 1815. IOR P/8/53, No. 18&19.
Invoice dated 30th
May 1815.
For rupees from
Banaras and Farrukhabad for each year for the last 20 years as far as possible.
The list of old Farrukhabad rupees is as follows:
Of the year 1st Jeloos 1
2nd 1
4th 1
12 1
14 1
16 1
17 1
18 1
19 1
20 1
21 1
22 1
23 1
24 1
25 1
27 1
28 1
28 1
31 1
39 1
Bengal
Consultations, 18th July 1815. IOR P/8/54, No. 23.
From the
Farrukhabad Mint Master (Donnithorne) to the Board of Control, dated
The Commanding
Officer of the station having lately visited the mint, signified his wish that
the guard should at all times be within the wall of the compound instead of
living on the outside, and thereby leaving the charge of the treasure to the
few [Sepoys] on duty. The proposed arrangement is in my opinion a vary salutary
one, and I beg leave to enclose an estimate of the expense which will be incurred
in erecting a building 70 feet long and 14 broad, and solicit the Boards
sanction for the work being immediately commenced on, as the guard together
with arms and accoutrements are exposed to all kinds of weather.
Total cost is Rs
453-4
This was approved
by the B of C and Government.
Bengal
Consultations, 9th November 1816. IOR P/9/17, No. 16.
From the Board of
Control to Government, dated 27th September 1816.
In consequence of
the small quantity of silver which has for some time past been brought to the
Farrukhabad mint by individuals for coinage, we have had it in contemplation to
suggest to your Lordship the expediency of employing that mint in the coinage
of copper pice on account of Government so as to defray from the profits of
such coinage the establishment, which is necessarily kept up for the occasional
calls of the silver coinage.
By sections 43 to
52, Regulation 45, 1803, establishing a copper coin for these provinces,
individuals are invited to bring copper to the mint for the purpose of its being
manufactured into pice of a specified weight and size, but no application of
this nature appears to have ever been made to the mint by any individual and a
coinage on account of Government at the weight there specified of 284½ grains
would be productive of no profit.
On the contrary it
would be found that by throwing into circulation pice of that weight at the
prescribed tale of 32 whole and 64 half pice for a rupee, the persons taking
them would be supplied with a maund of copper at the price of only rupees 51
and as the market price for copper here is seldom less then rupees 68, they
might be expected to remelt immediately the whole of such pice for the sake of
so large a profit.
There can, at the
same time, be no doubt that if the weight of the pice were to be reduced so as
to assimilate more nearly the intrinsic value of the coin with the market price
of the metal, a considerable advantage might accrue to Government from the
coinage.
We accordingly beg
leave to recommend that the prescribed weight of the Farrukhabad pice be
reduced from 142¼ grains for the single or half pice, to 100, at which weight
if delivered into circulation at the same tale of 64 per rupee, the maund of
copper would cost the parties taking such pice, rupees 72½ and no inducement
would remain to them for remelting the coin.
By a rough
calculation, taking the cost of pure copper to Government, including boat hire
to this place, at rupees 52½ per maund and the expenses of manufacturing 5215
planchets of 100 grains each, which a maund of copper would yield, at rupees 8,
the profit to Government on issuing the pice at 72½ per maund, will be rupees
12 per maund.
We beg leave to
observe that the copper coinage established at Banaras by Regulation X 1809 is
fixed at the same rate which we have here proposed, of 100 grains, and that it
appears to have been very extensively introduced into circulation.
In the event of
your Lordship being pleased to sanction the suggestion, we take the liberty of
suggesting that the Mint Master at Farrukhabad may be furnished with 1000
maunds of copper from the public stores. In the meantime we have the honor to
submit for your Lordship’s consideration a draft of a regulation for modifying
the prescribed weight of the Farrukhabad copper coinage.
Ordered that 1000 maunds of
copper be dispatched immediately in light boats to the Mint Master at
Farrukhabad.
Bengal
Consultations, 15th March 1817. IOR P/9/23, No. 9-10.
Letter to
Government from the Board of Trade dated 7th March 1817.
We have the honor
to submit for the orders of your Excellency in Council the accompanying copies
of two letters, the one from the Mint Master at Farruckabad dated the 5th
ultimo which was transmitted to the Import Warehousekeeper desiring him to
state the means he proposed of meeting the supply of copper indented for by Mr
Donnithorne, the other in reply from Mr Trotter under date the 27th
of he same month stating his inability to furnish beyond 20 maunds in part
supply of the above indent.
We beg leave to submit
whether it may not be advisable to purchase the quantity deficient at the
trifling enhanced cost mentioned by the Import Warehousekeeper.
The letter from
the Mint Master and the Import Warehousekeeper then follow.
Ordered that the
Board of Trade be authorized to instruct the Import Warehousekeeper to purchase
the portion of copper required to complete the quantity applied for by the Mint
Master at Farruckabad.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/70, No 30.
From the Calcutta
Mint Master to the Calcutta Mint Committee dated
Details of
treasure amounting to 2.500,000 Rs sent to Farruckabad.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/70, No 48.
Regulation XXVI,
1817. Authorizing the circulation of
Farruckabad rupees coined in either of the mints of Calcutta, Farruckabad or
Benaras or at any other mint established by order of the Governor General in
Council.
Whereas it may
from time to time be found expedient to coin rupees of the weight and standard
of the Farruckabad rupee at the mints of Calcutta or Benaras, it has been
deemed advisable to rescind so much of section 2 of Regulation 45 of 1803 as
tends to limit the coinage of Farruckabad rupees to the mint of Farruckabad and
to direct that the following enactment be henceforth in force.
The silver coin denominated
the Farruckabad rupee and of the weight and standard prescribed by section 2 of
Reg. 3 of 1806 struck at the mints of Calcutta, Farruckabad or Benaras or at
any other mint established by order of the Governor General in Council is
hereby declared to be the established legal silver coin in the Ceded and
Conquered Provinces.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 95.
Letter from H.
Swetenham (Acting Mint Master) to Board of Commissioners, dated
Stated that he
could spare some machinery for Benaras.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 17.
Letter from
Donnithorne (Farruckabad Mint Master) to Board of Commissioners, dated
|
Date |
Coinage on account of Government |
Coinage on Account of Individuals |
|
1813 |
1,861,795:1:3 |
4,945,355:12:3 |
|
1814 |
2,385,843:14:11 |
647,851:0:2 |
|
1815 |
2,543,247:2:8 |
151,217:11:10 |
|
1816 |
2,764,656:15:1 |
655,644:7:8 |
|
1817 |
5,875,424:0:1 |
1,943,031:2:11 |
|
1818 |
2,890,168:6:1 |
2,190,208:15:9 |
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 18.
Letter to
Government from Calcutta Mint Committee dated 26th July 1819.
Very long letter
ending with:
The considerations
which we have now the honor to submit, combined with those already urged in our
letter of the 20th July 1818, induce us to close the subject at
present with expressing our opinion of the expedience of the following
arrangements
1st the
abolition of the Benaras rupee
2nd The
limitation of the currency of the Upper Provinces to a rupee of the value of
the present Farruckabad rupee
3rd The
carrying into effect the alteration of the standard of that rupee as already
sanctioned.
4th The
discontinuance of the mint at Farruckabad
5th The
coinage of the new Farruckabad rupee at the Benaras mint and consequent
improvement and extension of that establishment. Should these arrangements meet
with the approbation of Government, we conceive it would be found advantageous
to give them as early effect as possible, as the difference of standard at
present existing and the distant situation to which bullion is necessarily sent
to be coined into Farruckabad rupees, entail much inconvenience and expense on
the remittance of treasure to the Upper Provinces on public account. Their enforcement
is not indispensably connected with the following propositions, which do not
perhaps admit of so early a decision.
6th The
substitution of the new Farruckabad rupee for the currencies of the newly
acquired territory
7th and the
temporary establishment of a mint in Ajmer and one at Saugor to convert the
present currencies into that improved coin.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 27
Letter to the Mint
Committee from Government dated 6th August 1819.
Covering letter
with a resolution
In conformity with
the suggestion of the Accountant General, the Governor General in Council
resolves that the Mint Master at Calcutta be instructed to affect a remittance
of bullion to the extent of 30 lacs of rupees to the mints of Benaras and
Farruckabad in the proportions proposed by the Accountant General (10 lacs to
Banaras, 22 lacs to Farruckabad), the whole to be coined into the currency of
the last mentioned mint.
It being the
intention of Government to assimilate the standard of the Farruckabad rupee to
that of the new Calcutta rupee, without however making any alteration in the
intrinsic value of the coin, His Lordship in Council further resolves that the
above remittance shall consist of ingots of that standard.
It appears to
Government that before issuing any Farruckabad rupees of the new standard, or
making any change in the rupees coined from bullion tendered by individuals, it
will be proper that the arrangement should be sanctioned by a legislative
enactment corresponding with Regulation 18.1818, with suitable tables annexed.
It is at the same time obviously desirable to avoid any unnecessary
multiplication of regulations.
His Lordship in
Council entertains, however, a confident hope that the report, which Government
is in instant expectation of receiving from the Mint Committee, will afford the
means of a final decision being passed in regard to the general currency of the
Western Provinces, that the necessary legislative provisions for giving effect
to such resolutions as may be adopted in that behalf will be passed and
published previously to the period at which the coinage of the above remittance
can be effected, and that consequently no difficulty will be experienced in
combining those provisions with the regulation for the proposed alteration in the
standard of the Farruckabad rupee.
This alteration
will not induce any necessity for altering the diameter of the coin. The new
currency may be sufficiently distinguished by an upright milling without any
change to the dye and this distinctive mark the Mint Masters will be directed
to employ.
For the present
therefore His Lordship in Council does not propose to alter the inscription of
the Farruckabad rupee. The Mint Master at Calcutta will transmit to Benaras the
requisite number of dies, and the Accountant General will issue any subsidiary
instructions in regard to the coinage and subsequent disposal of the money, as
may appear to him necessary or proper.
Ordered that a
copy of the above resolution be transmitted to the Accountant General in reply
to his letters of 24th ultimo and 3rd instant.
Ordered likewise
that a copy be sent to the Mint Master at Calcutta for his information and
guidance, with instructions also to report at what time he will be prepared to
dispatch the proposed remittance.
Ordered further
that a copy be sent to the Mint Committee with directions to prepare a table of
the produce of silver bullion when coined into Farruckabad rupees of the new
standard, in order that as little delay as practicable may occur in preparing
the regulation proposed to be enacted when the final decision of Government on
the questions above averted to, shall have been passed.
Ordered that an
enactment of the above resolution (paragraph 1) be sent to the Military
Department in order that the measures to be adopted for providing a suitable
escort for the treasure may be taken into immediate consideration, and
instructions issued to the officers of the Commissariat Department to furnish
the necessary boats for the conveyance of the treasure on receiving an application
to that effect from the Mint Master, or to give Mr Saunders any other
assistance which he may require.
Information will
be hereafter communicated to that department of the period at which the
remittance in question will be ready for dispatch. As it is to consist of
bullion of the Calcutta standard, little delay is likely to occur beyond that
which will be requisite for providing the necessary boats.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 33
To the Calcutta
Mint Committee from Government, dated 10th September 1819.
With regard to
your letter dated 26th July, I am directed by the Governor General
in Council to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a resolution this day
passed by Government on the subject, and to request that you will at your
earliest convenience take the necessary measures for giving effect to the
orders contained in the 11th paragraph.
It is understood
that the dies recently sent by the Mint Master at Calcutta to the Benaras mint
(being the same that Mr Saunders had himself used) have a distinct private mark
from that borne by the dies in use at the Farruckabad mint.
You will be
pleased to instruct Mr Saunders to be careful to preserve the same distinction
in all dies, which he may hereafter furnish to the Mint Masters at Benaras or
Farruckabad respectively, distinguishing also by different marks those which he
may himself eventually hereafter use, or which he may have occasion to send to
the mint at Saugor or elsewhere.
Enclosure to 33
In conformity with
the suggestion of the Mint Committee the Governor General in Council resolves
1 That the coinage
of the Benaras rupee be discontinued.
2. That the
Farruckabad rupee be declared the legal currency of the
3. That the
standard of the Farruckabad rupee be assimilated to that of the present
Calcutta rupee
4. That the
Government will receive Farruckabad rupees at par with the present Benaras
rupees in payment of the land revenue and in liquidation of all other public
demands and will pay them at the same valuation within the Province of Benaras.
5. That the above
rule shall not apply to bills payable in Benaras rupees and drawn previously to
the 1st January next, nor to sums due to individuals under specific
engagements in Benaras rupees contracted previously to the above date.
6. That after the
1st January next, all money engagements of which the amount is to be
paid within the Province of Benaras shall be made in the Farruckabad rupee.
Engagements at variance with this rule not to be enforced by any court of
judicature.
7. That with
regards to engagements entered into previously to the above date, the
Farruckabad rupee shall be held a legal tender at the rate of 102 ¼ Farruckabad
rupees for 100 Banaras rupees.
8. That the mint
at Benaras be constituted on an efficient footing in regard to establishment
and machinery, particularly that a regular Assay Master be attached to it and
that the manufacture be conducted in the manner followed in the Calcutta mint,
with such alteration as more recent improvements may suggest.
9. That the Mint
Master at Benaras be called upon to furnish a full report in the manner in
which he now conducts the various operations of coinage and to state especially
what alterations in regard to the building and machinery will be required for
the purpose above indicated, and with the further object of rendering the
powers of the Benaras mint adequate in their ordinary operation to the entire
coinage of the Western Provinces, and capable of meeting the occasional emergencies
of the public service.
10. That the
Farruckabad mint be continued only during such time as may be found requisite
for effecting the arrangements necessary to the full efficiency of the Benaras
mint. The Farruckabad rupee of the new standard to be in the mean time coined
at both mints with such separate private marks (not discoverable by the naked
eye) as may serve to distinguish the coinage of the several mints.
11. That the Mint
Committee be desired to prepare at their convenience a draft of the legislative
rules necessary to give effect to the above resolutions with proper table for
determining the outturn in Farruckabad rupees of the new standard of bullion
brought to the mints of Benaras and Farruckabad for coinage.
12. The suggestion
of the Committee for rendering the new Farruckabad rupee the currency of the
newly acquired territory and for establishing temporarily at least, mints at
Saugor and Ajmere appear likewise to be judicious.
13. The coinage at
Saugor is apparently likely to be considerable, and the mint there ought
therefore to be placed on an efficient footing.
14. The immediate
superintendence of the mint could probably be undertaken by the Assistant to
the Resident if aided by an intelligent foreman. It seems, however,
indispensably necessary that a distinct officer properly qualified should be
appointed to the charge of the assay department and an entire set of machinery
must be previously prepared.
15. Some delay
must consequently occur in completing the arrangement. In the meantime the
Governor General’s agent will be directed to report specifically the nature of
the establishment which he may judge it advisable to entertain with reference
to the above remarks and to the objects proposed by the Committee in
constituting a committee at Saugor. He will likewise report the extent of
coinage for which it may appear to him necessary to provide machinery. The
question how far any and what direct measures shall be adopted for preventing
or limiting the operations of native mints with a view to the general reform of
the currency in the new acquisitions will be further considered in the
political department.
16. With regard to
Ajmere, the operations of the mint there are likely to be less important, and
any resolution in regard to it may be postponed until the information, which
the Committee have called for, have been received. The consideration of the
subject will then be renewed.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 34.
Letter from the
Calcutta Mint Committee to the Calcutta Mint Master (Saunders) dated 20th
September 1819.
I am desired by
the Committee for superintending the affairs of the mint at this Presidency to
inform you that by a resolution of Government passed on the 10th
instant the coinage of Benaras rupees has been discontinued and that
Farruckabad rupees only, of their present value and impression but of the
standard of the new Calcutta rupee, are in future to be coined at the mints of
Benaras and Farruckabad.
As a regulation to
carry the above into effect is nor in the course of preparation, to which it
will be necessary to annex a table of the rates of produce in the new
Farruckabad rupees, you will at your earliest convenience supply the Committee
with such a table calculated in every respect upon the same principles as those
adopted for the table prepared upon the change of the standard of the currency
for the rupees of Calcutta coinage.
I am also
instructed to call the particular attention of the Mint Master to the adoption
of some private marks upon the dies he may hereafter send to Benaras or
Farruckabad or to any other mint that may be hereafter eventually established
to coin the same rupees as well as to those he may prepare for the occasional
coinage of Farruckabad rupees at Calcutta, so that he may be able at any future
period to distinguish the mint at which Farruckabad rupees, struck from the
dies he may have furnished, have been coined.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 38 enclosure.
Draft regulation
from Calcutta Mint Committee to Government, dated 10th October 1819.
A regulation for
discontinuing the coinage of the Benaras rupee, for declaring the Farruckabad
rupee the legal currency of the Province of Benaras, for altering the standard
of the Farruckabad rupee and for defining the rate at which that rupee is to be
received within the Province of Benaras.
The existance of
different local currencies in a country subject to one common authority must
obviously impede that constant intercourse by which its several provinces are
necessarily connected, and considerable inconvenience from that cause has been
experienced in the intercourse between the several provinces subordinate to
this Presidency. Great difficulties however, oppose the immediate establishment
of one currency throughout all these provinces. On the one hand the Calcutta
sicca rupee having been long established throughout the extensive provinces of
Bengal, Behar and Orissa, all private engagements have been made in that coin,
the land revenue is payable by the Zamindars, which (with partial exceptions) has
been fixed in perpetuity throughout those provinces, as well as the whole of
the registered debt of this country, are likewise expressed in the Calcutta
rupee. Any alteration in its value would therefore occasion great embarrassment
and perplexity. On the other hand the Farruckabad rupee forms the currency of
the whole of the Ceded and Conquered Provinces and the influence of any change
in regard to it would be proportionably important and extensive. In it all
payments on account of the public revenue within these provinces are received
and the pay of the troops and of all public establishments therein stationed is
discharged. The price of articles of ordinary consumption has necessarily been
regulated with reference to the local coin. If therefore the Calcutta sicca
rupee were rendered the local currency of those provinces, while Government
must of course allow the Zemindars an abatement in their revenue equivalent to
the difference between the Calcutta and Farruckabad rupee and would therefore
be compelled to issue the former at its intrinsic value, the troops and other
public establishments might be subject, temporarily at least, to considerable
loss and inconvenience by receiving payment in a coin that might not
immediately bear its full value in the market compared with articles of
ordinary consumption. It has thence appeared necessary, for the present at
least, to maintain the currencies now established in the provinces of Bengal,
Behar and Orissa and in the Ceded and Conquered Provinces respectively. The
legal circulation of the Benaras rupee is confined to a single province. That
coin has long been issued to the troops and other public establishments as
equivalent to the Farruckabad rupee. It circulates generally at par with that
rupee when employed beyond the limits of the province of Benaras, tho’
exceeding it in value to the extent of 2¼ per cent.
The land revenue
of Benaras is indeed, like that of Bengal, Behar and Orissa, fixed in
perpetuity, and any alteration in the nominal amount of the jumma being likely
to lead to serious misapprehension, Government deem it right in introducing
into Benaras the inferior currency of the Western Provinces, to relinquish the
claim, which they might in strictness assert, to the difference between the two
rupees, rather then to give the slightest occasion for any doubt or alarm in
regard to the stability of an arrangement guaranteed by the public faith. The
amount however, of the land revenue in question is comparatively limited and
the public advantage likely to result from a simplification of the currencies
of those provinces appears to counterbalance the partial loss which Government
must sustain in receiving the Farruckabad rupee at par with the Benaras rupee.
The adjustment of private engagements in a single province will be
comparatively easy, and while the community will be saved from the loss which
they have heretofore sustained whenever they carried the Banaras rupee beyond
the limits of that province, the difference between the two coins amounting
only to 2 ¼ per cent will have little or no perceptible influence on the market
price of articles consumed by the lower orders or people, more especially since
the value of the two rupees in copper money has for some time past become
equalized. It appears therefore that the discontinuance of the coinage of the
Benaras rupee, whilst it will greatly simplify the monetary system of this
Presidency and will otherwise essentially promote the trade and general
prosperity of the country, will be attended with little inconvenience and that
only temporary and partial. The Governor General in Council has accordingly
resolved to limit the legal currencies in the territories subordinate to this
Presidency to two, namely the Calcutta and Farruckabad rupee. With the view of
still further simplifying the system of coinage in the said territories and of
facilitating the conversion of the above mentioned currencies for the one into
the other, it has been also determined to reduce them to one general standard,
so that tho’ differing in intrinsic value, yet will contain the same
proportions of pure metal and alloy, no charge for recoinage nor the trouble of
adjusting the standard will be incurred in the coinage of the one currency into
the other.
To give effect to
the above arrangements and at the same time to fix the rate at which the
Farruckabad rupee is to be received in the province of Benaras in liquidation
of existing arrangements between individuals, the following rules have been
enacted by the Governor General in Council.
The coinage of the
Benaras rupee shall be discontinued from the date of this regulation.
The Farruckabad
rupee shall be considered the legal currency of the province of Benaras.
The Farruckabad
rupee shall be a legal tender in all the territories under the Bengal
Government, with the exception of Bengal, Behar and Orissa, whether struck at
the mints of Calcutta, Benaras or Farruckabad or at any other mint that may be
hereafter established within the aforesaid limits under the authority of
British Government.
The Farruckabad
rupee, to be struck at any of the mints before mentioned, shall be of the value
of the present Farruckabad rupee, and of the standard of the present Calcutta
rupee. That is to say it shall be of the following weight and fineness
|
Weight |
Troy grains 180,234 |
|
Pure Silver |
165,215 |
|
Alloy |
15,019 |
Being 11/12th
pure and 1/12th alloy.
Individuals
bringing bullion for coinage into the new Farruckabad rupee, to either of the
mints above specified, shall have it so coined, agreeably to the rates of
charge and produce, stated in the accompanying table.
Individuals
bringing to the same mints, Calcutta, Benaras, or Farruckabad, rupees either of
the old or new coinage, but coined at one of the Honble Company’s mints, shall
have them converted into the new Farruckabad rupee at a total charge of no more
than one per cent.
Government will
receive the Farruckabad rupees of the old or new standard, at par with the
present Benaras rupees, in payment of the land revenue, and in liquidation of
all other public demands, and will pay them at the same valuation within the
province of Benaras.
The preceding rule
shall not apply to bills payable in Benaras rupees and drawn previously to the
1st January next (1820) nor to sums due to individuals under
specific engagements in Banaras rupees contracted previously to that date.
Bonds or other
engagements and all agreements written or verbal which may be entered into
within the province of Benaras after 1st January 1820 shall be
expressed in the Farruckabad rupees, and if any such deed or agreement shall
stipulate for the payment of Benaras rupees, such stipulation shall not be
enforced by the Court of Judicature, but the amount shall be payable in
Farruckabad rupees at par with the Benaras rupee.
With regard to
engagements entered into previously to the 1st January next, the
Farruckabad rupee shall be held a legal tender at the rate of 102 ¼ Farruckabad
rupees for 100 Benaras rupees
All the rules
affecting the coinage of the mint of Benaras and Farruckabad which are not
abrogated by the foregoing enactments, shall continue in force.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 58.
Letter from
Government to the Calcutta Mint Committee dated 17th December 1819.
I am directed by
His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 10th October last and to inform
you that his Lordship in Council approves the draft of regulation submitted by
you, with the substitution of the 1st of March for the 1st
of January in sections IX, X & XI of the draft.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 119.
Letter to
Government from Mint Committee, dated 22nd June 1820.
We have the honor
to acknowledge the receipt of the copy of a letter and its enclosure from the
Board of Commissioners in the Western Provinces, bearing the date the 23rd
February last, detailing the advantages which accrue to individuals from the
privilege granted to them by sections 46, 47 & 48 of regulation 45 of 1803,
of having copper coined into money free of charge and proposing the imposition
of certain duties on copper brought to the mint for coinage.
We beg to state
that at no other mint than the Farruckabad mint has a copper coinage been
allowed on account of individuals and we are of the opinion that it should no
longer be allowed at that mint. Peculiar circumstances may have led to the
sanction of such a measure in 1803 soon after the establishment of a mint in
that new territory, but it has we believe been the practice of all Governments
to issue copper coin exclusively on its own account and at a rate above its
intrinsic value as the only means of obviating the effects of those alterations
to which the market value of that metal is subject. From this principle it will
appear that individuals cannot be allowed to tender copper for coinage at
pleasure without much inconvenience to the state.
We beg leave
therefore to suggest that sections 46, 47 & 48 Regulation 45 of 1803 be
rescinded, and to submit the accompanying copy of a regulation for that
purpose.
A Regulation for
rescinding sections 46, 47 & 48, Regulation XLV 1803
Whereas it being
deemed no longer expedient to continue to [allow] individuals the privilege of
tendering copper at the mint at Farruckabad, the following rule has been enacted
to be in force from the date of its promulgation.
Sections XLVI,
XLVII and XLVIII, Regulation XLV, 1803, are hereby rescinded.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/71, No 143.
Letter from
Government to the Calcutta Mint Committee dated
I am directed by
His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council to acknowledge
receipt of your letter of the 22nd June last, transmitting draft of
a regulation for rescinding section 46, 47 and 48, Regulation XLV of 1803.
The sentiments of
Government concur with those expressed by your committee and the regulation
proposed by you will be immediately passed.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/72, No 18.
Letter from HH
Wilson to Calcutta Mint Committee
Having in
compliance with the orders of Government conveyed to me by your secretary’s
letter of 17th September 1820, visited the mint of Farrukhabad
previous to my return to the Presidency, I have the honor to present a report
of the mode of conducting the duties of the mint, the details of which are
derived from the official records accompanying and the opportunities of
personal observations afforded me by my visit to Farruckabad.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/72, No 24.
To Government from
the Calcutta Mint Committee, 3rd April 1821.
We have the honor
to submit for the information of Your Lordship in Council the accompanying copy
of a report on the Farruckabad mint which has been forwarded to us by Mr Wilson
on his return after visiting that establishment under the orders of Government
of the 8th September 1820.
We have formerly
had occasion to express our opinion of the inexpediency of continuing to
maintain a mint at Farruckabad beyond the period when the Benares mint shall be
rendered fully efficient and this opinion is much confirmed by the results
exhibited in this report, for it appears that the net charges of the
Farruckabad mint during the period embraced in Mr Wilson’s review of its
operations, namely eight years, have averaged above 54,000 rupees a year owing
to the comparatively trifling amount of private bullion which has been brought
to it for coinage within that period. This establishment has in fact been
mainly employed in either coining remittances of bullion sent to Farruckabad in
aid of the resources of the Western Provinces or in recoining the mixed local
currencies of those provinces. But public remittances to any large amount will
(we understand) no longer be required in that quarter and the amount of rupees
of sorts formerly in circulation id now so much diminished that the mint of
Benares when put on its proposed footing will be fully adequate to the purpose
of recoining them. We beg leave therefore to suggest that every means may be
used to expedite the building of the new mint at Benares with a view to the
abolition of the Farruckabad mint and to a consequent saving of the heavy
charge as stated above of that establishment.
The process of
melting in the Farruckabad mint has been conducted we are happy to observe, on
very economical terms. The rate of loss is little more than half that admitted
in Calcutta and less then half that incurred at Benares. The circumstance we
shall immediately bring to the notice of the Mint Masters of these two mints
with a view to a like reduction of the melting loss in their respective establishments.
The fixed
establishment charges of the Farruckabad mint are upon as low a scale as is
compatible with the proper conduct of the business of the mint. The contingent
charges however seem to be a very undue proportion of the whole. They exceed,
it appears from the report, 10 annas per cent upon the coinage of the last
eight years and are therefore much higher even that those of the Calcutta mint,
although we regret to remark that the latter were considerably higher in1818/19
and 1819/20 then formerly, the contingent charges for 4 years ending 1817/18
averaging less than 4 annas per cent, and in the following two years exceeding
6 annas per cent. It seems indeed very difficult to adopted any satisfactory
system of check over this branch of the mint expenses consisting as they do of
an immense number of trifling items mostly of a local and technical nature and
not reducible to any fixed scale or standard.
Although however
the nature of the case may not admit of any complete check, it is not the less
desirable to adopt that system which may appear to be most likely to prove
effectual.
The annual audit
of the charges of the Calcutta mint sanctioned by Government of the 13th
October 1805, does not appear to have answered the purpose contemplated and has
fallen into disuse since the year 1813. We conceive indeed that the contingent
charges of any one mint cannot be duly appreciated without a careful and
regular comparison of the details of different establishments during different
periods, and this comparison will otherwise be useful.
Hence we are
persuaded that the audit of mint charges can be satisfactorily attempted at the
Presidency only unless the Provincial Boards were furnished with a special
establishment for the purpose, and with various information to which they have
not access, and we also think the accounts should be audited more frequently
than once a year.
We would recommend
therefore that the Mint Masters of Calcutta, Benares, Farruckabad and Saugor
should be directed to forward to the Civil Auditors quarterly accounts of the
amount coined, the coinage charges and contingent expenses at those mints
respectively, the audit of which to be submitted by him to our committee for
any remarks which may appear necessary before they are finally passed by
Government.
We doubt not
indeed that the Boards will be well pleased to be relieved from any concern
with the mint accounts and expenditure. They may still continue to exercise a
general authority in regard to matters touching the interest of individuals if
any such connected with the operation of the mint shall arise which would not
more properly fall under the cognizance of the Financial Department, and we do
not conceive that it will be necessary to make any alteration in the
legislative provisions applicable to the mints of Farruckabad and Benares.
Boards Collections. IOR F/4/833, No 22121/22122.
p514. No 3
Report from HH Wilson on the
operation of the Farrukhabad mint, dated March 10th 1821
Very
detailed description of the operation of the Farrukhabad mint at this time. Also contains
details of the output of the mint by year from 1813 to 1820.
Letter to Calcutta
Mint Committee from Government, 8th June 1821.
I am directed by
His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council to inform you
that His Lordship in Council has been pleased to permit Mr Alexander Melville,
the Assay Master at the Farruckabad mint, to be absent from his station for a
period of six months for the recovery of his health.
The Governor
General in Council has been pleased to appoint Captain D Presgrave to officiate
as Assay Master during the absence of Mr Melville with an extra allowance of Rs
300 per mensum.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/72, No 52.
From Presgrave to
Calcutta Mint Committee, 11th June 1821.
Having been directed
to proceed to the Farruckabad mint to
take charge of the assay office at that station, I beg to procure through you
the sanction of Government to my engaging a baggage boat for the conveyance of
such implements as will be required at that office.
Your Committee is
aware I believe that the assay office of the Farruckabad mint is very
defectively supplied with apparatus used in assaying. My services will be
therefore much embarrassed unless that defect be supplied. The subjoined
articles were prepared for the Assay Office of the Saugor mint and as they are
not immediately required in that direction, I hope I may be permitted to take
them with me and use them at Farrukhabad during the period of my stay there.
As these articles
from their weight will require a boat to be appropriated to their reception it
would afford a not unfavourable opportunity for the conveyance of one of the
new cutting machines and milling tables prepared for the Saugor mint. They will
add but little to the package and they may possibly be found very serviceable
at the Farruckabad mint. The whole will not require probably a boat of more
than 300 maunds and consequently will not tend in any way to retard my
progress.
2 large assay furnaces
50 Europe fire bricks
Assay beam and scales
Glazed box for scales
Two cases for assays
Two iron trays for assays
Anvil, tongs, pokers etc
One new cutting machine
One milling table
Cupel moulds
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/72, No 53.
Letter to
Government from the Calcutta Mint Committee, 12th June 1821.
We have the honor
to forward the accompanying letter from Captain Presgrave requesting permission
to take with him to the Farruckabad mint the articles prepared fro the use of
the assay office of the Saugor mint and a cutting and milling machine from
those prepared for that mint, and to be allowed the hire of a boat for their
conveyance.
The report on the
Farruckabad mint lately submitted to Government will have shown the necessity
of supplying the assay office there with an appropriate apparatus and we
conceive therefore it will be highly advisable for Captain Presgrave to carry
with him the articles required for that office. The cutting and milling
machines are less indispensable but as they are not very bulky and as Captain Presgrave’s
taking them with him to the Farruckabad mint may enable him at his leisure to
test and approve their applicability to the objects of their fabrication, we
are disposed to think he may be allowed to add them to the articles intended
for the assay office. In the event of the permission being granted he will of
course be apprised that he must engage a light boat and one of little draft so
that his progress may not be in any manner retarded.
We take this
opportunity of recommending that the machinery for the Saugor mint, the
conveyance of which by the present opportunity would too much delay Captain
Presgrave’s journey, be deposited in the arsenal go-downs until it is requested
at Saugor when it can be sent up the country with the first dispatch of military
stores.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/72, No 56.
Letter from the
Mint Committee to Presgrave, 19th June 1821.
I am directed by
the Committee for superintending the affairs of the mint at the Presidency to
acknowledge your letter of the 11th instant and in reply to forward
for your information the following extract from a letter from the secretary to
Government in the Financial Department of the 15th instant addressed
to the Committee.
‘The Governor
General in Council concurs with your committee in thinking that Captain
Presgrave should carry with him to Farruckabad the articles specified in the
text annexed to his letter, and authorises that officer to hire a boat for the
conveyance of them. Captain Presgrave will of course use every exertion to reach
Farruckabad with all practicable expedition’.
Bengal
consultations. IOR P/162/72, No 66.
Letter to Calcutta
Mint Committee from Government, 10th August 1821.
I am directed by
His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 3rd April last with the several papers
mentioned to accompany it.
The papers
submitted by Mr Wilson appear to embrace every necessary information in regard
to the operations of the Farruckabad mint and under the present circumstances
the practical conclusions resulting from the statements are less important than
they would have been at an earlier period. The possession of such a review is
still highly satisfactory and useful.
The alteration
prescribed by Regulation XI, 1819, in the standard of the coinage renders it
unnecessary to enter now into the question of the refining charges, and the
provisions of the law relative to the receipt of bullion tendered for coinage,
being observed, it would apparently be useless to refer to past irregularities.
His Lordship in
Council trusts that the suggestions of Mr Wilson will have led to considerable
improvement in the assay office and Captain Presgrave, in assuming charge of
the office, will naturally be guided as far as practicable by the principles in
which he has been instructed at Calcutta.
It is satisfactory
to observe that the process of melting has been conducted on very economical
terms, so as to have led your committee to expect that an improvement in that
respect may be effected at Calcutta and Benares. There is thus shown an obvious
advantage in examining the operations of the several mints, with a comparative
reference from one to another, and this principle obviously applies with
particular force to disbursements of the nature of those included under the
head of contingent charges.
His Lordship in
Council entirely therefore approves the suggestion contained in the 8th
paragraph of your report and resolves that it should be immediately carried
into effect in regard to the mints at Farruckabad and Benares.
The same course
will be pursued in respect to the mint at Saugor, , when that establishment
shall be regularly brought into operation.
The necessary
communication will accordingly be made to the two revenue boards, and the Civil
Auditor, and you will be pleased to convey to the last mentioned officer such
directions in regard to the forms of the accounts to be rendered as may appear
to you necessary or useful.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/73, No 2
To the secretary
to the Board of Commissioners at Farruckabad from the Calcutta Mint Committee,
I am directed by
the Committee for superintending the affairs of the mint at this Presidency to
request your procuring the orders of the Board of Commissioners for the
transmission of the laminating machines now at the Farruckabad mint to the
Benares mint as it is not likely to be required at the former.
The Mint Committee
understands that a set of laminating machinery prepared for the mint at Dehli
is also at the Farruckabad mint and direct that that set be likewise forwarded
to Benares.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/73, No 124.
Letter from the
Calcutta Mint Committee to Government, 8th November 1823.
We have the honor
to acknowledge the letter of the Secretary to Government in the Territorial
Department dated the 31st ultimo, forwarding to us the report of the
Superintendent of Public Buildings announcing the advanced state of the Benares
mint and calling upon us to give our opinion respecting the expediency of
abolishing the mint at Farruckabad.
The abolition of
the mint at Farruckabad was first suggested on general grounds by the Mint
Committee in their letter to Government dated the 28th July 1818. In
the following year (26th July 1819) the measure was further
recommended on special consideration, it appearing that the average net charge
of the Farruckabad mint had been for the preceding 6 years, 59000 rupees a
year. No more than 18 lacs had formed the preparation of coinage on individuals’
account.
In our letter to
Government of the 3rd April 1821 forwarding the report of Mr Wilson
on the Farruckabad mint, we had occasion to repeat the same recommendation
founded on the continuance of the same circumstances, the low amount of private
coinage and high average of net charges, anticipating also from the extended
powers of the Benares mint when completed, ample means of effecting the
recoinage on public account of such mixed currencies as still circulated in the
Upper Provinces.
Although we had no
reason to expect that the views taken by us on these occasions were
inapplicable to more recent occurrences, yet in order to rest our opinion on
secure grounds we have obtained from the Accountant General a statement of the
proceedings of the Farruckabad mint subsequent to the date of our lat
communication or for the years 1820/21 to 1822/23. From this it appears that
the average of the individuals’ coinage for the last three years has continued
to be but 18 lacs a year, that in the third of these years it was less than 18
lacs and that it may be expected to be still less in the current year, 1823/24,
the first four months having coined but 41,000 rupees. The expenses of the
Farruckabad mint have continued to bear much the same proportion as formerly,
and the average net charge of the period under review is above 51,000 rupees
per year.
Under the
circumstances therefore we have only to repeat the opinion we have already
expressed and to recommend the abolition of the Farruckabad mint as appearing to
us to be no longer necessary for the accommodation of individual commerce nor
essential to the convenience of Government in any proportion to the annual
expense it entails. The Benares mint will be now fully adequate to this latter
object as far as the old provinces are concerned, and the temporary demand
which may be expected in those newly acquired will of course be more
expeditiously and economically met by the subsidiary mint at Saugor. This mint
we presume must be equally forward with that [at] Benares and perhaps it may be
found expedient to transfer to it some of the apparatus and establishment of
the Farruckabad mint when no longer required at that station.
|
|
Coinage for Individuals |
Coinage for Government |
Copper Coinage |
|
1820/21 |
2,030,507 |
3,459,066 |
0 |
|
1821/22 |
2,714,092 |
2,710,807 |
0 |
|
1822/23 |
794,043 |
180,476 |
0 |
|
1823/24 (1st 4 months) |
41,612 |
5639 |
0 |
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, No 151
Letter from the
Calcutta Mint Committee to Government,
We have the honor
to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Secretary Mackenzie’s letter of the 28th
November 1823 with its enclosure.
Under the
circumstances stated in the letter of the Accountant General of the 21st
November with reference to the three coinages of Madras, Bombay and Farruckabad
we are of opinion that it would be advisable to bring the Bombay rupee to the
same standard in weight and value with that of Madras. From the slight
difference at present existing between the two, we imagine that no difficulty
or public inconvenience would result from the adoption of such a measure.
With regard to the
Farruckabad rupee we beg to state that the standard is already the same as that
of the Madras rupee and in a practical view of the subject it may likewise be
considered equal in weight and value since it differs only by an excess of
234/1000th part of a grain, a difference too inconsiderable to be
regarded in any ordinary transactions.
It appears
therefore inexpedient to make any formal alteration in the law relative to the
Farruckabad rupee, at least until the erection of the new mint, when the
general question of the India coinage may probably come under review.
It appears to
merit consideration whether it would not be expedient for the Governors of
Madras and Bombay to make the Farruckabad rupee current at par with their own
rupees throughout the territories subordinate to those Presidencies.
Considerable facilities would thus be afforded to the Government of Bengal in
furnishing supplies to Fort St George and Bombay out of the surplus of the
Western Provinces, and the Farruckabad rupee, tho’ slightly in excess of the
others, no objection is likely to be started against the receipt of it.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, No 220.
From Calcutta Mint
Committee to H Newnham (Collector of Farruckabad) dated 30th April
1824.
I am directed by
the Committee for superintending the affairs of the mint at this Presidency to
request you will on receipt of this letter stop the operations of the mint
under your charge and pack up and transmit with Captain Presgrave to Saugor
such part of the Farruckabad mint machinery as may appear necessary or useful
to him for the Saugor mint.
I am also directed
to inform you that Captain Presgrave has been authorised to select such
artificers as he considers calculated to assist him in the operations of the
Saugor mint.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, No221.
Letter from the
Calcutta Mint Committee to Presgrave,
I am directed by
the Committee for superintending the affairs of the mint at this Presidency to
inform you that Mr H Newnham, the Collector of Farruckabad, has been requested
to pack up and transmit to Saugor such part of the Farruckabad mint as you may consider
necessary or useful for the Saugor mint and to authorise you to such artificers
as you may wish to transfer to Saugor.
In regard to your
own movements you will be pleased to communicate on the subject with Mr C
Malony, Agent to the Governor General at Saugor.
Mr Blake being
unwilling to proceed to Saugor, his services will accordingly be dispensed
with.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, No 249.
Letter from
Newnham to Calcutta Mint Committee,
He states that he
has had only two months experience as Mint Master and:
I had no sort of
wish to be involved in the responsibility of closing an old concern and
discharging the hundreds of people who have been connected with an
establishment which was local with the Patan Dynasty at Farruckabad.
Later he goes on:
The regular
establishment is another subject for your instructions. Until all is arranged
and the stock cleared out many must be retained on their responsibility. Some
are also grown old and infirm in the Company’s employ, some look for pensions
in common invalid servants [this bit doesn’t make much sense], and it is not
the usual custom of the British Government to suddenly throw people out of
bread. Perhaps a donation may be extended to all…
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, No 262.
From Presgrave to
the Calcutta Mint Committee, 17th June 1824.
I have the honor
to acquaint you, for the information of the Mint Committee, that in conformity
with the instructions contained in your letter I have selected from the
Farruckabad mint machinery and tools what I consider useful and necessary for
the mint at Saugor.
Mr Newnham has
retained some of the new Farruckabad standard sicca weights, he informs me, for
the use of the Collector’s Office, with the only sets of Benares scales which
were in use for weighing the coinage and bullion, the privation of which,
unless replaced from Calcutta, must occasion inconvenience to the new mint.
There are three
large chests (belonging to the mint) which have always been in use for
containing bullion and coin. One of them is particularly well constructed and
adapted to the use of the mint. These Mr Newnham has also declined transferring
to Saugor stating that he requires them for the Collector’s treasury, &
further that your letter authorises merely the selection of machinery. With the
same argument he might have objected to the transfer of many other article
consisting of artificers, tools etc, but judging from the nature of the case,
it appears to me that your letter was intended to convey a more general meaning
and not o be taken in the limited construction Mr Newnham has put upon it. The
making of new ones at Saugor will be both inconvenient & very expensive,
whereas chests of any description may from the facility of procuring workmen
and materials be easily had at Farruckabad.
I am very sorry to
state that I have been greatly disappointed in not being able to procure
artificers from the late mint establishment. There are few who offer themselves
and these at extravagantly high wages. Men who received eight rupees
unconscionably ask twenty & even thirty rupees a month. Blacksmiths and
carpenters, particularly the former, are indispensably necessary, but in
consequence of these high demands, I shall entertain none till I receive
further instructions on the subject.
I have been
informed from the Barrack Masters department the masons and carpenters are all
supplied for the Saugor division from Cawnpore & this place, that head men
receive sixteen & secondary ones ten each. Such workmen would only earn
here seven or eight and five or six rupees a month.
On what was termed
the permanent establishment there were only two artificers borne, Viz a smith
and a carpenter at twelve rupees a month. All others, although borne on what
was designated the contingent establishment were in point of fact as
permanently employed as the two men above mentioned.
Any number of
artificers can be procured here on emergency, but at Saugor it will (at
present) be otherwise, as none are procurable amongst the natives of the
country. It will therefore, I should think, be necessary to take from this
place such an establishment as will be required to perform the work of the
mint.
With the Assay
Office establishment I am in much the same predicament as with the mint
artificers, all of them demanding higher wages. I have in consequence only been
able to retain the following Viz
A muffle maker or
potter
A Cooley
Two chhrasses
Two classes
A Bhistee
A sweeper
I have, as desired in your
letter, addressed Mr Malony, Agent to the Governor General at Saugor, and am in
daily expectation of receiving his instructions.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, No 260
Letter from
…With regard to
the workmen of the late mint establishment, I am directed to observe that such
of them as may wish to continue in the employ of Government under the sanction
of Captain Presgrave will be transferred to the Saugor mint. You will
accordingly make the necessary arrangements and report the result for the
information of the Committee. You are at the same time requested to submit a
statement of the names of those who are averse to further employment whom you
may consider entitled to pensions, and detail the particulars of their past
services, age and what property each individual may be possessed of.
To Presgrave from
the
… The orders
contained in my letter of 30th April last were intended to authorize
you to select from the late Farruckabad mint such parts of the machinery as you
might consider necessary for the Saugor mint, including, of course, such
articles appertaining to the former mint as you might be desirous of
transferring to the Saugor mint. Instructions will accordingly be issued to Mr
Newnham to that effect.
The committee do
not feel authorized to sanction your entertaining any workman on an enhanced
rate of wages and they are led to believe you will experience no difficulty in
procuring fit men at Saugor willing to engage on the same terms as those lately
employed at the Farruckabad mint. The committee are further of opinion that it
is unnecessary to transfer, at advanced wages, the officers mentioned in the 9th
paragraph of your letter, with the exception of the muffle maker, as they
imagine people of that description will at all times be procurable at Saugor.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, No 274
From Newnham to
Calcutta Mint Master dated 24th July 1824.
States that he
needs the scales and weights and that new ones should be sent to Saugor from
Calcutta. As to the chests, they are very heavy and the cost of transport to
Saugor would be high. He also suggests that the mint bungalow should be used as
a treasury because it was very secure.
Attached to the
letter is a list of the equipment to be taken to Saugor. The list was prepared
by R. Blake, Foreman to the late mint at Farruckabad.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, Nos 282,283,284
Letters from Calcutta
Mint Committee to first Newnham, second Newnham, third Presgrave all dated
The first letter
informs Newnham that he can keep the weights, scales & chests. The third
letter informs Presgrave of this fact. The second states that they see no
reason why the mint bungalow should not be used as a secure place for the
treasury.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/74, No 297
Letter from the
Copy
of a letter authorizing the appropriation of the mint bungalow to the
Farruckabad Collectorate.
Letter from
Newnham to
He states that he
has not heard from them with regards to Blake, who will be needed to help load
the remaining machinery, which is to be sent to
The enclosures
include:
Letter from
Government to Blake,
I am directed by
His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council to inform you
that his Lordship in Council has this day been pleased to appoint you to the
situation of Foremen of the Farruckabad mint in the room of Mr Stacy, deceased.
There is also a
list of all the employees giving name, age, length of service, wages etc.
E.g. Bishendass,
Darogah, paid 50 Rs/month, started 1807 for 18 years, aged 70, From 1807 to
1817 he was employed as a Darogah in the melting department at 35 Rs per month
& from 1818 succeeded Thaskoordass as Darogah.
From
…The Committee
having understood that on the abolition of the Farruckabad mint Mr Blake
declined proceeding to Saugor [?] dispensed with his service as per letter to
Captain Presgrave of the 30th April last, and you are accordingly
directed to pay his salary up to the latest period to which he may be actually
employed by you…
… I am further
directed to acquaint you that orders will hereafter be communicated to you
respecting the pensions to be granted to the native officers who have been
discharged consequent to the abolition of the Farruckabad mint.
From the
Letter to
Government recommending that all mint employees aged over 50 should be given a
pension based n ‘the rules prescribed by the Governor General in Council in the
Judicial Department dated 1st October 1819’.
Bengal
Consultations. IOR P/162/75, No 8.
Letter from
Newnham (late MM at Farruckabad) to Calcutta Mint Committee, 6th
January 1825.
I have the honor
to acknowledge the receipt of your letter and to submit for your consideration
copy of one addressed to me by Mr Blake.
No intention of
your Committee to employ Mr Blake at Saugor in a situation correspondent to
that which he held at the Farruckabad mint has ever been made known to me.
The length of Mr
Blake’s immediate services and respect to his father who was for nearly half a
century in the employ of the Honble Company appears to me to merit due
consideration. As no official discharge has been notified to Mr Blake he must
of course be entitled to his salary, nor can I suppose that Government in any
case permanently entertain a person in a distinct line of employment on any
known or implied acknowledgement that the occupation may be suddenly withdrawn
unless on proof of misconduct.
I enclose also
copies of petitions from the higher class of native officers of the mint which
were by mistake omitted in my last letter.
There then follows a letter
from Blake which could be interpreted to indicate that he is the son of the
original one.
From
I am instructed by
the Committee for superintending the affairs of the mint at this Presidency to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 6th instant with
its enclosures, being copy of a letter from Mr Blake and two Persian petitions.
Should the age of
the petitioner Surroop Chunder Base exceed 50 years his case will be referred
to Government for a pension under the existing rules, and you will accordingly
be good enough to furnish the prescribed certificates.
You will be pleased to
ascertain distinctly from Mr Blake whether and on what terms he may be desired
of being transferred to Saugor. As far back as April last, the Committee were
in possession of documents in which that officer clearly stated that he could
not proceed whither and under that impression directed his dismissal from the
mint lately under your authority. The date of the abolition of the Farruckabad
mint must be considered as the period of Mr Blake’s official discharge and you
will accordingly dismiss him, should he still refuse to go to Saugor. But if he
has been retained on any specific duty subsequent to that time, you are
authorised to pay his salary up to the latest period to which he may have been
employed as directed in the 2nd para of your letter of the 9th
ultimo.
Letter from
Government to the Mint Committee dated
I am directed by
the Right Honble the Governor General in Council to transmit to you the
accompanying copy of a letter from the Accountant General dated the 11th
instant, and to request that you will instruct the Assay Master to furnish the
collector of Ghazeepore as well as all the collectors throughout the country
with weights of the Farruckabad and the Calcutta sicca currency as recommended
by Mr Wood.
Letter from Wood
to Government, dated
I have the honour
to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant,
forwarding a letter from the Assistant Secretary to the Board of Revenue in the
The only weight
required by Mr Barlow to enable him to carry into effect the instructions
conveyed in my letter of the 3rd December last to the superintendent
of resources, is a new rupee of the full weight according to the mint
regulation which may be multiplied so as to answer every purpose.
The scales used in
the General Treasury are the common scales of the country, one calculated to
weigh 100 rupees and the other calculated to weigh 50 rupees. The former cost
2.8 annas and the latter 1.8 annas and I am informed that when in constant use
they will last for two years.
It may be useful
to furnish the collectors throughout the country with stamped weights of the
weight of a rupee and of the weight of 10 rupees, to be preserved as musters,
and I would beg to recommend that the Assay Master at the Presidency may be
directed to furnish the collectors throughout the country with nicely adjusted
weights accordingly, for the purpose of unifying the weight of the Farruckabad
and the Calcutta sicca currency, and that these weights may have stamped upon
their faces the following inscription
|
Face |
Reverse |
|
Farruckabad Sicca Weight |
|
|
Mint 1825 |
Weight Of a Farruckabad Rupee Grains 180.235 |
|
Weight of 10 Farruckabad Rupees |
|
|
Mint 1825 |
Weight of Ten Farruck- abad Rupees Troy Grains 1802.34 |
|
|
|
|
Mint 1825 |
Weight Of a Rupee Trot Grains 191.916 |
|
Weight of 10 |
|
|
Mint 1825 |
Weight Of Ten Rupees Grains 1919.16 |
To Mint Committee
from Newnham dated
Letter from Blake
to Newnham dated
He would be
prepared to go to Saugor as Foreman but had been hoping for a better job. He
would need an assistant. In the past he had been standing in as Assay Master at
the Farruckabad Mint until Presgrave arrived, and had been hoping to be
appointed to that job. He would prefer a job at
To Calcutta Assay
Master (H.H. Wilson) from the Mint Committee,
I am directed by
the Committee for superintending the affairs of the mint at this Presidency to
forward to you the accompanying copy of a letter from the Secretary to
Government in the Territorial Department under date the 17th ultimo
together with its enclosure and to request that you will adopt the necessary
measures to furnish the collector of Ghazeepore as well as all the collectors
throughout the country with the weights therein alluded to
From the Mint Committee to Newnham, dated
No assistant would
be made available for Blake, so Newnham was to take Blake’s response as a
refusal to go to Saugor.
Letter from
Provides a named
list of the pensionable employees of the Farruckabad mint and suggested
pensions.
To Government from the Board of Revenue in the Western Provinces
enclosing a letter from Mr Halled, collector of
A considerable
quantity of light weight spurious coin was in circulation. The coins had the
new upright milling and were of good appearance but lacked the secret Mint
Master’s mark. The coins may have originated from Rumpoor or Awadh but there
was no way of checking.
Letter from the Mint
Committee at Farrukhabad (Ferguson & Lloyd) to Government, dated
Number Farrukhabad rupees
minted in December 1805 = 242,408.
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Committee to Government, dated
Number Farrukhabad rupees
struck in January 1805 = 433,425.
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Committee to Government, dated
Number of Farrukhabad rupees
coined in March 1805 = 241,107
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Committee to Government, dated
Number of Farrukhabad rupees
minted in April 1805 = 323,020.
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Committee to Government, dated
Number Farrukhabad rupees
coined in May 1805 = 375,787
Letter from the
Farrukhabad Mint Committee to Government, dated
Number Farrukhabad rupees
coined in June 1805 = 254,217.