BENGAL
REVENUE CONSULTATIONS
BenRC1.
Revenue Consultations (Opium etc). P/89/35.
Fort St George to
Letter
asking for machinery and a European assistant to be sent to Madras. The Mint Committee
is asked if this is possible
BenRC2. Revenue
Consultations (Opium etc). P/89/35.
Madras Government to Calcutta
Government, dated 22nd October 1803
I am directed by the Right
Honorable the Governor in Council to request that you will lay before His
Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council the accompanying copy
of a letter and its enclosure received from the mint master at this Presidency
containing an explanation on the points referred to in your letter of the 18th
August last respecting the construction of machinery for the use of the mint of
Fort St George.
His Lordship in Council has
directed me also to transmit a plan of the buildings which are at present
allotted for the use of the mint at this Presidency and to state that
directions will be given for adopting such alterations as may be necessary for
the purpose of rendering the buildings suitable for the accommodation of the
machinery, when a communication of the nature proposed in the letter of the
Acting Mint Master at Fort William shall have been received from that
Presidency.
Letter from William Jones (mint
master and sub-treasurer at Madras) to Madras Government, dated 21st
September 1803
I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of a letter from the Secretary to the Government in the Public
Department, dated 14th instant, enclosing copy of one from the
Secretary to the Government at Fort William, and of its enclosure.
Observing by the letter from Fort
William that His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor General in Council
requests that such of the implements as are specified by the Acting Mint Master
at Calcutta to be necessary before the machinery intended for this mint can be
brought into use, and which cannot be made at Madras, may be added to the
former indent, I have noted at the foot of the several articles in the enclosed
copy of the Calcutta mint master’s statement what appears to be wanted and what
not.
Observing by the Acting Mint
Master’s letter above mentioned, that the machinery is only capable of coining
35,000 pieces per diem, I submit to Government the necessity of our having
sufficient machines, with implements and tools in proportion, for coining
50,000 pieces per day for, altho’ machinery to that extent will not be always
wanted, the sudden exigencies of the service will render it necessary
sometimes, that such a number should be coined daily. In fact, at all times the
more expeditiously the bullion can be coined, the greater will be the advantage
and accommodation to the Company and to the public at large.
I beg leave to add that a person
qualified to instruct the native workmen of this mint in the use of the
machinery will be essentially necessary.
Statement of the Machinery,
Implements and Tools Requisite for the Madras Mint, to Coin according to the
Established mode of Coining Adopted in the Calcutta Mint
|
Number
of Machines |
|
Implements
to be attached to the machines |
Spare
implements to supply the place of those that may get out of order |
Tools
requisite for to make the machines and implements and to keep them in repair |
|
|
Melting
Department |
5 frames of
10 iron moulds each for the silver bars and 2 frames of 6 iron moulds for the
gold bars Wanted |
Small tools
to work the melting furnaces Wanted |
|
|
|
Laminating
Department |
|
|
|
|
3 |
Laminating
machines complete with 3 flattening mills, rollers, spindles and wheel work |
2 spare
flattening mills with cogs to be worked at the end of the spindles of two of
the laminating machines |
10 pairs of
composition rollers Wanted |
1 lathe 1 large
wheel Turning
tools 2 screw
plates with tops, 2 table vices and small tools Wanted |
|
|
Levelling |
|
|
|
|
2 |
machines for
levelling the plates of silver |
|
|
|
|
|
Cutting |
|
|
|
|
8 |
Cutting
machines with tables and tools |
|
12 pairs of
spare cutters to each machine Wanted |
1 cutter and
marowdrill lathe. 1 large
wheel, turning chucks and tools, 4 tables and vices, screw plates and small
tools to prepare the cutters Wanted |
|
2 |
Shears with
tables |
|
|
|
|
4 |
melting
machines with tables, dyes and tools |
|
2 pairs of spare
dyes to each machine Wanted |
A table and
vice, a block and punches to prepare the dyes Wanted |
|
1 |
Levelling
machine with table and tools for the blanks |
|
||
|
|
Stamping
Department |
|
|
|
|
8 |
Stamping
Presses with blocks, frames and tools |
|
50 pairs of rupee
dies, 24 pairs dies for small silver coins and 36 pairs dies for the gold
coins Not
wanted But
it will be proper to send a muster dye fitted to the machine for the Madras
dye cutters to copy |
2 tables and
vices, 1 screw plate, 1 beam drill with screwing stocks, blocks and small
tools Not
wanted |
|
|
Dyes |
|
|
|
|
|
Dye cutters
tools |
|
A sett of
muster dyes for each division of the coin Not
wanted |
1 dye
cutters table, a set of punches and small tools for repairing and finishing
the dyes Not
wanted |
|
|
Smith’s Shop |
|
6 pairs
bellows 6 anvils 1 beak iron,
hammers and small tools to work the smith’s forges. These tools with most of
the other tools stated to be necessary for the different departments will be
required for the workmen in preparing the machines for the Madras mint,
which, when completed, may be sent with the machines. Not
wanted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordered that a copy of the above
letter and enclosure be transmitted to the Mint Committee at Calcutta, and that
they be directed to give the necessary orders for preparing the machinery and
implements stated by the Mint Master to be required at Fort St George.
Ordered that the Committee be
informed that the plan of the building alluded to in the 2nd
paragraph of the Secretary’s letter has not yet been received, but that it will
be forwarded to them on its arrival.
BenRC3. Revenue
Consultations (Opium etc). P/89/35.
From the Acting Mint Master at
Calcutta (Forster), dated 26th November 1803
In order to enable me to comply
with the orders of His Excellency the
Most Noble the Governor General in Council relative to preparing the machinery
for the mint at Fort St George, I have to request you will be so good as to
apprise His Excellency that it will be necessary previously to determine on the
size of the new coinage as you will perceive by the accompanying instruments,
called cutters, used in cutting out the blanks from the laminated strops of
bullion and which determine the size of the coin and agreeable to which other
parts of the machinery such as the dyes and milling instruments ought to be
prepared.
I likewise herewith transmit four
Arcot rupees of two sorts and a Star Pagoda to be compared with the coins of
this mint and beg leave to observe that the difference of weight between the
Arcot and Calcutta Sicca rupee and between the Star Pagoda and the quarter gold
mohur, when both new, is only 6 pye but the muster Star pagoda sent herewith,
having lost weight by wear, is only half a pye more than the quarter gold
mohur.
As to the present shape and size
of the Star Pagoda, it is very objectionable and the Arcot rupee is too thick,
being liable to be easily drilled.
I beg leave to observe the
alteration of the shape and size of the present coin to that of the Calcutta
sicca Rupee etc, will not interfere in any respect with any future alteration
of its standard or whether it should be determined to increase or diminish its
weight also, as it will be only necessary to pass the strops of bullion fewer
times or oftener through the laminating machines.
I likewise request to be favoured
with His Excellency’s orders whether I am to prepare instruments for cutting
halves and quarters of rupees. I believe these fractions of the rupee are not
at present in use at Fort St George, though they are a very convenient coin and
in much request in this country. The fractions in currency at Fort St George
and its dependencies are single and double fanams. The value of the single
fanam, I understand, is only about one anna and an half, which is much too
small a coin for the finer and more precious metals and must be attended with a
considerable expense of coinage and waste of bullion.
Accompanying you will also
receive two dyes for Arcot rupees as used at present and beg to be honoured
with His Excellency’s commands respecting the inscription, whether the 19th
sun or any particular sun or year is to be inserted or not. Whatever sun may be
fixed on, it must always continue to prevent shroffs from imposing a batta on
the pretence of the rupee being old although it should not have lost weight by
wear. It was an abuse of this nature which gave rise to the tern Sunout rupees
in this country and which could only be counteracted by not changing the year
of the coin from which period the Company have only coined those of the 19th
sun.
It will likewise be necessary to
determine on the inscription for the Star Pagodas that I may cut the dyes
accordingly.
Ordered that a copy of the above
letter be transmitted to the Government at Fort St George and that His Lordship
in Council be requested to furnish his sentiments respecting the size of the
new coinage proposed to be introduced at that Presidency and the inscription
which should be inserted on the Dies.
BenRC4. Revenue
Consultations (Opium etc). P/89/35.
Minute of the meeting of the
Bengal Council, 11th July 1805
Ordered that the Mint Master be
directed to give the necessary orders for expediting the completion of the machinery
required at Fort St George which he was desired through the Mint Committee to
cause to be constructed on 7th July and 15th December
1803
BenRC5. Revenue
Consultations (Opium etc). P/89/35.
From Calcutta mint master (Forster)
to Bengal Government, dated 15th July 1805
In order to enable me to comply
with the orders contained in your letter dated 11th instant permit
me to request you will have the goodness to intimate to His Excellency the Most
Noble the Governor General in Council that I only wait his decision on the
points submitted to his determination in my letter dated 26th
November 1803, relative to the size and inscription on the coinage. Until I am
honoured with His Excellency’s resolutions on these points, neither the cutters
(instruments for forming the blank rupees) nor the milling dies, nor the dies
for coinage can be completed.
At the same time you will be
pleased to inform His Excellency that the above instruments are all in a state
of forwardness and can be completed in a short time after I am honoured with
the instructions relative to the size and inscription of the different
denominations of the coin with respect to which I have offered my opinion in my
letter above referred to.
Ordered that the Secretary write the
following letter to the Secretary at Fort St George
His Excellency the Most Noble the
Governor General in Council understanding that the Right Honorable the Governor
in Council was desirous of receiving the machinery which has been ordered to be
prepared at Calcutta for the use of that Presidency, the Mint Master was
directed to expedite the completion of the machinery in question. The Mint
Master has in consequence addressed the Governor General in Council requesting
information on some points necessary to enable him to complete it. I am
accordingly directed to request that you will lay before the Governor in
Council the enclosed copy of the Mint Master’s letter and acquaint His Lordship
that His Excellency in Council requests that he will furnish him with his
sentiments on the different points noticed in the accompanying address.
BenRC6. Bengal
Public Consultations . 1806, 13th
January, No 51
BenRC7. Bengal
Public Consultations . 1806, 4th
September, No 85
BenRC8. Bengal Public Consultations. IOR P/8/2,
Many pages of discussion about
the problems of the coinage at both Bengal and Madras, followed by:
Proposed Regulations for the
Establishment of the Bengal Coinage throughout British India read at a Council
Meeting on 3rd April 1812
Mints to be established at the
cities of Masulipatam and Tanjore in addition to the mint at Madras in which
sicca rupees and gold mohurs of the nineteenth sun, of the following weight and
standard and half and quarter rupees and gold mohurs of the same standard and
proportionate weight will be coined.
Nineteen sun gold mohurs Troy
weight, grains 190,894
Assay compared with English
standard gold better 13 Ľ
Bengal weight annas 17
Bengal Assay Touch or parts of
fine gold in 100 99 Ľ
Alloy ľ
Nineteen Sicca Rupees:
Troy weight Grains 179 2/3
Assay compared with English
standard silver better [Dub] 13
Bengal weight annas 16
Bengal assay Touch or parts of
fine silver in 100 97 11/12
Alloy 2 1/12
Etc etc
BenRC9. Bengal Public Consultations. IOR P/8/2,
Proclamation issued 15th July 1807
The Right Honorable the Governor in Council is pleased to
publish the following order respecting the new coinage.
All the silver coinage of this Presidency coined at the
Madras mint shall be coined direct from Dollars when imported and of Dollar
fineness.
The Dollar is estimated at eight pennyweight worse than
English standard and in consequence the new rupee will weigh of Dollar silver
seven pennyweight eighteen grains and forty five sixty fourth part of a grain
English Troy weight and each thousand rupees will weigh of Dollar silver thirty
two pounds four ounces nineteen pennyweights seven grains and one eighth part of
a grain English Troy weight, and each rupee will contain six pennyweights
twenty two grains and one hundred and ninety one four hundred parts of a grain
of pure silver English Troy weight and each thousand rupees will contain twenty
eight pounds ten ounces sixteen pennyweights thirteen grains and one half grain
English Troy weight of pure silver, being the same quantity of pure silver as
is contained in the Honorable Company’s Arcot Rupees, which have been always
issued from the Madras mint.
The Double \rupee will contain double the quantity of pure
silver which the rupee does, viz: fifty seven pounds nine ounces thirteen
pennyweights and three grains, and be double its weight. The half rupee will
contain half the quantity of pure silver as the rupee does, viz: fourteen
pounds five ounces eight pennyweights and three quarter grains and be half its
weight. The quarter rupee will contain one quarter of the pure silver which the
rupee does, viz: seven pounds two ounces fourteen pennyweights three and three eighths
grains and be one quarter of its weight.
There are also coined and issued the following small coins:
five fanams pieces, on which is inscribed their denomination in English.
Persian, Gentoo and Malabar, weighing each seventy one and three quarter grains
English Troy weight, three fanam pieces inscribed as above, weighing forty two
and three quarters grains English Troy weight, Two fanam pieces inscribed as
the two former, weighing twenty eight and one half grains English Troy weight,
and one fanam pieces inscribed as above, weighing fourteen and one quarter
grains English Troy weight.
Proclamation issued 22nd August 1807
The Right Honorable the Governor in Council with a view to
remedy the inconvenience which have hitherto been felt from the want of a
proper coinage in the Honorable Company’s districts under this Presidency, has
been pleased to issue a new coinage of copper of the following numbers,
weights, values and relative proportions to the country weights:
The double dubs are issued at the rate of 24 to the rupee
and are to be received and paid in all public payments. The single dubs, 48 to
the rupee, half dubs 96 to the rupee and the quarter dubs 192 to the rupee.
They will weigh as follows, viz:
Double dubs 11,000
to the candy of 500 lbs avoirdupois
Single dubs 22,000 ditto ditto
Half dubs 44,000 ditto ditto
Quarter dubs 88,000 ditto ditto
Single dubs to 1
maund of 25 lbs avoirdupois 11,000
1
viss of 3/8 lb 137
˝
1
padalam or ˝ viss 68 ľ
1
yabalam or Ľ viss 34 3/8
1
[purup] or 1/8 viss 17
3/16
And in case the above copper coins are issued at the
Presidency etc they are to measure with the Star Pagodas and Fanams as follows:
84 double dubs
to one pagoda
168 single ditto ditto
336 half ditto ditto
672 quarter ditto ditto
229 1/11 Regulatuing ditto
whose denominations are inscribed on them
[3] Single dubs and one regulating dub are equal to one
fanam. 6 half dubs and one regulating dub are equal to one fanam. 12 quarter
dubs and one regulating dub are equal to one fanam.
There are also issued the following coins with their
denominations inscribed on them in English, Persian, Gentoo and Malabar:
40 cash piece being 298 grains or 23 146/298
to the pound avoirdupois
20 cash piece being 149 grains or 46 146/149
to the pound avoirdupois
10 cash piece being 74 ˝ grains or 93 143/149
to the pound avoirdupois
5 cash piece being 37 Ľ grains or 187 137/149
to the pound avoirdupois
The Right Honorable the Governor in Council has also deemed
it expedient to issue a silver coinage of half and quarter pagodas of Dollar
silver fineness, the weights of which are as follows, viz:
A silver half pagoda will weigh three hundred and twenty
six grains and one hundred and eighty seven two hundred and fifty six parts of
a grain English Troy weight and will be equal to one and three quarters of an
Arcot rupee
And a silver quarter pagoda will weigh one hundred and
sixty three grains one hundred and eighty seven five hundred and twelve parts
of a grain English Troy weight and be equal to seven eighths of an Arcot rupee
BenRC10. Bengal
Mint Committee Proceedings. IOR P/162/69 p. 208
The coinage of Double rupees, half and quarter pagodas and
five two and one fanam pieces having ceased in the year 1812, the double and
single pagodas, the rupee, half and quarter rupee and two anna piece are the
only coins which have since that period, been issued from the mint.
BenRC11. Bengal Public Consultations. IOR
P/8/2.
Coins sent to
BenRC12. Bengal
Mint Committee Proceedings. IOR P/162/69 p. 212
From Madras mint master (Oglivie), dated 12th
October 1814
List of local pagodas (actually all gold and silver)
recoined in Madras – several pages of them
Also output of Madras mint from 1807-13:
|
|
No.
Pieces |
|
Gold |
|
|
Double
Pagodas |
596,154 |
|
Single
Pagodas |
1,326,850 |
|
Silver |
|
|
Double
Rupees |
165,712 |
|
Single ditto |
2,144,800 |
|
Half ditto |
108,180 |
|
Quarter
ditto |
18,216 |
|
One Eighth
ditto |
20,046 |
|
Four Annas |
44,225 |
|
Two ditto |
64,558 |
|
Half Pagodas |
2,500,401 |
|
Quarter
ditto |
8,864,483 |
|
Five Fanams |
4,942,117 |
|
Double ditto |
7,333,437 |
|
Single ditto |
1,931,764 |
|
New Coins from 1813/13 |
|
|
Single
Rupees |
1,863,020 |
|
Half Ditto |
796,020 |
|
Quarter
ditto |
296,020 |
|
One Eighth
ditto |
56,019 |
See also, later entries
MADRAS Journals & Ledgers
p/339/26. These are just
accounts
p/339/27 and these
MADRAS BOARD OF REVENUE PROCEEDINGS
z/p/2728 – Index to 1800 –
nothing found
z/p/2729 – Index to 1801
–nothing found
z/p/2731 – Index to 1802 –
nothing found
z/p/2732 – Index to 1803 –
nothing found
z/p/2739 – Board of Revenue
Proceedings - Index for 1807
p/288/66 - nothing
p/288/67 - nothing
MadRP1. Board
of Revenue Proceedings. IOR p/288/68, p. 9283
Letter from B Roebuck to the
board of revenue dated 26th November 1807
Government having directed
me to forward to the Board of Revenue specimens of the new coinage for the
purpose of being transmitted to the Collectors at the subordinates, I beg leave
to enclose twenty two specimens of silver and copper coins each containing
twenty four in number for which I request you will sign the accompanying
receipt.
Ordered that the forgoing
specimens of the new coins be circulated accordingly to the several collectors.
MadRP1. Board
of Revenue Proceedings. IOR P/288/69, p. 9586
From Madras Government to
the Collector in the Zilla Ganjam, dated 12th December 1807
I am directed to transmit to
you the enclosed extract from the minutes of Council under date the 17th
ultimo with copies of two proclamations relative to the new coinage which
Government have desired should be promulgated in the several districts.
With the view of rendering
the Proclamation No. 2 intelligible to the Natives, the Board suggest that such
parts of it as are underlined in red ink be omitted in the translation and with
respect to the Proclamation No 1 they are of opinion that it will be sufficient
to affix an English copy on the walls of your Cutcherry.
Specimens of the new coins,
twenty four in number, are herewith transmitted to you.
MADRAS PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
MadPC1. 1712-15. p/239/86
1712 Edward Harrison mint master. He was also the
President.
1714 still Edward Harrison & August 1715
MadPC2. 1716-19. p/239/87
November 1716 Edward Harrison mint master.
p. 57, 1716, November 4th. Charge of the
mint given to Joseph Collet. He is still mint master and President in June
1717. Continues in February 1718 & November 1718 & December 1719
1716/17 p. 24 – The Essay Master reporting that the
silver mint very greatly wants several repairs and conveniences to be made
against the Europe ships arrival.
MadPC3. 1720-23. p/239/88
p. 6 – Fras Hastings Esq, mint master
Francis Hastings mentioned as mint master several
times during 1720
No index found for 1721
Nathaniel Elwick mentioned as mint master in 1722
Nathaniel Elwick also in 1723
MadPC4. 1724-26. p/239/89
Nathaniel
Elwick mint master in 1724
1724 p. 45
The mint having been for some time in a very bad
condition in so much that it is dangerous to be there, it was considered what
must be done about it. Our Honble Masters having in their last letters forbid
the rebuilding it, and upon the whole the Board adjourned thither to survey it,
where they found the walls, all of them, full of cracks and the timbers very
much decayed. However, as the Company will not consent to the making a new one,
it was ordered that the paymaster repair the sheds under which the people work
and such of the rooms as are used by them to lock their silver in and that the
rest of the house stand as it is ‘till we can be permitted to make it fit to
live in.
NEED TO LOOK AT 1725 and 1726 both in the volume but
forgot to look
MadPC5. 1727-30. p/239/90
1727 James Macrae mint master. By January 1728 the
President (rather than James Macrae) read the mint accounts.
July 1728 James Macrae was mint master. January
1729, the President reads the mint accounts and throughout the year until
November.
June 1730, George Morton Pitt read the mint accounts
and he seems to do it for the rest of the year but is never called mint master.
MadPC6. P/239/90. 1730, p.
177
Entry dated September 1730
The President observing to the Board what is
recommended in the 43 & 44 paragraph of the last general letter concerning
the badness of pagodas desires this affair may be now taken into consideration
& that the Essay master may be sent for to assist with his advice. Mr Weston was accordingly called in and
acquaints us that the pagodas grow daily worse. That some he tryed in May last
were no better than 83˝ touch, whereas they ought to be the value of the
Negapatam pagoda which is 85ľ . The Board taking into consideration the danger
the Company’s estate is in & that commerce must inevitably suffer if this
uncertain money circulates longer unsuspected, and that though we defer taking
proper measures to prevent this abuse at present, at last there will be an
absolute necessity to do it (may be when it will give a much greater shock to
trade0 and likewise no time can be so proper as when the Company’s cash is so
low as now by the large draught sent to the Bay by the Cadogan. We therefore
come to the following resolution in order to secure the Company’s estate which
we hope will be sufficient to open the eyes of everybody else who must
otherwise be undone by their credulity. That a new pagoda be coined of equal
weight and fineness of the Negapatam pagoda and with the same stamp only
distinguished with the letters M on each side the image, which shall be current
in all the branches of the Company’s business and that no other sort shall be
paid or received excepting in the Northern investments where the old Madras
pagoda is only current.
But as this resolution cannot be put in practice
till we have a supply of gold from China & elsewhere to make a circulation,
we declare that this order of the Board shall not be in full force till the
first of May ensuing, when we are in hopes the eastern ships will be returned
and the merchants have sufficient time to coin the gold they purchase into the
above said specie, which, was we to insist upon before a supply arrives, they
must be obliged to melt down the present coin and considerable losses in giving
it a new standard.
At the same time, Mr Weston, the Assay Master
delivers a petition from the mint Brahminies etc. representing the hard
conditions upon which they are now obliged to coin Rupees, which they consented
to only because they were promised and flattered that should be a prohibition
of all uncoined silver being exported by which means they would be so
perpetually employed that their gains would be equal to or more than what it
was before and requesting that ˝ per cent more be allowed them as heretofore.
Since we have thought fit to take off the prohibition.
Upon due consideration of the matter we agree to
this request being sensible. That the prohibition of exporting silver inland
was the motive which induced them to consent to coin at the present rate and
least too great a restraint upon them who are numerous & poor, should tempt
them to debauch the coin, which is well known to be the practice in foreign
mints, where the Arcot rupee is coined cheaper.
1731. p/240/1
Nothing
of interest found
MadPC7. 1732. p/240/1
p.
3. 11th January 1731
From
the Deputy Governor and Council of Fort St David enclosing musters of
Pondicherry, Porto novo and Allumparra Pagodas, as also of the new specie
proposed to be coined, with them, being said all to be eighty three and three
quarters (83 ľ) touch.
Agreed
to write a letter by the French ship to the Honorable Court of Directors, and
that the Pagodas sent us from Fort St David be delivered the assay master. But
that, however, as they are worse than our M Pagoda and the old Negapatam, we
will not permit any to be coined unless they will keep them up to the proper
fineness and weight.
MadPC8. p. 9. 20th
January 1731
The
Assay Master delivers in a report of the assays he made of the several sorts of
pagodas sent us up by the Deputy Governor and Council of Fort St David, whereby
it appearing that the sort proposed to be coined at that place is of a base
alloy and it being hardly practicable as we have no Assay Master there to
prevent frauds in the coinage. Agreed to write them not to proceed.
MadPC9. p. 27. 7th
February 1731
The
President informed the Board that he had coined a part of the Canton Merchants
gold into the old Madras pagoda because the Company would want a supply for the
Northern Settlements this year, which produced thirty thousand one hundred and
eighty one (30181) pagodas and, which, by being exchanged with the owners of
that ship for M Pagodas would come to thirty thousand five hundred and one
pagodas twenty four fanams and eighteen cash (30501-24-18) for one and one
sixteenth (1 1/16) per cent batta, being the intrinsic difference in weight and
fineness between the two species, and which would therefore be the same thing
to the owners and would save the Company nine sixteenths (9/16) per cent, which
they must otherwise pay for new coining as they did for the last supply.
MadPC10. p. 36. 18th
February 1731
There
being a great demand for fanams in the bazar, ordered that fifteen hundred
(1500) pagodas worth be issued out of cash to be exchanged.
MadPC11. p. 59. 30th May
1732
Ordered
that silver be purchased to coin into rupees and money advanced to the Import
Warehousekeeper for the same, as he shall want it.
MadPC12. p. 65. 22nd June
1732
Ordered
that M Pagodas be delivered into the mint to coin twenty thousand Madras
Pagodas (20000) which, with ten thousand (10000) already on hand, it is agreed
to send on the Nassau to Vizagapatam to complete the supply for that place and
Ingeram, for this year.
1733. p/240/1
No Index
1734. p/240/1
No index
1735. p/240/2
MadPC13. p. 110. 15th June
1735
The
other ships being soon expected and it being necessary that we should know what
we may depend upon from the mint Brahminies and goldsmiths touching the
reduction of their allowance to them for the coinage of the Company’s silver
from two to one and a half per cent as directed by our Honorable Masters in the
37th paragraph of their letter dated 9th January 1733.
The Brahminys and goldsmiths were called before the Board and acquainted with
the order aforesaid, upon which they declared they would be sufferers and could
not undertake the coinage at that rate. They were answered that we must be at
some certainty what they would do. That we would represent their case to the
Company in our next letter but our orders were positive and we could not make
any larger allowance ‘till those were revoked.
MadPC14. p. 113. 16th June
1735
The
mint Brahminies and goldsmiths attending the Board again deliver a petition as
entered after this consultation, complaining that by the reduction of the
coinage in President Macrae’s time they had suffered so much as to be obliged
to sell and mortgage their estates to clear their balances with the Company and
that they cannot undertake to coin the silver now at the rate of one and a half
per cent, lest they should not be able to clear their account without running
further in debt and being at last reduced to beggary.
Upon
which they were told we could do no more for them than what we had promised
last consultation, and if they would not engage to coin it at one and a half
per cent we must send it as it arrived down to Bengal. They would give us no
direct answer so were dismissed.
p.
119. 16th June 1735
The
petition from the mint workers.
MadPC215. p. 126. 1st
July 1735
The
President acquaints the Board that with a good deal of trouble and some hard
words he had prevailed upon the mint people to promise they would coin the
silver at one and a half per cent ‘till the Company’s further pleasure shall be
known, but he wished there might not be a necessity to use rougher means with
them to get the balance out of their hands, that [wiknow] was not effected last
year without some difficulty. Mr Johnson the Assay Master was directed to have
a careful eye over the minters and then the Board agreed to coin as many chests
as might amount to about half the quantity designed for the Bay.
MadPC16. p. 154. 28th July
1735
After
which the Board took into consideration the affair of the MM pagodas induced
thereto by the general uneasiness expressed by the inhabitants at the trouble
and difficulty they met with in carrying on their business whenever they had
anything to do with the Company, and having called for the several books
relating to this affair and read the :
56th
paragraph of the letter from England dated the 14th February 1727
48th
ditto dated
21st Feb 1728
43rd
& 44th ditto dated
23rd Jan 1729
Also
the 84th para of the letter sent thither dated 27th Jan 1728
58th
ditto dated
12th October 1729
60th
ditto dated
19th Jan 1730
34th
ditto dated
25th Aug 1731
They
made the following remarks:
That
the first considerable complaint in Mr Macrae’s time proceeded from a quantity
of pagodas imported from China, part as it is said by Mr Hugh Campbellano and
part from Pondicharry. They were of the Negapatam stamp but a baser alloy and
so nicely imitated that a great number were mixed among the current money
before the shroffs discovered them.
That
the success the introducers of the China pagodas met with possibly gave
encouragement to attempts for bringing in other bad pagodas of the sorts which
were usually current, but however this Board are of opinion that the Government
took all the care to prevent the evil that was usual or could then be thought of
upon such an occasion.
That
it is not new or unusual upon accidents of this sort to magnify the
inconveniences beyond the truth and to censure the Government for want of care
or somewhat worse. At the time when the Company had upwards of four hundred thousand
pagodas in cash, the greatest sum that ever was known at one time and more than
it is to be hoped, they will ever have again, it was suggested there was a
considerable quantity of bad money mixed among it that they would be sufferers
by when it was issued out; perhaps also it was insinuated that somebody had or
was to be, a gainer by it, but it appears beyond all contradiction the Company
were discharged of the whole of that vast sum without the loss of one pagoda.
Those
suggestions, it is to be believed, gave occasion in the direction in the 43rd
and 44th paragraphs of the Company’s letter dated 23rd
January 1729, to coin a new pagoda here of the Negapatam fineness and, though
it was in some sort left to the direction of the President and Council, yet
when such reasons were given by the Company, it might be thought unsafe not to
make trial of a new coinage and to prevent all suggestion that it was omitted
for private views.
The
reasons given for coining the MM pagodas are entered at large in the consultation
of the 5th September 1730 but the experience of upwards of four
years are convincing that those pagodas have occasioned much greater
inconveniencies than those which it was intended to prevent. Such has been the
effect of popular clamour and the suggestion of wicked men.
It
was hoped when the MM pagodas were first coined they would before now have been
current not only in all branches of the Company’s business but likewise in all
other payments and receipts. The experience of more than four years has
convinced us of the fallacy of that notion and that they are no more current
now than they were the first day they were coined. The reasons of which are
obvious and are as follows: There is a perpetual circulation of the current
money between this place and the country, none of it centres here, nor are the
pagodas exported by sea to any country where the intrinsic value of the gold is
considered.
The
rents of the province and all other payments into the Nabob’s treasury are paid
in a pagoda coined different from the rest, which yet the Nabob has not aimed
at making current because he would reap the advantage of a double coinage. It
is easy to conceive his influence without interfering with his power will in
great measure govern the currency of any particular coin and it would be a
fruitless attempt for any European settlement to force the currency of any coin
without the Nabob’s concurrence, a thing that would neither be hoped nor
expected where it interferes with or is prejudicial to his interest.
It
is further to be remarked here, that before the country government tasted the
sweets of coining the money, the pagodas generally current were the Tevenapalam
Pagoda coined at Fort David, the Allumgeer Pagoda coined here, the Pulicat and
Negapatam Pagodas. The three first are not now met with in any of our payments
and receipts and the Negapatam are very scarce and when wanted to send to the
southward bear batta equal to the MM pagoda; but at other times those as well
as the MM pagodas are considered by the shroffs only as so much gold bought by
them as such and coined into the old Madras Pagoda or else into the Allambrum,
St Thome or Trivitore Pagodas, these three last being now the current coin which
prevails in the country, doubtless fixed at the standard they are now and
coined in the country mints with intention to destroy the mints in the European
settlements, which purpose has been effected without the use of any other means
than that influence which is natural to every government where first or last
all the coin of the province centres. The advantage of the coinage has been of
late years so considerable a revenue to the Nabob that he is very quick to take
notice of everything that might seem to affect it. Accordingly, we find upon
the first coining of the MM pagoda it immediately raised his resentment and
that he afterwards acquiesced more from the knowledge that it would be no
prejudice to his mints and that sooner or later he should have the coining of
those very pagodas, than that he was satisfied with the reasons which were then
given to support it. In short, it is without reason the Europeans value
themselves upon having obtained the privilege of mints, because those coins
which they had a grant for, are not now current and therefore the charge of
coining is a dead loss to them.. This was lately the case of the Dutch at
Pullicat, who imported a quantity of silver there and coined it into rupees
which were no sooner delivered out of their mint but they were bought by the
shroffs as silver of such a fineness and carried directly into the St Thome
mint to be recoined into the Arcot rupees. The same would be the case of our
Madras rupees and to export to Bengal there is not a merchant (that is to say a
Patan merchant) would give us anything more for them than he would for the
Arcot rupees, notwithstanding there is a great difference in the intrinsic
value.
These
remarks the Board thought necessary to premise as well to show how useless our
mints must be as to prove what we have further to add of the MM pagoda. It has
been already said that they are not current out of the Company’s cash chest.
When any therefore wanted to make payments to the Company if there be no other
gold to be bought, the current pagodas of the country must be coined into MM
and is what occasions the batta or Agio. When they are issued out yet again the
shroffs take them at their own rates, sometimes they have been under par, but
generally the shroffs take them as current to re-coin again into the current
money and, although it cannot be supposed the charge of coining does amount to
the batta, yet when the difference is considered it will not be thought a great
deal for the shroff’s trouble & interest of his money. The Company’s merchants
have been often losers by receiving the MM pagodas for, hoping there might be
some demand for them to be paid into the Company’s cash, they pawned them to
the shroffs and the interest of the money has exceeded the batta.
It
must indeed be confessed the Company are gainers, about one thousand pagodas
per annum, sometimes more and sometimes less according to the quantity of
Madras pagodas that are wanted for the northern settlements, the MM pagodas
being better and nearer the Madras standard than the current pagoda, but then
the inconvenience and loss to the Company in other respects does far exceed all
advantages which they have, or can hereafter have, by them. Whoever buys the
Company’s goods, either at outcry or otherwise, considers the sort of money he
is to pay for them with, and the batta it will cost him, and bids accordingly.
Yet the Company do not buy their goods cheaper by paying the same money, for
whoever receives it of them receives it as current, because, before it can be
so, it must be re-coined again, the charge of which with interest and the
shroffs trouble, is reckoned to amount to the former batta. There is also an
entire loss of two and a half to three percent batta to all persons who remit
by exchange to England and is what, in all probability, occasioned the
Company’s relinquishing one per cent custom and half percent consulage on all
the coral imported here, besides the confusion, uneasiness and charge it
creates to all those who are in any ways concerned with or in the payment of the
revenues.
It
was then considered, if we should lay aside the MM pagodas what others we
should fix upon as the current money of the place, and the most knowing and
eminent shroffs being consulted upon the occasion, it was put to them whether
to order all payments and receipts to be made in the Arnee pagoda of 84 ľ matt
instead of the Allumbrum, St Thome and Trivitore pagodas of 83 matt, the Arnee
pagoda only being paid into the Nabob’s treasury. To this they replied: that we
should still be subject to the inconvenience of a batta in the same manner as
we were now with the MM pagodas, except the Nabob should make them current in
all payments at Arcot and all other parts of the province, which it is not
likely he will do so long as he has the advantage of a double coinage, first in
that all the gold is coined in his mints in the common current pagoda, and
afterwards coined into the Arnee pagoda when paid into his treasury. They added
that it was their advice upon the whole to fix upon that standard which was in
most general use and acceptation in all parts of the country, which agreeing
also with our own sentiments & prudence, also suggesting to us that we
should submit to the irresistible force of those effects which proceed from the
nature of commerce in general and not vainly attempt to introduce novelties
that we have neither power or influence to go through with.
It
was unanimously agreed: to lay aside the MM pagodas and to receive the common
current pagoda in all payments
MadPC17. p. 163. 2nd
August 1735
The
assay master attending was called in & acquainted the Board the minters
absolutely refused to coin the Pillar Dollars at the old standard for that
species, whereupon they were sent for and, attending, the reason was demanded
of them, to which they replied that they were not so good as formerly and that
they could not possibly coin them without an abatement
Which
being considered and the same complaint having been made the last year when we
came to a resolution of sending them down in specie to Bengal whence we have
had no complaint of their proving worse than formerly, it was agreed to tell
them and they were accordingly told that iff they would not receive them at the
same rate we would send them to Bengal uncoined, and they withdrew.
MadPC18. p. 183. 19th
August 1735.
The
mint Brahmanies & Goldsmiths etc, persisting in their resolution not to
coin the pillar dollars without an abatement, ordered that they be put on board
the Onslow with the rest of the rupees and that she be dispatched the 21st.
MadPC19. 1736. p/240/2
p.
62. 14th February 1735/6
Ordered
that thirty thousand (30000) M pagodas be delivered into the mint to be coined
for the use of the northern settlements.
1737. p/240/2
MadPC20. p. 143. 2nd May
1737
The
mint Brahmanies attending the Board and insisting that they cannot take the
Pillar Dollars by the Bedford as standard silver, the Assay Master was ordered
to make an assay of them and report it next consultation.
MadPC21. p. 146/7. 5th May
1737
Mr
Foxall, pursuant to an order last consultation, having assayed the new Pillar
Dollars by the Badford, reports them to be full 3 dwts worse than standard and
the mint Brahmanies & Goldsmiths, being called in, agreed, after many
words, to take them at 2 ˝ dwt worse.
1738. P/240/3
MadPC22. p. 117. 13th
March 1737
The
silver mint and Town Hall being represented to want some repair, agreed that
Messrs Burton and Morse do survey the same and lay before the Board an estimate
of the cost of making the necessary repairs to each of those places.
MadPC23. p. 138. 8th April
1738
Agreed
that Messrs Monson & Simpson do examine the Princess Mary’s treasure when
it comes ashore in the presence of the Captain and, that if they find it comes
out agreeable to invoice, it be delivered into the mint to be coined for the
Bay.
MadPC24. p. 143. 14th
April 1738
According
to order of Consultation of the 13th ultimo, we have made a survey
of the silver mint, the Essay Master’s lodgings and the Mint Point. The two
latter articles require but little repairs, but the Silver Mint verandoes have
long been thought wanting of repairs, yet have hitherto been omitted and
consequently the repairs must now be more general.
We
find the verandoes are too low in so much that when the mettle is melting the
palmeiras are damaged thereby, if not in danger of setting on fire. As Your
Honor etc have ordered a thorough repair, we would propose to have the
verandoes raised higher two feet at the least. Such of the materials as will
serve again shall be reused…
MadPC25. p. 192. 5th June
1738
Agreed
to send twenty thousand (20,000) pagodas overland to Fort St David this
evening…
MadPC26. p. 201-3. 15th
June 1738
The
Assay master attending pursuant to order of last consultation delivers in as now
read and entered heretofore his report of the New Mexico Dollars refused by the
Minters, setting forth that he finds them to come out three and a half
pennyweight worse then standard.
The
mint Braminies being hereupon called in for some time insisted that they could
not receive them under three and a half pennyweights but at length consented to
take them at three pennyweight worse than standard, at which rate it is agreed
to deliver the New Mexico Dollars to them and that the assays made by Mr Foxall
be sent to England by the September ship
1739. P/240/3
MadPC27. p. 103. 23rd
April 1739
The
President reminds the Board that the Brahminys & Goldsmiths belonging to
the mint have of late years behaved themselves exceedingly ill. That
particularly last year they had made use of four thousand rupees which he could
not recover of them for some time & was obliged at last to confine them in
the mint, when they got the money laid down for them. That he had then offers
from Linga Chitty to undertake the coinage of the Company’s silver, but he
declined mentioning the same at the Board upon very solemn assurances from the
Brahminys that they would behave better in the future, & from the
consideration of their having been many years in the mint. But they had so ill
requited his kindness & tenderness for them, that this year they had made
use of no less then nine thousand rupees, part of fourteen that had for many
months been due from the mint. That he had some reason to believe that part of
the nine thousand was stole out of the mint when the early ships arrived last
year to pay the persons who made good the former deficiency, & though he
had obliged them at last to make good the balance of the account, yet is was by
a method very disagreeable, & as there is reason to apprehend the case will
be the same next year, he had resolved to lay the matter before the Board,
& at the same time to acquaint them that he had ordered Linga Chitty to
deliver in his proposals whenever the Board would be willing to receive the
same. The Assaymaster attending and confirming the account given by the
President & the Board being otherwise fully convinced of the truth thereof,
agreed to receive Linga Chitty’s proposal next Consultation.
MadPC28. p. 106. 30th
April 1739
The
Board having last Consultation agreed to receive Linga Chitty’s proposals, he
attended this day and delivered them in which, being read as entered hereafter,
the same were agreed to, but for one year only, but he was told that tho’ it
was very likely, if he performed agreeable to his proposal, we should continue
to employ him, yet we would not be tied up for longer than one year at a time,
p.
112 – Linga Chitty’s slightly longer proposal
MadPC29. p. 260. 29th
October 1739
The
President then desired the opinion of the Board on an affair in which the
Company’s interest seems not a little concerned & wherein he believes they
have for some years past been considerable sufferers, which is the coining of
so much of their silver for the Bay into Madras rupees. That tho’ by grants of
the Mogul our rupees ought to pass equal with sicca, yet the experience of many
years proves that has not been regarded & the gentlemen in Bengal in a late
letter intimated to us their apprehension of some obstructions from the
Government relating to then circulating of them. That the difference of the
Batta on the Arcot & Madras Rupees not being in proportion to the
difference of their value, he believed if the Arcot rupees would serve the
purposes of the others, some considerable savings might be made for the
Company.
At
the same time he laid before them a calculate of the produce of 100 ounces of
silver coined in our mint or in the country mints as entered after this
consultation, together with a computation how much the advantages would have
been to the Company had the silver this year coined been turned into Arcot
instead of Madras rupees. And it appearing by the said calculates that the
Arcot produces current rupees 4-9-1 more than the Madras or 1.6913 per cent,
which in the whole of the coinage of this year amounts to Current Rupees
12366-5-8.
It
was agreed to mention this affair to the President & Council of Bengal
& to desire their sentiments thereupon,
p.
264 – the detailed calculation
1740. P/240/4
MadPC30. p. 49. 31st
January 1739/40
The
Assay master delivers in as entered hereafter, an account of the assays of the
Duke of Lorrain’s Gold and the Assay pieces to be sent to England in her
packet. By this account it appears to come out the nearest 90 touch in an
average.
Ordered
that the gold be coined into Madras Pagodas for the use of the Northern
Settlements.
There
then follows details of the assays (the gold came from China).
MadPC31. p. 78. 25th
February.
Richard
Benyon Esq, mint master (also Governor), pays in eighteen thousand one hundred
and two Madras Pagodas, eighteen fanams (1802-18) being the produce of the Duke
of Lorrain’s gold, and in part of the balance of that account for last month.
MadPC32. p. 80. 25th
February
Agreed
also to send a further seven thousand (7000) Madras Pagodas to Vizagapatam…
The
Assay master acquaints the Board that the country mints having greatly debased
the gold mohurs, several of the shroffs had been with him and offered to send
their gold into our mint if we could coin it into mohurs of ninety five touch
and, as none at the Board could recollect our having coined any mohurs in our
mint, the assay master produced the mint accounts of 1703 and 1704, wherein
there were several instances of it and the Brahminy being ordered to search the
Phirmaunds, produced one from Assad Cawn in the year 1692, whereby it appears
we had many years since, a grant for coining that species of money.
Agreed
therefore that the Assaymaster do receive and coin all such gold as the shroffs
and other merchants shall deliver into the mint to be coined into gold mohurs
of ninety five touch.
MadPC33. p. 85. 6th March
1739/40
Agreed
to grant Mr Foxall’s request and that a supply of twenty thousand (20,000)
Pagodas be sent overland to Fort St David tomorrow
MadPC34. 205. 2nd July
1740
As
Madras Pagodas will be wanted to send to Vizagapatam for the use of that and
the other Northern Settlements before the southerly monsoon is over, Linga
Chitty is sent for and discoursed with concerning the best method for procuring
the same. He adds that no gold is now procurable in the place and, therefore,
if we are under a necessity for the Madras Pagodas there is no way to supply
ourselves but by coining the current money and, if we would agree thereto, he
would undertake to deliver them at eleven percent batta. Being asked how he
made so great a difference he said he computed:
The
difference of touch 7
˝ per cent
That
there would be a loss in refining 1 ˝
The
charge of refining ˝
The
charge of coining 5/8
10
1/8 per cent
The
Board took ‘till next consultation to consider of Linga Chitty’s proposal and
ordered that a copy of his account of the charges be delivered the Assay master
to examine the same and report his opinion thereof the next consultation.
MadPC34. p. 214/5. 9th
July 1740
Mr
Foxall attending, acquaints the Board that he has examined the account of the
charges of coining the current into Madras Pagodas delivered by Linga Chitty,
and observed that he has not allowed for the difference in the weight between
one thousand Madras and one thousand Current Pagodas, which is one and a
quarter per cent. For the rest, Linga Chitty’s account was pretty exact and if
it be considered besides that notwithstanding all the care the shroff can take
in shroffing the money, several of the Current Pagodas he seals are worse than
eighty and a quarter (80 Ľ) touch. He believed if Linga Chitty would agree to
deliver the Madras Pagodas at 11 per cent batta, the chance was equal whether
he got or lost by them. Upon which Linga Chitty was called in and the Board
agreed to pay him now twenty two thousand two hundred (22200) current pagodas
to receive twenty thousand Madras in thirty five days.
MadPC35. p. 288. 8th
September 1740
The
Assay master attending the Board, delivered him Mr Horl’s remarks on the gold
and silver coinage at this place directing him to examine and lay before the
Board his observations thereon.
1741 P/240/4
No index
1742. p/240/5
No
Index
1743. p/240/5
MadPC36. p. 257. 3rd
September 1743
Request
to Bengal for assay tools – (but there is no EIC mint in Bengal??)
MadPC37. p. 317. 31st
December 1743
Ordered
that Mr Samuel Banks be stationed under the Assay master to assist in the
writing business of the mint…
1744. p/240/6
Nothing of interest found
1745. p/240/6
Nothing of interest found
1750. p/240/8
Nothing worth noting
1752. p/240/10
Some from Fort St David & some from Madras.
NO index. Almost all about military matters as far
as I can see.
Index for 1753
P/240/11
MadPC38. P/240/11. p. 34
Minute January 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
Saunders was also Governor
and President of Fort St George
MadPC39. P/240/11. p. 112 & 118
Minute February 1753
Mr Edward Edwards, Assay
Master, had asked for utensils that he had not received. They will be mentioned
in the General Letter
MadPC40. P/240/11. p. 115
Minute February 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC41. P/240/11. p. 171
Minute March 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC42. P/240/11. p. 216
Minute April 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC43. P/240/11. p. 237
Minute, May 1753
Agreed that the bullion
received and expected by the ships from Europe be delivered into the mint from
time to time to be coined as fast as possible. That a calculate be made of what
quantity of Madras pagodas may be necessary for the use of the Northern
Settlements and that a sufficient proportion of the gold be coined for that
purpose.
MadPC44. P/240/11. p. 238
Minute, May 1753
The President desires the
sentiments of the Board whether as Mint Master he is chargeable with all the
bullion delivered into the mint to be coined or whether Linga Chittee’s receipt
for the same will not acquit him in case of any deficiency either by fraud of
any kind or the failure of Linga Chittee. The Board conceive that as the
President and Council for the time being have, on behalf of the Company,
contracted from time to time with Linga Chittee ever since the year 1739 (vide
consultations 28th and 30th April 1739) for coining their
bullion, which has never been disapproved at home, he ought properly to be
considered in this respect as an immediate servant of the Company, to whom he
and his securities are accountable for what bullion is delivered into the mint
and that his receipt is a sufficient indemnity to the Mint Master for the same.
MadPC45. P/240/11. p. 253
Minute, May 1753
The President lays before
the Board Linga Chittee’s contract for coining fifty chests of silver in Arcot
or Madras rupees within thirty days, which are to produce fifty chests of
rupees containing eight thousand rupees each chest and so in proportion for any
further quantity of silver that may be delivered him, which contract being read
as entered hereafter the Board approve thereof.
His contract is written out
on page 255
MadPC46. P/240/11. p. 260
Minute, May 1753
The northern investments
being much impeded by the want of copper money, agreed to send a sufficient
quantity to Vizagapatam by the first opportunity for the use of the three
factories and that they be directed to endeavour to get it coined there.
MadPC47. P/240/11. p. 262
Minute May 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC48. P/240/11. p. 298
Minute June 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC49. P/240/11. p. 311
Minute July 1753
An order having been made in
consultation the 28th May for sending a quantity of copper to the
Northern Settlements, the President now lays before the Board, as entered
hereafter, a calculate of the produce in the mint of the plate copper received
this season from Europe, whereby it appears that by coining it into dubs the
Company will suffer a loss of two pagodas three fanams per candy,
notwithstanding which the Board are of opinion that it would even be more
eligible the Company should sustain this loss than that the investments to the
northward should be subjected to any difficulties for want of copper money
which, as appears by the advices from thence, is likely to be the case unless a
supply be sent. It is therefore agreed that ten candy of copper (which is thought
sufficient for a present supply) be delivered into the mint to be coined and
sent to the three Northern Settlements that they be invoiced at the invoice
price of the copper, with charges of coinage and that the gentlemen there be
directed not to issue them at a cheaper rate if it can be avoided, which, from
the present scarcity, there is reason to hope may be effected.
p. 317 has an account of the
coinage of one candy of copper into Vizagapatam Dubbs.
MadPC50. P/240/11. p. 381
Minute July 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC51. P/240/11. p. 403
Minute August 1753
The mint was fully occupied
in coining treasure from Europe and this prevented the coining of the copper
dubs so:
Resolved that sixty candy of
copper be sent to Vizagapatam on the Winchesea and that the gentlemen there be
directed to get it coined and supply Mr Westcott at Ingeram and Mr Andrews at
Bandarmalanka with a due proportion of the dubs.
MadPC52. P/240/11. p. 444, 453 & 456
Minutes August 1753
Edward Edwards stated that
the low fineness of silver rupees was due to low standard Mexico dollars and
provided an account of the assays. The Board were not satisfied and drafted a
letter asking for more explanation.
MadPC53. P/240/11. p. 488
Minute August 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC54. P/240/11. p. 583
Minute September 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC55. P/240/11. p. 620
Minute October 1753
As Nabob Mahommed Mohun
Cawn’s reasons for refusing to permit our coining dubs at Vizagapatam appear
(by his letter to Mr Pigot) to proceed rather from his apprehensions of the
offending French than that it would otherwise be disagreeable to him, the
President is desired to write him a letter and ‘tis agreed that Mr Pigot be directed
to do so likewise, acquainting him that, as we observe his granting the
permission to coin dubs at Vizagapatam may be attended with some inconvenience
to him, we will not press for it, but desire he will not take umbrage at our
doing it for the immediate use of our own settlements only, without his leave,
from whence no ill consequences are likely to arise.
MadPC56. P/240/11. p. 702
Minute October 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC57. P/240/11. p. 743
Minute November 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
MadPC58. P/240/11. p. 768
Minute December 1753
Linga Chittee having been
ordered in the year 1752 to coin a certain quantity of Madras Dodoes and
Cuddalore cash and to issue them at the usual currency…
MadPC59. P/240/11. p. 795
Minute December 1753
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
Index for 1754
P/240/12
MadPC60. P/240/12. p. 99
Minute January 1754
Thomas Saunders Esq, mint
master…
Index for 1755
P/240/13
MadPC61. P/240/13. p. 47
Minute 30th
January 1755
Agreeable to order of
consultation the 28th December, the Assay Master’s calculate of the
coinage of copper into Doodoos is now laid before the Board, whereby it appears
that at the present weight of the doodoo, which is 5 dwt 12 grains, the Company
would lose Pags 21-23-16 on the coinage of one candy of copper, valuing it at
the average price of the last sale, being Pags 80-34-56, but that by reducing
the weight of the doodoo to 4 dw (four pennyweights) the Company will neither
lose nor gain.
Ordered that one candy of
copper be coined into Doodoos of four pennyweights, and if any difficulties
should arise in the issuing them as currency, that then they be sent to the
Negrais, where they are much wanted.
MadPC62. P/240/13. p. 84
Minute 27th
February 1755
George Pigot Esq, Mint
Master…
He was also Governor &
President of Fort St George
MadPC63. P/240/13. p. 349
Minute 28th July
1755
Agreeable to resolution of
the last consultation, Mr Edward Edwards, the Assay Master, is called before
the Board and asked whether he had well considered of and would comply with the
order of the Board to instruct one of the Company’s servants in the art of
assaying, to which he replies that he has fully reflected thereon but still
persists in an absolute refusal to comply therewith. He is thereupon ordered to
withdraw. The Board considering the necessity that somebody should be made
capable of undertaking the mint in case of any accident to Mr Edwards and that
teaching that art could not prejudice him in the least degree in his just emolument,
but on the contrary might be of great service, especially as he labours under
so bad a state of health, in relieving him of part of the burthen of the
employ, ther Board cannot help considering so peremptory a refusal as a mark of
the greatest obstinacy and disobedience, more particularly as their resolution
was founded on express orders from the Company. It is therefore agreed that Mr
Edwards be suspended from the Honble Company’s service and that he deliver over
the charge of his employ the last of next month, together with the Company’s
house in which he lives and all utensils and things belonging to the mint unto
Mr Wm Perceval who, from the knowledge he already has of the art of assaying
and the instruction that may be gathered from the late Mr Foxall’s papers in
his possession, some of which contain particular directions and observations
thereon, thinks he shall be able by that time to qualify himself to undertake
the conducting that branch, and Mt Alexander Dalrymple is appointed his assistant
therein.
MadPC64. P/240/13. p. 382
Minute 18th
August 1755
Mr Edwards having been
suspended the service for his disobedience of orders, as he has now
acknowledged his fault in a suitable manner and promised a better behaviour for
the future:
Agreed that he be restored
to his employ of Assay Master, and that Mt Alexander Dalrymple be placed under
him to learn the art of Assaying.
p.387 is Mr Edward’s letter
of apology
Index for 1756
P/240/14
MadPC65. P/240/14. p. 99
Minute 28th
February 1756
The copper doodoos and cash
lately coined for the use of this settlement and Ft David not being sufficient,
agreed that ten candies more of copper be delivered to the mint to be coined in
the same manner as the last.
MadPC66. P/240/14. p. 209
Minute dated 25th
May 1756
The silver mint being
greatly confined and rendered incommodious by a part of the ground belonging to
it being lately added to the new barracks and there being a house and godown
contiguous to the mint belonging to the late Coja Petrus Uscan, an Armenian
deceased, one of which godowns has for sometime past been rented for the use of
the mint, which might be rendered very commodious if the whole were added to
it. And the Honble Court of Directors in their commands of 23rd
August 1751 having been pleased to direct that such Armenians as possessed
houses in the White Town, should dispose of them to European Protestants –
Ordered that the Secretary give notice to Coja Petrus’s executors to sell the
said house and godowns by public outcry at the Seagate as well as another house
belonging to the estate of the said Petrus, situated in Choultry Gate Street,
within three months from this day.
Ordered that the house and
godowns above mentioned contiguous to the silver mint be purchased at the
outcry for the Company.
MadPC67. P/240/14. p. 394
Minute, dated 14th
August 1756
The President acquaints the
Board that agreeable to resolution of Consultation the 25th May, the
house adjoining to the mint godowns in Choultry Gate Street belonging to the
estate of Coja Petrus Uscan, an Armenian deceased, having been put up at outcry
at the Seagate the 12th instant, was purchased by the Secretary for
the Company at the price of one thousand and ten pagodas – Ordered that when
the proper conveyances are executed, the said sum be paid out of cash to the
executors of the said Coja Petrus Uscan.
MadPC68. P/240/14. p. 574
Minute, dated 6th
November 1756
Ordered that ten candy of
copper be coined into Doodoos on the terms of the former coinage
Index for 1757
P/240/15
MadPC69. P/240/15. p. 199
Minute. 30th May
1757
Thirty two pagodas twenty
four fanams (32-24) are now paid to the President as Mint Master being the
balance of current pagodas due to him on the April mint account.
Index for 1758
P/240/16
MadPC70. P/240/16. p.25
Minute of the Madras
Council, dated 25th January 1758
The President represents to
the Board that notwithstanding Mr Edward Edwards the Assay Master had been
suspended from the Company’s services in the year 1755 for refusing to instruct
one of the Company’s servants in the art of assaying, but was again restored
upon a proper submission and promise to teach Mr Dalrymple, yet he has ever
since under various pretences delayed giving him any insight or instruction in
that art. That he (the President) thereupon sent for Mr Edwards yesterday and
enquired into his reasons for thus evading the performance of his duty &
promise, and desired he would not give any further cause of complaint on that
account, in answer to which he desired to be excused from instructing anyone
until he should hear from his friends in England and persisted in his refusal
notwithstanding he (the President) represented to him the consequences that
might ensue. The minutes of consultation of the year 1755 relative to Mr Edwards
are produced and read. The Board are of opinion that Mr Edwards repeated
contempt of orders though founded on express directions from the Company, ought
not to be passed over, as the good of the service requires that the authority
of this Board over all the Company’s servants under this Presidency be
maintained, and to that end it is agreed that Mr Edward Edwards be suspended
from the Honble Company’s service and Mr John Pybus is appointed Assay Master
in his stead and Mr Alexander Dalrymple his assistant.
Mr Edwards is thereupon
called before the Board and acquainted with the foregoing resolution and
ordered to deliver over the charge of the mint utensils to Mr Pybus.
MadPC71. P/240/16. p.30
Minute of the Madras
Council, dated 31st January 1758
Account of the produce of
the mint customs but no details
MadPC72. P/240/16. p.69
Minute, dated 7th
March 1758
Letter from Mr Edward
Edwards as Assay Master. States that he wants to do the best job he can.
MadPC73. P/240/16. p.125
Minute, dated 10th
May 1758
The president acquaints the
Board that the Mint Contractor objects to the Dollars received from Bengal,
alledging that they turn out much worse than their usual standard which should
be viz: Mexico 3 dwts and Pillar 4 Dwt worse than standard.
Ordered that the silver be
assayed by the Assay Master & reported.
MadPC74. P/240/16. p.134
Minute, dated 20th
May 1758
Letter from Mr John Pybus,
Assay Master, read as entered hereafter, containing his report of the assay of
the bullion in the Treasury, whereby it appears that the Pillar Dollars turn
out 5 dwts and the round or Mexico Dollars 5˝ dwts worse than standard.
Ordered that the bullion be
delivered to the minters at the above mentioned assays, being the true value,
and that the remaining part of those Dollars from which the assays were cut as
well as a few of the other dollars promiscuously taken from the rest, be sent
home by the first ship advising the Court of Directors thereof, and requesting
that they will be pleased every year to have the silver they send out assayed
in the Tower and transmit us the report thereof for our guidance.
MadPC75. P/240/16. p.184
Minute 17th July
1758
The difficulties of
procuring pagodas being great, the shroffs having secreted their gold under
apprehensions of the French since the loss of Fort St David, which has
occasioned rupees to fall in their price and as the disbursements for the
current expenses of the settlement are made chiefly in pagodas, and Cheppermall
Chitty offering to buy the amount of eighty thousand pagodas worth of rupees
payable half in ready money and half in thirty days, agreed to accept this
offer at the current price of three hundred and eighty four rupees for one
hundred pagodas, amounting to three hundred and seven thousand two hundred
rupees (307,200).
MadPC76. P/240/16. p.237
Minute, dated 13th
September 1758
Letter from Mr John Pybus,
Assay Master, read as entered hereafter, representing that he has lately
discovered a fraud in the mint committed by one Anantyah Chitty, a shroff who
has frequently brought gold to be coined, giving an account of the manner in
which the said fraud was discovered and subjoining thereto the confession and
declaration of three of the mint people who were concerned with him, adding
that one of the brothers of the said Anantyah Chitty has been secured as well
as the effects found in his house (a list of which accompanies the said letter)
and the parcel of gold he brought to the mint to be coined.
MadPC77. P/240/16. p.240
Minute, dated 13th
September 1758
Letter from Mr John Pybus
read as entered hereafter, requesting permission of passage to England on the
Grantham for his family, consisting of Mrs Pybus, her daughter Ann, one man and
one women servant. Granted.
MadPC78. p.253-258 – detailed letter of the fraud with the
confessions etc.
MadPC79. P/240/16. p.442
Minute, dated 5th
December 1758
The assay master had sent a
letter detailing the process used for managing gold going through the mint (see
below).
…A question arising hereon
who shall be answerable in case the merchants gold shall appear to have been
exchanged or debased in the mint, the Board are of opinion that the Mint Master
is answerable for the frauds of the mint servants, and the President, as Mint
Master, does undertake to be answerable accordingly…
The Board resolved that a
piece of the gold submitted should be saved and another assay should be
conducted at the end of minting and compared with the first sample. Any
difference would reveal fraud.
MadPC80. P/240/16. p.450
Letter from John Pybus to
Madras Government, dated 5th December 1758
Conformable to a minute of
consultation the 13th September last, wherein I am directed to lay
before the Board an account of the proofs of the coinage of gold, I now present
you with the following particulars relating to that business as it has been
conducted (by the best information I can get) ever since the first
establishment of a mint viz:
A merchant brings his gold
either in cake or bar to the mint to be assayed and delivers it to the mint
Dubash to carry to the Assay Master who gives direct ions for a muster to be
taken of it, which is done by a goldsmith constantly attending for that purpose
at the Assay Office. In the presence of the merchant and the mint Dubash, a
muster being taken, the mint Dubash tyes the bar or cake of gold up in a bag
and seals it with the Assay Master’s seal in his custody and delivers the bag
so sealed to the merchant who owns the gold. The goldsmith then flats the
muster taken by him and cuts it in small pieces which he delivers to the mint
Dubash, who wraps them up in a piece of paper, whereon is wrote in Malabar the
merchant’s name to whom the gold belonged, the weight of the bar or cake from
whence the muster was taken, and the fineness the merchant estimated it at
himself. This paper he brings to the Assay Master, who then proceeds to the
weighing and preparing the assay for the furnace, which being done, he delivers
it to the refine who, having finished with it, the Assay Master reweighs the
assay and writes on the paper that contained the muster, the out turn of it,
which he gives to the mint Dubash who acquaints the merchant therewith. If the
merchant intends coining his gold into pagodas, he acquaints the Assay Master
who, having calculated the proportion of alloy, or fine gold, necessary to be
mixed with it according to the fineness, sends the mint Dubash and the mint
Conicoply accompanied by the merchant, to the gold mint to see the melting of
it, which is done by goldsmiths employed by the Mint Undertakers for that
purpose. A muster of the mass when melted is taken by the mint Dubash, who puts
the remainder into a pot and seals it with the Assay Master’s seal leaving the
pot in the mint under charge of the Goldsmiths. The muster being brought to be
assayed, the same process is repeated as already described with respect to the
muster first taken of the cake. If this muster turns out to be of the proper
touch, the Assay Master gives directions for the coinage.
Index for 1759
P/240/17
MadPC81. P/240/17. Minute, 8th May 1759, p.113
The supply of treasure
received from Bengal being near expended, Resolved that the five chests of
silver received by each of the ships Rhoda, Tilbury, Shaftesbury and Britannia
with directions to forward the same to China, be detained and delivered to the
Mint to be coined into rupees as soon as possible.
MadPC82. P/240/17. Minute, 19th June 1759, p. 203
Results of the assay (by
John Pybus) of the Bengal coins showing that 10 thousand Bengal rupees would
produce 10159-15 Arcot rupees.
Index for 1760
P/240/18
P/240/18. p. 82
MadPC83. Minute dated 5th February 1760
Letter from the assay master
(Edward Edwards) concerning a dispute with the mint master (seems to be an
assistant to the President named Josias Dupree) about some gold. They felt they
required more information.
MadPC84. p. 89 – Vey long letter from Mr Edwards complaining about
the minting of gold
MadPC85. p. 110 – minute about Mr Dupree’s reply which is ordered to
lie on the table
MadPC86. p. 176 – Mr Edwards ordered to reply to Mr Dupree
MadPC87. p. 198 – Mr Edwards reply received – ordered to lie on the
table
MadPC88. p. 253 – Some complaints about the speed at which Mr
Edwards returned the assays of gold brought to him. He explained why and was
supported by the dubash. Asked to produce a monthly report of the gold assayed
and how quickly the report was returned.
MadPC89. p. 259 – detailed letter from the complainant, Mr Ross
p. 398 – list of the
merchants who took gold to be assayed in the month of September. Many with the
surname Chitty.
p. 516 - list of the
merchants who took gold to be assayed in the month of October. Many with the
surname Chitty.
p. 535 - list of the
merchants who took gold to be assayed in the month of November. Many with the
surname Chitty.
Index for 1761
P/240/19
Nothing of interest. Monthly
assay reports.
Index for 1762
P/240/20
Nothing of interest. Monthly
assay reports but only to February
Index for 1763
P/240/21
Nothing of interest. Monthly
assay reports.
Index for 1764
P/240/22
Nothing of interest. Monthly
assay reports
Index for 1765
P/240/23
MadPC90. P/240/23. Minute, 11th March 1765, p. 114
The President lays before
the Board, as entered hereafter, an account of the produce of the mint customs
for the last year ending 31st December, compared with the preceding
year, whereby there appears a decrease in the last year of one thousand &
fifty eight pagodas & fort cash (1050-40) owing chiefly to a late
prohibition of gold being exported from Batavia.
MadPC91. P/240/23. p. 118
details of the customs
collected for 1764 & 65
Index for 1766
P/240/24
MadPC92. P/240/24. Minute, 17th March 1766, p.105
Letter from Mr Cha’s Smith,
Assay Master, read as entered hereafter representing that on examining the
Arcot and Patna rupees received from Bengal which he was ordered to assay, he
finds them mixed with so many other different sorts that it is impossible to
report them with any exactitude and that they were to be separated and each
kind distinctly assayed. The Bengal standard is so precarious that no
dependence could even then be placed on their true touch.
Tho’ an absolute standard
cannot be ascertained by melting down two or three of every sort yet it will be
of great assistance to the supracargoes.
Agreed therefore that after
the dispatch the shroffs be employed in sorting the rupees received from Bengal
& that every sort be assayed.
MadPC93. P/240/24. Minute, 26th March 1766, p.264
The Assay Master delivers in
(as entered hereafter) his report on the different sorts of silver received
from Bengal for China.
Ordered that copies thereof
be transmitted to the supracargoes.
The list of different
rupees:
Sicca rupees better than
standard
New Arcot rupees ditto
Unstamped pieces supposed to
be Arcot rupees
Unstamped pieces supposed to
be Sicca rupees
Banaras rupees & Pacific
Sicca ditto ditto
Patna rupees of different
sorts
Arcot rupees coined in
Bengal
Bengal rupees of different
sorts
Country Arcot rupees
Old Pondicherry rupees
Surat rupees worse than
standard
Bad Banaras rupees
Index for 1767
P/240/25
MadPC94. P/240/25. p.20
Minute. 22nd
January 1767
The President [Robert
Palk] acquaints the Board that he purposes embarking on the Lord Camden for
England and delivers over to Charles Bouchier Esq. the Charge of the mint…
Second volume missing for
the following pages
p. 407
p. 409
p. 909
p. 913
p. 919
Index for 1768
P/240/26
Nothing of interest
P/240/27. p. 645
Index for 1769
P/240/28
Nothing of interest
Index for 1770
P/240/29
Nothing of interest
Index for 1771
P/240/31
Nothing of interest
Index for 1772
P/240/33
MadPC95. P/240/33. p. 280
General letter from
Masulipatam, dated 28th April 1772
No 103 from the Chief and
Council at Mazulipatam dated 28 Ultimo enclosing their accounts of February and
desiring to be supplied to the amount of four thousand pagodas in Fanams as the
settlement is put to great inconvenience for want of small currency.
Ordered that a sufficient
number of Northern Rupees now in the Treasury be issued and coined into fanams
for the use of Masulipatam and that bills be granted on the Chief’s Council for
the amount whenever sums shall be offered.
MadPC96. P/240/33. p. 499
General letter from
Masulipatam dated 18th June 1772
No 135 from the Chief and
Council at Mazulipatam dated the 18th instant enclosing indents for
stores, medicines and cloth, representing the inconvenience they are put to for
small currency & desiring that in addition to the Fanams they before
requested we will furnish them with 50 Candies of copper to be coined into
Dubbs.
The fanams have been some
time in readiness & would have been sent but for want of a conveyance.
Ordered that the copper do
accompany them by the first opportunity that may offer & that the indents
be complied with as far as the fever articles can be spared.
Index for 1773
P/240/35
MadPC97. P/240/35. p. 248
General letter from
Masulipatam to Madras Government, dated 22nd February 1773
…requesting a supply of
thirty candies of copper for Dubbs…
Our warehouse being entirely
cleared of the copper which was brought from England last season, we shall be
unable to supply the gentlemen at Mazulipatam with any till the arrival of the
first ships of this year, when we propose sending them the quantity they may
want.
MadPC98. P/240/35. p. 325
General letter from
Masulipatam, dated 23rd [May?] 1773
…advising that in their
letter of 22nd February they acquainted us of the great demand they
had for dubs, that they have since been obliged to send a considerable quantity
to Ellore, and also a supply of 500 pagodas worth of fanams which has increased
their [misfortune] so greatly that they request if we cannot spare them all the
copper which they before wrote for, to coin into Dubbs, that we will send them
to the amount of 2000 pagodas in Fanams assigning the reason for the great
scarcity of Dubbs.
We have already informed the
gentlemen at Mazulipatam that we were unable to send them any copper until the
arrival of the Europe ships. Their request for fanams is ordered to be complied
with as soon as the quantity they are in want of can be procured.
MadP99. P/240/35. p. 330
General letter from
Vizagapatam, dated 25th March 1773
…requesting a supply of
copper for coining Dubbs.
Our warehouse being entirely
cleared of the copper sent from England last season, the Chief and Council wait
the arrival of the ships from Europe when we will furnish them with the
quantity they want.
MadPC99. P/240/36. p.613
General letter from
Masulipatam to Madras Government, read 16th July 1773
…Representing to [us] that
they were at the latter end of the last year and the beginning of the present, greatly
distressed for small currency and the fanams with which we have supplied them
not passing except in the neighbourhood of Masulipatam, they shall have
occasion for a considerable quantity of copper for the coinage of dubs, which
are current all over the country, requesting to be supplied with 250 or 300
candies of copper, and advising that by the rate at which they pass in
Masulipatam, every candy will turn out in the mint upwards of 90 Star Pgs.
Index for 1774
P/240/37
Nothing of interest
Index for 1775
P/240/39
MadPC100. P/240/39. p. 245
From Vizagapatam to Madras
Government. Dated 12th February 1775
… In our former letters we
requested a supply of copper for dubs and as our investment will benefit by the
coinage of ten candy, we are to request your Honor etc will send us this
quantity by the [Lively]
Ordered that a supply of ten
candies of copper be sent to Vizagapatam.
MadPC101. P/240/40. p. 1013
From Vizagapatam to Madras
Government, dated 23rd September 1775
…We are to request your
Honor etc will be pleased to send us by return of the Snow George a further
supply of 50 candy of copper as there is a demand for this article at this
place…
Index for 1776
P/240/41
MadPC102. P/240/41. p. 273
From Masulipatam, dated 30th
April 1776
…As there is a great demand
for Dubbs here at present & but a small quantity of copper, remaining in
stores, we request Your Lordship etc will be pleased to take an early
opportunity of furnishing us with a supply of that article.
Index for 1777
P/240/43
Nothing
Index for 1778
P/240/45
MadPC103. P/240/45. p. 472
Letter from Madras
Government to Ingeram, dated 13th April 1778
…We approve of Mr Davidson’s
proposal for importing a quantity of copper at Coringa to be coined into dubs
for the use of the investment at Ingeram & have in consequence directed one
hundred candies of copper to be sent to you for this purpose, by the first
conveyance. You will therefore carry the same into execution in the manner he
has recommended.
MadPC104. p/240/46. p. 904
Letter from Madras Government
to Ingeram, dated 21st July 1778
We have directed the Chief
and Council at Masulipatam to prepare and send to you the articles for coining
for which you requested in your letter of 26th ultimo to be supplied
with…
1779 No Index
Index for 1780
P/240/50
No index
1780 P/240/51
No
Index
Index for 1781 P/240/52
MadPC105. P/240/52. P. 450.
Letter
from the Assay Master (James Taylor) to Madras Government, dated 30th
May 1781
Refers
to gold being coined into star pagodas. The gold was initially too brittle and
the pagodas ‘broke to pieces’.
Index for 1782 P/240/54
P/240/54
MadPC106. P/240/54. p. 66
From
Assay Master, James Taylor, to Madras Government, dated 25th January
1782
Some
repairs and alterations being necessary at the mint as well as for the purpose
of securing the bullion as for the accommodation of the workmen, and the place
allotted for the coinage of silver being too circumscribed, where expedition is
required. I take the liberty of representing the same to your Lordship etc.
Reply:
above letter to be sent to the Committee of Works in order that the place
allocated for coinage be surveyed to ascertain the repairs necessary to be
made, and further that they may be desired to report to the Board their opinion
of the accommodation required for the coinage of silver.
There
are a few more entries about coining gold
Index for 1783 P/240/56
Nothing
of interest
MadPC107. Index for 1784 P/240/58
A
couple of entries about gold coinage and deficiencies in the gold deliberated.
Index for 1785 P/240/60
MadPC108. P/240/60. p. 124
From
James Taylor, assay master, to Madras Government, dated 31st January
1785
The
sheds at the silver mint being in a very bad state, so as to render the
Company’s property very insecure whilst the coinage is going on, I think it
necessary to represent the same to your Lordship etc and to request that a
survey may be made and the necessary repairs done with all possible expedition.
Ordered
that the Committee of works be desired to have a survey made and the necessary
repairs done at the mint.
MadPC109. P/240/61. p. 1373
From
the assay master, James Taylor, to Madras Government, dated 15th
December 1785
I
understand that many people who are possessed of filed pagodas wish to have them
recoined but previous to their sending them to the mint they want to know the
expense that will attend it. The charge of coinage is 11˝ per thousand, out of
which five is brought to the credit of the Company and the remaining 6˝ per
thousand goes to the mint contractors and to defray the expenses of the
coinage. By the late orders of Government I am directed to give the value of
the gold contained in filed & broken pagodas whereby the Company bears the
expense of re-coining the filed pagodas. I therefore beg to be informed in case
of large quantities being sent to the mint, whether it is the intention of
Government to bear the whole expense of re-coining, or only relinquish their
own portion of it. Whatever their determination it will be necessary to give
notice of it to the publick.
Index for 1786 P/240/62
MadPC110. p. 1055 – about the insecure
state of the mint
Board
of Trade appears to be established in this year. Responsible for Norther
Circars and coinage there.
Index for 1787 P/240/66
Nothing
Index for 1788 P/241/4
MadPC111. p/241/9. p. 3148
From
James Taylor (assay master) to Madras Government, dated 28th
November 1788
I
have received your letter of the 19th instant desiring that I would
get ready the necessary apparatus for coining of dubs at Ganjam, in reply to
which you will be pleased to inform Government that we have no chops in the
mint for coining that species of dubs which are in circulation at Ganjam, but I
understand that they may be had at Masulipatam or Vizagapatam. I had directed the
man who makes the chops for the mint to cut chops from some Ganjam dubs which
were transmitted to me from that place but he found them so much effaced that
he could not effect it.
Index for 1789 P/241/10
MadPC112. P/241/10. p. 195-204
Letter
from James Taylor (assay master) to Madras Government, dated 16th
January 1789
In
obedience to the orders of the Honble the Court of Directors contained in their
general letter dated 31st July 1787 (extract of which has been sent
me by Mr Secretary White), I have the honor to lay before a statement with
specimens of sundry copper coins current upon this Coast, together with
impressions thereof struck from the die in lead, so as to enable the Honble
Company to have the coinage executed in England, should such a measure appear
to them eligible.
I
have made such remarks in the statement as I have been enabled to do from the
information I have received from the [Chiefships] as well as from Cheppermall
Chitty, the mint contractor, and as the acting chief and council of Masulipatam
have written pointedly against the introduction of any new species of copper
coin, a copy of their letter to me on the subject accompanies this address.
With
respect to the dudoos intended for the use of Madras and its environs, I conceive
that the orders of Government will be necessary to enforce their circulation,
and in case His Highness the Nabob could be prevailed upon to give orders in
the Arcot country (where doodoos of a different species are coined) for the
introduction of this new coin, or doodoos to be coined in England with his own
sytamp upon them, an additional quantity of about fifty candies would be
annually required.
MadPC113. Letter to James Taylor from
Masulipatam, dated 8th January 1789
We
have received your letter of the 1st ultimo with its enclosure and
have endeavoured to collect information how far the propositions contained in
the extract from the orders of the Honble Court of Directors might be
practicable or otherwise.
Having
already had occasion to address Government on this subject in a letter dated 14th
September last, we do not find any reason, upon the strictest enquiry, to alter
the opinion we had then the honor of offering, and it is, therefore,
unnecessary for us to repeat the same arguments at present, as the above letter
may be referred to, and we think it will thereby appear impracticable to fix
any standard value between copper coin and those of gold and silver, as also if
such value were to be fixed and insisted upon, it would probably tend to diminish,
instead of increasing the demand of copper in this part of the country.
The
quantity of copper that has been coined at Masulipatam, Ingeram and by the
Dutch at Juggernaickpattam within the last 20 years, we are convinced, if the
whole had remained in circulation within the Company’s districts dependent on
this settlement have so far exceeded the quantity of copper coin necessary,
that it must either have fallen much lower when compared with the value of gold
and silver coins then it has done, or have excluded gold and silver from
circulation altogether, or in a very great degree, either of which would, no
doubt, have been very detrimental to the country and must have long ago put a
stop to the demands of copper. If any new copper coin were to be introduced in
a considerable quantity, it must, we think, have the same effect, in a greater
or lesser degree. To give this new coin circulation, the present coin must, we
apprehend, be either called in or prohibited. In the former case the Company
would have a superfluous stock of the old coin upon their hands and in the
latter, the possessors, whoever they might be, would be under the necessity of
offering what they might have on their hands, to sale at a low price, which
would tend equally to the ruin or loss of individuals and to the exclusion of
all other copper from the market. It is a circumstance very problematical in
our opinion, if it were even practicable, to introduce the circulation of the
new coin within the Company’s own possessions. It could possibly be forced into
the currency of the other neighbouring countries dependent on the Soubah,
particularly where the present coin pass current and if it were found to be
impracticable, this must be attended with disadvantage to the Company, as it
would tend very much to prevent the inland demand for our coin, which at
present passes duty free as coming under the description of money. This also
enables us to explain by what means it has happened that so much more copper
has been coined than what is necessary or could have been even admitted into
circulation, within the Company’s own possessions. The consumption of copper as
coin cannot be very rapid but it is much increased by the great use made by the
natives of brass and copper vessels and utensils and, we may add, for the
casting of guns, so that any circumstance that might impede or prevent our
copper coin, which is much used for the above purposes, from finding its way
inland, must prevent the Company’s copper from being so easily disposed of, the
greatest part of what is carried inland being first coined into Dubs, and we
are led therefore to conclude that it might not only be very difficult to
introduce a new species of coin instead of the present one, but that it would
be attended with disadvantages and that it is better in all respects to adopt
that coin for which there is a demand in the territories of the Soubah and
other neighbouring country.
The
decrease in the demand for copper within these last few years and the
diminution in the value of the copper coin when compared with gold and silver
may, we think, be attributed principally to the large importations by the
English, Dutch and Danes, which, if greater than the consumption, will, of
course, overstock the market and we are also informed of another circumstance
which may have contributed to the same cause. It is said that many individuals
in the Soubah’s country formerly had private mints of their own for the coinage
of copper, and that such persons used to collect the old dubs, which, having
been long in circulation had lost a part of their comparative value, and to
recoin them at the original standard, by which they gained a profit to
themselves. But that about two years ago the Soubah’s ministers called all
private coiners to a very severe account under pretence that they took a profit
to themselves which belonged properly to the Circar. This is said to have put
an end to the above mentioned practice and to have considerably lessened the
demand for copper coin to the westward. Dubs sold about ten years ago at the
rate of about 184 for one Madras pagoda, notwithstanding which, individuals
still find it convenient to send the greatest part of the copper imported at
Masulipatam to the Company’s mint, which is a proof that dubs have still an
advantage in sale over copper in any other form. The value of copper coin has,
we believe, always fluctuated on this part of the Coast, as we do not otherwise
perceive any reason for its never having been received in payment for the
Company's revenue and for Government
having forced its being issued to the troops on account of their pay.
We
find ourselves unable to furnish you with an account of the weight of copper
coin in avoirdupois grains, no such weights being in our mint, but as your
dubs, newly struck, with your other specimens in lead, and the same number of
half dubs are herewith enclosed, it will enable you to weigh them in the mint
at the Presidency and in the meantime we can only inform you that each dub
weighs 36 Chennams or four Madras pagodas, which is the standard of our mint.
Ordered
that the statement & specimens of copper coins and impressions thereof
mentioned in the above letter be forwarded to England a number in the packet by
the ship now under dispatch.
The
Board remark that as his Highness the Nabob was on a late occasion prevailed
upon not to coin a new pagoda of the same standard with the currency of Madras,
it would be improper in the present instance to interfere in the copper money
current in his country and they are further of opinion that various other
inconveniences might arise therefrom.
P/241/15.
p. 2946/7
P/241/15.
p. 3044/7
Index for 1790
P/241/16
MadPC114. P/241/16. p. 413
Resolution, 5th
February 1790
The President recommends and
it is accordingly agreed that Mr James Landon be appointed Assay Master in the
room of Mr James Taylor…
MadPC115. P/241/17. p. 510
Letter from James Landon
(assay master) to Madras Government, dated 16th February 1790
On taking charge of my employ,
I find that the offices belonging to the mint house are in so ruinous a state
as to be totally unfit for use, the roofs of some having fallen in and many of
the doors and windows decayed. As the house will not be habitable without them,
I hope your Honour will be pleased to order them to be repaired, which I
imagine can be done at a moderate expense, as they are small and but barely
sufficient for the purpose for which they were originally erected.
Ordered that the chief
engineer do survey and report the present state of the mint house and offices
and the expense that will be incurred in putting them in a proper state of
repair.
MadPC116. P/241/17. p. 528
Letter from James Taylor
(assay master) to Madras Government, dated 1st January 1790
I have the honor of laying
before you an account coinage of one box of gold received from Calcutta per the
Goddard, amounting to pagodas 54,225–15 f–75 c
Ordered that a copy of the
above mentioned account coinage be forwarded to the Right Honorable the
Governor General in Council agreeable to his request.
MadPC117. P/241/17. p. 692
From Patrick Ross (Chief
Engineer) to Madras Government, dated 4th March 1790
Agreeable to your directions
I have the honor to lay before you an estimate of the repairs applied for by the
Assay Master.
There then follows a
detailed breakdown of all the work and then an abstract:
Offices
Repairs, bricklayer work pagodas 42-2-31
Carpeters pagodas
93-31-60
131-34-11
Alterations and additions
for the offices 93-32-17
229-24-28
House
Repairs 25-39-4
Total 255-21-32
Agreed that the Committee of
works be furnished with copy of the above estimate and instructions to give the
necessary orders for repairing the silver mint agreeably thereto
MadPC118. P/241/17. p. 725
To James Landon (assay
master) from Madras Government, dated 11th March 1790
You will be pleased to
receive herewith 50,000 gold mohurs which are to be coined into current pagodas
and an account of the produce laid before Government as soon as it can be prepared
MadPC119. P/241/18. p. 1245
From James Landon (assay
master) to Madras Government, dated 22nd April 1790
I beg leave to enclose and
indent for stationary which is much wanted as none has been supplied for the
present year and there was not a single article in the office at the time I
took charge.
There then follows a list of
stationary required
MadPC120. P/241/18. p. 1611
From Assay Master (Landon)
to Madras Government, dated 11th June 1790
I beg leave to enclose the account
coinage of the fifty thousand gold mohurs which accompanied your letter to me
of the 13th March
MadPC121. P/241/18. p. 1633
From the assay master to
Madras Government, dated 12th March 1790
An account of the coinage of
25,000 sicca gold mohurs into pagodas (107,883- -50)
MadPC122. P/241/18. p. 1640
To assay master (Landon)
from Madras Government, dated 14th June 1790
You will be pleased to
receive herewith 112,665 Spanish Dollars which are to be coined into Arcot
rupees and an account of the produce laid before Government as soon as it can
be prepared.
MadPC123. P/241/19. p. 2222
Minute, 24th
August 1790
Mr John Wynch is appointed
to the offices of Assay Master, Upper Searcher at the sea gate and Deputy Sea
Customir in the room of Mr Landon..
MadPC123. P/241/20. p. 2470
From Mr Wynch to Madras
Government, dated 15th September 1790
I shall leave Madras in a
very few days, request to know to whom I shall deliver over charge of the mint.
If the Honble Board have no objection, I will leave Mr Greenhill in charge as
he has acted for me during my late indisposition.
Reply
The secretary is directed to
inform Mr Wynch in reply to the above letter that Mr Greenhill may be left in
charge of the mint until further orders.
MadPC124. P/241/20. p. 2519
From Madras Government to Mr
Joseph Greenhill, acting assay master, dated 22nd September 1790
The sum of Star Pagodas 4700
and the sum of pagodas 300 in fanams having been advanced to the Assay Master
in November 1785 for enabling him to carry the intentions of Government into
effect in rectifying abuses relative to the current pagodas of this place, I am
directed to desire that you will, with as little delay as possible, redeliver
the balance, as the sum of 2500 pagodas only has been returned of the amount
advanced.
The following extract of an
advertisement, published in November 1785, will explain more particularly for
what purpose the money was advanced to the Assay Master:
“For the accommodation of
individuals possessing such filed or broken pagodas, the Honble the President
and Council have advanced to the Assay Master 5000 pagodas for the purpose of
exchanging sums not exceeding 10 pagodas for each person and everyone applying
will receive the gold they contain in standard pagodas from the Assay Master
until the sum as advanced by Government is expended, and [as] fast as the
amount of the deficient money, thus exchanged, can be recoined, the Assay
Master has orders to continue to exchange on the aforesaid terms the filed or
broken pagodas, as above described, brought into his office not exceeding the
before mentioned sum of ten pagodas.”
MadPC125. P.241/20. p. 2542
From Mr Wynch (Assay Master)
to Madras Government, dated 22nd September 1790
Government having permitted me
to deliver over charge of the mint to Mr Joseph Greenhill, I herewith enclose
you his receipts:
From J Greenhill dated 21st
September 1790
Received of John Wynch Esq
the sum of one thousand nine hundred and sixty Star Pagodas thirteen fanams and
seventy cash being the balance now remaining of the sum deposited in his hands
as Assay Master to exchange filed pagodas.
Received from John Wynch Esq
Rupees and dubs remaining in
the mint received from Masulipatam
No 1 15 parcels containing 41
rupees
No. 2 Dubs 26
Half Dubs 11
Rupees and dubs remaining in
the mint received from Vizagapatam
No. 1 11 parcels containing 33
rupees
No. 2 Dubs 9
Half Dubs 3
Rupees and dubs remaining in
the mint, received from Ganjam
No. 1 11 parcels melted silver containing 44 rupees
No. 2 7 parcels containing 21
ditto
1 ditto 3
half ditto
1 ditto 3
quarter ditto
1 ditto 3
two annas
1 ditto 3
one ditto
No. 3 Dubs 3
Half Dubs 3
Cuddalore
6 Double fanams
6 single ditto
6 10 Cash
6 5 Cash
6 2 Cash
Tanjore
3 Gold Tagada fanams of
Manner Coil
3 ditto Shooly fanams,
coined at Negapatam
3 ditto Pore fanams coined
at Tanjore by Mr Sulivan
3 Tanjore double cash
3 ditto ditto
2 ditto ditto
3 Tenevelly copper coins
Nagore & Negapatam
12 Rupees
3 Trankbar Fanams
3 Pondicherry double fanams
3 ditto single ditto
3 Madras double fanams
3 ditto single ditto
3 Pondicherry Ducannis
3 Nagore single cash
3 ditto double ditto
2 ditto ditto
2 ditto single ditto
3 Negapatam [Jelly] cash
Silver & Copper Coins at
Vellore and Amboor
12 Rupees
3 Single Fanams
3 Pice
3 ˝ ditto
3 Ľ ditto
3 1/8 ditto
Received the above from John
Wynch
MadPC126. P/241/20. p. 2545
Minute dated 24th
September 1790
Mr Benjamin Roebuck is appointed
to be Assay Master at this Presidency in the room of Mr John Wynch
MadPC127. P/241/21. p. 3058
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 26th November 1790
You will be pleased to
receive herewith the undermentioned sums in sicca rupees and Spanish Dollars
landed from the sloop Avril, which are to be coined into Arcot rupees, and an
account of the produce of each laid before Government as soon as it can be
prepared.
Sicca Rupees 50,220
Spanish Dollars 26,225
MadPC128. P/241/21. p. 3259
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 13th December 1790
There are some small repairs
wanted at the mint and also some trifling addition for the purpose of a more
speedy coinage. These latter principally consist of a milling furnace and a
stamping wood in each mint.
Ordered
Agreed that the Assay Master
be permitted to make the repairs required at the mint and to procure the
articles which he represents to be necessary, Mr Roebuck having informed the
acting President that the charge on this account would be about pagodas 120.
Index for 1791
P/241/22
MadPC129. P/241/22. p. 60
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 9th January 1791
You will be pleased to
receive herewith sic lacs of sicca rupees (600,000 S. Rs) received from Bengal
per Hawke, which are to be coined into Arcot rupees and an account of the
produce laid before Government as soon as it can be prepared.
MadPC130. P/241/22. p.129
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 12th January 1791
Government being desirous to
expedite the coinage of the treasure arrived and expected from Bengal, and as
it appears in the present confined situation of the mint that the supplies of
silver already received could not be re-coined in less than two months, I am
directed to desire you will make enquiry and report s soon as possible, your
opinion of a proper place for the purpose, with an estimate of the expense
which the Company would incur by putting it in a suitable state.
MadPC131. P/241/22. p.163
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 15th January 1791
Conformably to your
instructions communicated to me by Mr Secretary White under date the 12th
instant, I have the honor to enclose you estimate of the expense of building a
silver mint adjacent to the present one & I do not think it can be executed
for a less sum.
Resolved that the above
mentioned estimate be transmitted to the Military Board with instructions to
refer it for the examination of the Chief Engineer, and to execute the work on
the spot proposed by the Assay Master with as little delay as possible, if the
charges on inspection appear reasonable.
MadPC132. P/241/24. p. 1292
From James Taylor (late
assay master) to Madras Government, dated 26th April 1791
I have the honor of laying before
you an account coinage of filed pagodas 153,372 which were called in and
exchanged in the mint by order of Government, whilst I was Assay Master. The
expense to the Company of re-coining amounts to Pagodas 473,,40,,50
MadPC133. P/241/24. p. 1293
From James Taylor (late
assay master) to Madras Government, dated 29th April 1791
I have the honor to send you
an explanation of the balance of 110 pagodas appearing against me as the late
Assay Master. Chepperall Chitty will pay in twenty two pagodas & twenty three fanams, being the value of
three coins of five pagodas each & three of two and a half, which were
coined by the order of Mr Davidson when Governor and delivered to him. The
remaining eighty eight pagodas were, by Mr Davidson’s order when presiding at
the committee of works, expended in repairing the silver mint, at the time when
there was no contractor for the Company’s works. This money was paid by
Cheppermall Chitty out of the account coinage in his hands & has not been
brought to account, but as these repairs were to my knowledge indispensably
necessary at the time, I trust that you will be pleased to allow the amount to
be placed to the Company’s debit.
Ordered that the Assay
Master do call upon Cheppermall Chitty for that part of the above mentioned
balance of pagodas 110 which Mr Taylor represents he will pay in and that the
remainder of this sum, expended in repairs to the silver mint, be brought to
account in the books of the Assay Master.
In the month of September
last, the acting Assay Master was directed to pay in the balance of money
advanced in 1785 for the purpose of rectifying abuses relative to the current
coin of this place, but as this order has not been complied with, resolved that
the Assay Master be required to pay in the balance with as little delay as
possible, amounting to pagodas 1915,,28,,30, according to the account delivered
in by Mr Taylor.
MadPC134. P/241/24. p. 1305
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 30th April 1791
Letter starts by asking
Roebuck to comply with the order above, then:
I have the directions of the
Honble the Governor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 20th
instant enclosing a letter from the mint Dubash and, in consideration of his
length of service and advanced age, it has been agreed to allow him five
pagodas per month and three pagodas per month to the person who acts as an
assistant to him in discharging the duties of his office at the mint. These
allowances being meant as a reward for long and faithful service are to be continued
during the life only of the present mint Dubash.
MadPC135. P/241/24. p. 1398
Minute dated 13th
May
Read, letter from the Assay
Master (entered in miscellany book No. 285) with accounts coinage of filed pagodas,
reporting that he has paid into cash the balance in his hands and requesting an
advance for the purpose of exchanging filed pagodas.
Ordered to lie on the table.
MadPC136. P/241/24. p. 1426
Minute dated 17th
May 1791
Read letter from the Assay
Master (entered in Miscellany book No. 300), requesting that musters of
different coins transmitted to the Presidency from the subordinates, may be
received into cash.
Ordered accordingly.
MadPC137. P/241/25. p. 2214
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 11th August 1791
I beg leave to enclose to
your Honor in Council a petition of Chepermal Chitty relative to some additions
to the silver mint, which I conceive to be absolutely necessary for the
carrying on the business expeditiously. I do not suppose the expense of them
will exceed 380 pagodas. I therefore hope Your Honor in Council will be pleased
to give the necessary orders for effecting them.
Ordered that the above
letter with the representation therein mentioned be transmitted to the Military
Board, with instructions to prepare an estimate of the proposed additions to
the silver mint, and that they be desired to give the necessary orders for
executing the work with expedition, in case the estimated charges will not
exceed the amount mentioned by the Assay Master, or exceed it but in a trifling
sum
MadPC138. P/241/25. p. 2220
From Madras Government to
the Military Board, dated 13th August 1791
As ordered above
MadPC139. P/241/26. p. 2363
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 27th August 1791
I beg leave to state to you
on Tuesday morning last on my arrival in the fort I was informed that one of
the mint godowns had been broke open and that the work was stopped until I gave
orders what was to be done. I informed the mint contractor that I looked upon
him as responsible for all the treasure in his charge, who could alone know
what particular quantity of treasure was put in particular godowns, that no
loss could fall on the Honble Company on the occasion, but that I would give
every assistance in my power to him in endeavouring to detect the offenders and
in measuring what property might be stolen. I looked at the situation of
godowns and from the report given me am convinced of the following
circumstances: that the door broke open at night was properly secured in the
presence of several people; that the sentinel on duty when the workman went
home between nine and ten O’clock at night, saw the door locked as usual and
examined it; that then the outer door of the yard was locked; that the padlock on
the door of the godown had either been forced off or dexterously picked and
that the lock on the door of the godown had been dexterously picked because the
lock was not spoiled by the operation; that the door of the godown which was
opened was not in the sight of the sentry. Yet, in my opinion it could not have
been picked without his hearing the noise. I desired the mint contractor to
weigh and count the treasure in the godown and see whether there was any
deficiency, and I went to the town major and informed him of the circumstances
which had happened, desiring the sentries who had been on guard during the
night might be confined.
On the whole of the treasure
being weighed and counted, it did not appear that there was any deficiency,
which I attributed to the thieves being disturbed after they had opened the
door.
MadPC140. P/241/26. p.2366
From the Town Major to
Madras Government, dated 30th August 1791
I enclose a letter I have
received from LT Breymann, adjutant of the 14th Hon regiment,
relative to the supposed attempt to rob the mint. Upon going myself to the
mint, I was informed that some persons during the night has taken off the
padlock and picked the large lock which was upon the door of the room where the
silver is usually kept during the night. No mark of violence whatever appeared
upon the door nor was the hasp or staples at all displaced, nor did any mark of
violence appear about it. I did not try the key to see if the lock was injured
or not. Upon examining minutely every part of the mint, I could not observe the
smallest trace of any persons having broken in, tho’ if they had they must have
passed over brick tiles which are very easily broken, but upon a careful
examination I could not perceive a single one had been displaced, which I think
must have been the case if any person had passed over them in the dark, and
more especially if they had been disturbed and obliged to retreat with
precipitation. Upon the whole, I conjecture at the time that it was most
probable some mistake or neglect had happened in fastening the door and that no
attempt had been made. The above circumstances with additional ones of the cash
being all safe, seem to confirm this opinion. The European sentries were
removed and sepoys posted in their room by the particular request of Mr Roebuck
and for the same reason those men who had stood sentry during the night were
ordered into confinement, but upon making the above observations and finding
the money safe, they were immediately released as there did not appear to be
the smallest foundation for supposing any one of them in any degree criminal.
There is then a letter
asking that the Madras Courier should carry a piece exonerating the sentries.
Index for 1792
P/241/30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35
MadPC141. P/241/31 p. 855
Minute, dated 20th
March 1792
…From the Assay Master with
accounts coinage of Dollars 2,306,986 1/16 received from
England
MadPC142. P/241/32 p. 1115
Letter to the assay master
desiring him to coin porto novo pagodas 54,700 into Star Pagodas, dated 17th
April 1792
MadPC143. P/241/ p. 2844
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 5th October 1792
You will be pleased to
receive the following sums which are to be coined into Star Pagodas and Arcot
Rupees and an account of the produce laid before Government as soon as it can
be prepared:
Mysore Pagodas 50,505
Gold Mohurs 60,000
Surat [Shampoo] Rupees
79,980 ˝
MadPC144. P/241/35 p. 3070
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 31st October
I am directed by the Governor
in Council to desire you will explain to him the cause of the present unusual
delay in coining the money delivered to you on the 5th instant, no
part of which has yet been received at the treasury.
MadPC145. P/241/35 p. 3104
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 5th November 1792
I have had the honor of
receiving Mr Secretary Clerk’s letter of the 31st instant and beg
leave to lay before you the following statement of periods employed in the
different processes before the gold was ready to be coined. On 5th
October 50,505 Hydery pagodas were received from the treasury. On the 7th
60,000 gold mohurs. These coins took sorting ‘till the 9th and on
the 10th and 15th they were assayed, mixed and on the 18th
reduced to powder.
With a view of making the
treasure more productive, it was mixed with some [Cottas] Gopaul fanams left of
the last cash received from Tippoo. On trial it was found that a larger
proportion of silver alloy was necessary before the bullion would stand the
hammer and the gold was obliged to be [remitted] and again made into powder
which made it the 28th of last month before the bullion was ready
for coinage.
I hope Your Honor in Council
will be convinced from the above, that the delay which has happened has been
occasioned by causes which could not have been foreseen.
MadPC146. P/241/35 p. 3180
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 8th November 1792
I have the honor to ly
before you a petition from Chedom Barapilla, the mint Conicoply. I am satisfied
from every information I have been able to procure that he has executed an
office, which required honesty and accuracy, with fidelity and good conduct and
appears at present bowed down with years. He has a son in law in the mint, who
is the mint writer at four pagodas a month and who has latterly, I understand,
assisted him in his employ. The wages of Chedombarapilla are certainly small
and his very advanced age, and infirm state, render an assistant in some degree
necessary.
MadPC147. P/241/35 p. 3184
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 7th November 1792
I beg leave to acquaint you
that the business of my office is at a stand for want of stationary. I have
neither quills, ink, powder nor letter paper of any sort.
Agreed that Mr Roebuck’s
letter be referred to the Board of Trade and that they be desired, in case the
present stock of stationary is not sufficient, to complete the allotment to the
different offices at the Presidency and subordinates, to purchase such quantity
as may be requisite, laying before the Board a comparative statement of the
cost with the prices paid by the Company in England, lacking care alone to
observe the orders of the Court of Directors for sending to them an account of
the stationary bought for the Company at the Presidency.
MadPC148. P/241/35. p. 3201
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 10th November 1792
I am directed by the
Governor in Council to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 8th
instant, with petition of the mint Conicopoly and to desire your opinion as to
the increase which may be necessary to the pay now drawn by him, in order to
obtain the assistance he requires.
MadPC149. P/241/35. p. 3234
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 15th November 1792
I have been honoured by your
communication through Mr Secretary Clerk under date the 10th instant
in consequence of which I beg leave to submit as my opinion that for the sum of
six pagodas per month I should think the mint canicopoly may get one of his
family to act as his assistant. His employment requires someone well versed in
figures and he must also possess a knowledge of English weights.
Agreed that Chedom bara
Pilly be allowed to draw three pagodas monthly in addition to his present pay
for the purpose of enabling him to employ an assistant.
MadPC150. P/241/ p. 3244
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 16th November 1792
You will be pleased to
receive eight thousand seven hundred and ten Maratta rupees four annas and
eight pice (Rs 8710-4-8) which are to be coined into Arcot rupees and an
account of the produce laid before Government as soon as it can be prepared.
MadPC151. P/241/ p. 3248
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 17th November 1792
Confirms payment of 3
pagodas per month to the mint conicoploy.
Index for 1793
P/241/36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
MadPC152. P/241/38. p. 1200
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 21st March 1793
I have the honor to lay
before you the account coinage of Tippoos coins as delivered to the mint from
the treasury by the paymaster of the Army and Vellore stating each account in
detail. I beg to observe that every measure has been adopted to turn this
treasure to the best account both by disposing of part of the coins at the
treasury by which they fetched more value (as they were purchased for a
remittance to Bengal) than they would have produced by being coined into
pagodas. By mixing the gold fanams, which were of a very low touch, with the
gold mohurs, which were of a very high touch, by which the [cofun] of both
alloy and refining charges were saved, and by coining the silver, which was
considerably below the standard of rupees, into fanams, by which the charge of
refining was saved and its estimated value was increased, for I must state than
an ounce of silver of which fanams are made is 5 Ľ per cent worse than rupee silver,
although it goes as currency for the same value.
There then follows a
detailed account of the coinage.
MadPC153. P/241/38. p. 1277
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 27th March 1793
I am directed by the Honble
the Governor in Council to send you five pagodas coined by Captain Alexander
Read in the Baramahal country, and to desire you will report, with as little
delay as possible, whether they are equal to the Star Pagodas coined in the
Madras mint.
MadPC154. P/241/38. p. 1397
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 9th April 1793
You will be pleased to
receive seven thousand pagodas received from Captain Read, which are to be
coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the produce laid before Government
as soon as it can be prepared.
MadPC155. P/241/39. p. 1611
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 23rd April 1793
You will be pleased to
receive one hundred and ninety thousand Madras pagodas received from the Nabob
which are to be coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the produce laid before
Government as soon as possible
MadPC156.
Letter from Government to Masulipatam, dated
…and we have therefore come to the resolution of establishing
a new currency to be coined in England.
In order that we give the Court of Directors the necessary
information with regard to the quantity of copper money necessary for the
circulation in the Circars we desire you will state to us as early as may be
practicable the amount at present in currency, with your opinion how far it is
sufficient to the purposes of the inhabitants.
It is our intention to recommend to the Court of Directors
to have the coin made of the same weight with the dubs, and also to send a
supply of money bearing half that weight, which we propose should pass at a
fixed exchange, and we desire your opinion of the number of the new coin that
should be granted in exchange for the rupee and Madras pagoda.
In establishing a new currency it is not intended to
discontinue the coinage of dubs as an article of trade, but prohibit their
circulation in the Northern Circars.
MadPC157. P/241/39. p. 1906
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 3rd May 1793
I have the honor to lay
before you account coinage of Mysore coins received from the officers and
privates in the field and from the paymaster to the Bengal detachment from 24th
June 1792 to 30th September 1792 and beg leave to observe that the
same measures were adopted to make them as productive as possible as were
stated in the letter I had the honor to address you under date the 21st
March 1793.
There then follows a
detailed account of the coinage
MadPC158. P/241/39. p. 1943
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 18th May 1793
You will be pleased to
receive Two hundred Star Pagodas coined in the Baramahal and three hundred and
thirty Mysore pagodas which are to be coined at the mint into Star Pagodas and
an account of the produce laid before Government as soon as possible.
MadPC159. P/241/40 .p. 2303
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 27th June 1793
I have the honor to lay
before you the account coinage for 190,000 old Madras pagodas and 200 Star
Pagodas received from Capn Read.
Detailed account follows
Ordered that the loss which
has arisen on the coinage of the Madras and Barramaul Pagodas be written off to
profit and loss.
MadPC160. P/241/40 .p. 2441
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 13th July 1793
So long a time having
elapsed before the whole of the money sent with my letter of 23rd
April was returned to the treasury, the Board think it necessary previous to
determining upon the expediency of sending one lac of Sultany and Hydery
pagodas to the mint, to desire that you will report to them the time required
to coin this sum into Star Pagodas.
MadPC161. P/241/40 .p. 2454
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 17th July 1793
You will be pleased to
receive one hundred thousand Mysore Pagodas which are to be coined into Star
Pagodas as soon as possible.
MadPC162. P/241/40 .p. 2609
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 3rd August 1793
You will be pleased to
receive one hundred thousand Mysore Pagodas which are to be coined into Star
Pagodas as soon as possible.
MadPC163.
Madras
Consultations, 1793. IOR P/241/40, p. 2768
Minute of the Madras Consultations, dated 23rd August 1793.
From the above reports it would appear that about 580
candies of 500 [?] of the new copper coinage will be adequate to the currency
in the Northern Circars, and as the Board consider 4 dubs to the fanam or 48 to
the rupee a proper exchange, it is resolved to inform the Court of Directors
that it will be fixed at that rate.
MadPC164. P/241/43. p. 3924
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 22nd November 1793
I have the honor to lay before
you the account coinage for 300,000 pagodas of Tippoos coins as delivered to
the mint from the treasury.
Detailed accounts follow.
Then:
From the Clerk of the
Treasury to Madras Government, dated 22nd November 1793
I have the honor to lay
before you an account showing the produce in Star Pagodas of the second kisl
received from Tipoo Sultan, and to request your orders for writing off in the
treasury books the amount of the loss being Pagodas 33,385-15-74.
This was agreed
MadPC165. P/241/43. p. 4070
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 11th December 1793
You will be pleased to
receive two thousand and five hundred gold mohurs, and one thousand seven
hundred and fifty half gold mohurs which are to be coined into Star Pagodas as
soon as possible.
Index for 1794
P/241/44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51
MadPC166. P/241/45. p. 471 assay office articles
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 17th February 1794
I have the honor of
enclosing an indent of articles wanted for the use of the Assay Office. I beg to
state that no supply has been sent out these two seasons.
MadPC167. P/241/45 p. 849 Sultani coinage
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 19th March 1794
I have the honor to lay before
you the account coinage for 2500 sultan gold mohurs, 1750 half gold mohurs and
330 Hydery pagodas.
2500 gold mohurs and 1750
half mohurs gave 14,196-15-35 pagodas
330 Hydery pagodas gave
338-26-40 pagodas
MadPC168.
Letter to Government from Alexander Read, Collector in the
Baramahal, dated
In reply to your letters of the 30th May and the
12th instant, I considered the first as an order only, and that like
other orders, the attending to it was all Government expected, which is the
reason for my not having answered it before. It did however occur that it would
be proper, when I might be informed by the Mint Master of the desired lac of
new coinage, or of part of it, being in readiness to send to the Presidency;
& having no authority to require information of him on matters relating to
his department, I concluded that he had instructions to demand of me the
various coins received in the collections, to recoin, and to return me the proceeds
or forward them himself to the treasury, of which I imagined he would give
intimation, when I could inform your government particularly on the subject.
Understanding from your second letter more fully what was expected of me, I
immediately on receipt of it addressed the Mint Master at Krishnagiri
requesting to be informed as to the profit or expense of it. This answer
containing all the information he is yet able to give on those matters, I
transmit it herewith on that account; and have to add , in respect to what has
depended on myself, in complying with your letters on remittance, that since
receipt of the first I have remitted 70,000 pagodas through sources, and the
house of Call, Baker & Co, on all of which (excepting the portion of it
which consisted of star pagodas) the Company receive a premium of 1 ˝ per cent;
but the bills being payable at 50 days sight, the greatest part of it will not
be received into the treasury till the end of next month.
You will please to inform the Honble Governor that all the
revenue of the last year being collected and none of the current year falling
due till December except the monthly kists of the customs, which are
inconsiderable, it is necessary to reserve the balance actually in hand, which
(as appears by the accompanying estimate, will be about a lac at the end of
this month) for the ordinary advances to public departments; and that should
any more of it be recoined before January, it will be necessary on the same
account to keep it in these districts.
By the statement accompanying the letter from the Mint
Master, it appears that the loss sustained by the recoinage of the several
coins received in the collections, is from 2 to 5 Ľ percent, consequently that
it is much better to remit the residue on the terms I have hitherto procured.
That may however be a subject of future consideration when I may take occasion
to address Government or the Revenue Board upon it.
There then follows a paper showing the loss on coining
Cantaray or Sultany pagodas, and Bahaudry or Salanny pagodas.
There is then a long letter from the Mint Master (Robert
Hughes) in which he stated:
…Under date the 5th May last I had the pleasure
of giving you notification of the commencement of our coinage…
MadPC169.
Madras
Consultations, 1794. IOR P/241/48, p. 2367
Letter to Captain Alexander Read, Collector in the
Baramahal, from Government, dated
I am directed by the Honble the President in Council to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 31st ultimo and, as you
do not appear to comprehend the full extent of his wish in establishing the
mint at Krishnagiri he desires me to inform you that he has resolved to
introduce the Carnatic coins entirely, and to abolish the numerous coins which
were found circulating in the ceded countries when they were taken possession
of for the Company. With this view the President in Council directs that all
money not the currency of the Carnatic, which shall be received into your
treasuries, may be tendered to the Assay Master for recoinage as fast as the work
can be executed.
The President in Council leaves it to your discretion to
retain such part of the balance in your hands, after it shall be recoined, as
shall be sufficient to supply the demands of the Public Department.
MadPC170. P/241/48 p. 2406 better star pagodas
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 16th August 1794
I am directed by the Honble
the President in Council to transmit for your information the enclosed copy of
a presentment by the Grand Jury and to desire that you will state your opinion
how the defect in the original formation of the Star Pagoda, and the frequent
inconveniences, may be remedied
MadPC171. P/341/51. p. 3888 gold to be coined
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 2nd December 1794
You will be pleased to
receive an hundred thousand Madras pagodas received from Masulipatam which are
to be coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the produce laid before
Government as soon as possible.
Index for 1795
P/241/52, 53, 59, 60
MadPC172. P/241/53. p. 403
From Madras Government to
Roebuck, dated 27th January 1795
You will be pleased to
receive ten thousand Madras Pagodas received from Masulipatam, which are to be
coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the produce laid before Government as
soon as possible.
MadPC173.
Letter from Robert Hughes to Government, dated
I do myself the honor of reporting to you for the present,
my having delivered over to Mr Hurdis the assaymastership of this mint (ie
Krishnaghery) pursuant to your directions, and whole receipts for the balance
of cash etc. I have also the pleasure of enclosing herein, duplicates of which,
together with this lists it specifies have been forwarded to the Assay Master
at this Presidency.
Letter from T.B. Hurdis to Government, dated 18th
June 1795.
I do hereby acknowledge to have this day received from Mr
Robert Hughes late assay master to the mint at Kishnaghery the charges of that
employ, the correspondence and several article belonging thereunto as per
separate lists, together with the accounts complete, and balance of cash
remaining on 31st May last, Viz: Star pagodas (62.1.63) sixty two,
one fanam and sixty three cash.
MadPC174. P/241/60. p. 4638
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 22nd December 1795
I am directed by the Right
Honorable the President in Council to send you the enclosed invoices of eight
boxes of gold bullion received from Bengal and to desire that it may be
immediately coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the produce submitted to
the Board as soon as possible.
Index for 1796
P/241/61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66
MadPC175. P/241/64 . p. 1978
From Roebuck to Madras
Government, dated 28th April 1796
I have the honor to lay
before you a petition and an affidavit relative to a robbery committed in the
silver mint last December, which bears very hard on Cheppermaul Chitty, the
mint contractor. Immediately on the robbery being reported, I applied to Major
Allen, but as it was two days between the locking of the door and the opening
of it, nothing could be traced to the sentries. The robbery must have been
committed by false keys and such as completely picked the locks as no damage
was done to them. I have to request you will be pleased to lay these papers
before the Right Honorable the Governor in Council for his consideration, and
at the same time I hope he will excuse me for pointing out the hard situation
in which the contractor is placed, & in recommending that he be allowed
something out of the mint custom to recompense for his loss.
There then follows the
petition of the mint contractor – 1000 rupees was stolen
MadPC176. P/241/65 . p. 2001
To Roebuck from Madras
Government, dated 30th April 1796
I am directed by the Right
Honorable the President in Council to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated
28th instant enclosing an application from the mint contractor for
relief from the amount of a robbery committed at the silver mint. But as the
President in Council does not observe that this robbery can be traced to any
negligence of the sentry, which could alone give the contractor any claim upon
the Company, he does not feel himself at liberty to incur any part of the
expense you have recommended.
MadPC177. P/241/65 . p. 2347
To Madras Government from
Roebuck, dated 1st June 1796
I have the honor to enclose
you the account coinage of 8 chests of gold bullion transmitted from Bengal
averaged in the invoice touch 96-7 10th but which on coinage has
averaged 97 1/5 per cent, making an increase of pagodas 1,380.
Detailed accounts follow.
Index for 1797 P/241/69
MadPC178. P/241/70.
p. 222 copper for coinage at Vizagapatam
Letter
to William Brown, Collector at Vizagapatam from Madras Government, dated 25th
January 1797
…The
Board of Trade have been directed to supply the Commercial Resident with the
quantity of copper for coinage recommended by you. You will therefore indent
upon that gentleman for such quantities as you want from time to time…
MadPC179. IOR
P/241/70 p. 307
Letter
from Bengal to Madras, 13 January 1797
I
am directed by the Governor General in Council to transmit to you the enclosed
invoice of four chests of treasure laden on the Marquis Cornwallis Captain
Robert consigned to Fort St George. The bill of lading will be forwarded under
a separate cover.
Ordered
that the treasure above mentioned be landed and sent to the mint for coinage.
MadPC180. P/241/70.
p. 404 Gold to be coined
Letter
to Benjamin Roebuck, Assay Master, from Madras Government, dated 1st
February 1797
I
am directed by the Acting President in Council to send you thirty seven
thousand five hundred gold mohurs weighing 1,233 lb, 10 oz, 10ľ penny wt,
received from Bengal per ship Marquis Cornwallis and to desire that they may be
immediately coined into star pagodas and an account of the produce submitted to
the Board as soon as possible.
MadPC181. P/241/71.
p. 803 Gold to be coined
To
Benjamin Roebuck, Assay Master, from Madras Government, dated 9th
March 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you Viz:
Gold Mohurs 17,078:7 weighing 561 lb, 11 Oz, 19ľ Gr; ingots of gold, value gold
mhrs 20,421:95 [weighing] 680 lb, 4 Oz, 5Ľ Gr received from Bengal per ship
Succys Galley and to desire that they may be immediately coined into Star
Pagodas and an account of the produce submitted to the Board.
MadPC182. P/241/71.
p. 804 Gold to be coined
To
Benjamin Roebuck, Assay Master, from the Madras Government, dated 2nd
March 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you thirty
seven thousand five hundred gold mohurs weighing 1,235 lb, 8 Oz, 18Ľ Gr
received from Bengal per ship Europa and to desire that they may be immediately
coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the produce submitted to the Board.
MadPC183. P/241/71.
p. 915 Vizagapatam copper for coinage not received
Letter
from William Brown at Vizagapatam to Madras Government, dated 8th
March 1797
I
had the honor to receive your letter of 25th January informing me
that the Board of Trade have been directed to supply me with the quantity of
copper for coinage recommended by me but, although several vessels dispatched
from Madras since the date of your letter above quoted have arrived at
Vizagapatam, I am concerned to understand from the Commercial Resident that
there was not any copper shipped on them.
I
am urged to the necessity of stating this circumstance as the distress from the
want of a sufficient currency of dubs in these districts becomes daily more and
more severe, having no remedy whatever, excepting in a speedy and a very ample
supply of copper. In the meantime every preparation has been made to convert it
into coin the moment of its arrival.
MadPC184. P/241/72.
p. 1825 Coinage of Gold
Letter
from Roebuck to Madras Government, dated 19th May 1797
Account
of the coinage of the gold from Bengal. First batch above yielded 164,448.32.25
pagodas. Second lot 164,697.17. pagodas. Third batch (17000 odd) gave 74,903.15
pagodas and the bullion yielded 89,974.25.45 pagodas
MadPC185. p/241/72.
p. 1955 copper for coinage at Ganjam (probably)
Letter
to Board of Trade from Madras Government, dated 3rd June 1797
…
We desire that ten candies of copper may be delivered to the Assay Master for
coinage into dubs [is this at the Presidency of Ganjam?]
MadPC186. p/241/72.
p. 1961 Silver to be coined
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 6th June 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you twenty
three thousand Spanish Dollars to be immediately coined into fanams and an
account of the produce submitted to the Board as soon as possible.
MadPC187. P/241/73.
p. 2078 Gold to be coined
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 22nd June 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you eighteen
thousand seven hundred and fifty sicca gold mohurs (18,750) weighing 7,418.14.6
Oz received from Bengal to be coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the
produce submitted to the Board without delay.
MadPC188. P/241/73.
p. 2208 Delay in coning gold
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 8th July 1797
In
consequence of a communication from the Governor General in Council, I am
directed to call upon you for an explanation of the delay in the coinage of the
mohurs and bullion which were delivered from the Treasury to the mint in the
month of February last.
By
the treasury accounts it appears that the first of the mohurs were delivered on
the 4th and the whole on the 23rd February, amounting by
your account coinage, to Star Pagodas 494,424,,17,,70 and it also appears that
within the month of February the sum of two lacs of pagodas had been received
from the mint at the Treasury, that 135,000 were received in the month of March
but that in the month of April only 50,000 were received.
The
delivery of the first two lacs of pagodas within twenty four days, establishes
the means of coinage at the mint to such an extent as renders the short
delivery in the month of March, and particularly in April, unaccountable. I am
therefore directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council, to call
upon you fro a full explanation of a delay, apparently so extraordinary.
MadPC189. P/241/73.
p. 2293 Gold to be coined
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 25th July 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you two
thousand nine hundred and sixty three Spanish gold Dollars to be immediately
coined into Madras pagodas and an account of the produce submitted to the Board
without delay.
MadPC190. P/241/73.
p. 2345 reason for delay in coining gold
From
Roebuck to Madras Government, dated 22nd July 1797
I
have the honor of receiving Mr Secretary Webbe’s letter of the 8th
instant, requiring an explanation of the late coinage and in consequence have
made enquiry on the subject.
Every
preparation had been made to hasten the coinage prior to the arrival of the
bullion and as cash was much wanted a great exertion was made and two lacs
coined in the month of February.
After
between three and four lacks of pagodas were melted, it became necessary to
slacken the coinage until the crucibles and earthen cakes, in which the pagodas
were melted, and in which a portion of gold is always left, were [beat] and
washed. The rooms for coinage are small and the coiners would be afraid of loss
if this were deferred too long, and as it was not known that the coinage was
pressed for, the mint people were not hurries but took their time in collecting
the gold from the crucibles and earthen cakes, before the rest of the coinage
was proceeded with. This was the occasion of the coinage fallng short in the
periods mentioned of the quantity coined in February. At the same time I beg
leave to observe that 2 lacks of pagodas are a great deal to coin in one month,
in the present state of the Madras mint and can only be done by considerable
exertion.
MadPC191. P/241/74.
p. 2841 gold and silver in mint
From
Roebuck to Madras Government, dated 15th August 1797
Account
of the sicca gold mohurs, giving 82,396,,2,,25 pagodas; Gold Spanish Dollars, giving
23,187,,24,,55 pagodas; Silver Spanish Dollars giving 757,962 Madras Fanams
MadPC192. P/241/74.
p. 2904 silver to be coined
From Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 5th
September 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you
herewith one hundred thousand Spanish Dollars weighing 86,635 Oz of which you
will coin 30,000 into fanams and the remainder into Arcot rupees, with as much
expedition as possible.
MadPC193. P/241/74.
p. 3088 silver to be coined
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 21st September 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send one hundred
thousand six hundred and seven Spanish Dollars (100,607) weighing ounces
87,154.15˝ to be coined into Arcot
rupees with as much expedition as possible.
MadPC194. p/241/75.
p. 3422 silver to be coined
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, Dated 14th October 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send one hundred
thousand northern rupees (N Rs 100,000) weighing 36,280,,10˝ ounces, to be
coined into Arcot rupees with as much expedition as possible.
MadPC195. p/241/75.
p. 3453 Vizagapatm copper coinage
From
William Brown at Vizagapatam to Madras Government
I
have much satisfaction in reporting for the information of the Right Honorable
the President in Council that the seasonal supply of copper furnished for the
purpose of being coined into dubs at this place has not failed to yield the
beneficial consequences to be expected from the measure. The exchange of dubs
throughout these districts, which had been brought so low as 44 dubs per rupee
in Mr Collector Webb’s division, and which I could with difficulty preserve at
48 or 50 dubs per rupee in the division under my charge, has now risen to 54 in
the other division and is universally established at the increased exchange of
58 dubs per rupee in all the districts of this division.
The
rate at which the dubs were delivered was only at 52 per rupee and as so small
a quantity of copper had been received for coinage, and much delay caused by
its detention at Vizagapatam, I deemed it advisable to direct an additional
duty to be levied on the exportation of dubs from the district, at the seberal
choukees in the borders of my division, with a view to operate as a check on
the usual practice of trafficking in this article, a practice that had alone
contributed to their scarcity, and consequently to the distress entailed by it
on the lower order of inhabitants.
I
am induced to think that the precaution used in this respect may have a
considerable influence in effecting the favourable rate of the present
exchange, but as a more effectual and more general means to attain the same
end, I take the liberty to suggest that constant supplies of the Honble
Company’s copper may be permitted to be furnished me for the purpose of more
frequent coinage, as well as to favour such a distribution of the coin as may
enable me to extend it indiscriminately to all parts of the Vizagapatam
district.
MadPC196. p/241/75.
p. 3612 Masulipatam distribution of copper currency
Letter
from John Wrangham, Collector at Masulipatam, to Madras Government, dated 11th
November 1797
It
having appeared to me that the Honorable Company’s copper currency, which has
been for some time past laying in my hands, could be issued at the present
moment with benefit to the Company, and that the measure would be attended with
relief to the troops and inhabitants in general of Masulipatam, I took the
liberty to request that Mr Corbett, the Commercial Resident, and Mr Gordon, the
paymaster, would sit with me in Committee in order that I might obtain from
those gentlemen their sentiments, and receive the benefit of their advice on
the subject.
I
have herewith the honor to transmit for your Lordship’s information, the proceedings
of the committee, which I hope will meet with your approval.
Proceedings
of a committee assembled for the purpose of considering the most advantageous
terms of issuing the copper currency now under charge of the collector
Mr
Wrangham informs the committee that he has ordered the shroffs and two
principal merchants from each Pettah to attend them, the opinons of which
people it may be necessary to obtain on the foregoing subject.
From
the accompanying proposals of the shroffs and merchants, it appears that the
present is a favourable period for disposing of the Company’s copper, and the
committee are therefore decidedly of opinion that the dubs should be
immediately disposed of at the rate of 49˝ fanams per pagoda, this being the
exchange of the day.
The
committee being further of opinion that some effectual check should be
established to prevent abuses owing to the frequent alterations in the
exchange, decide that a muchelka to the necessary effect be taken from the
shroffs etc, which muchelka is to bind them upon no consideration whatever to
alter the present established rate, without the previous written public
sanction of the Collector and that a penalty of 10 [M] Pagodas be inflicted in
the event of any shroff or any other person being discovered in altering the
exchange without such authority
Letter
from the shroffs (8 of them) and Banyans (5 of them) presumably to Wrangham,
dated 11th November 1797
We
the undermentioned head shroffs and banyans of the pettahs of Masulipatam do
hereby propose to receive the Company’s dubs at the rate of 49˝ fanams per pagoda, and to issue money for
whatever quantity of dubs may be disposed of at the above mentioned rate.
MadPC197. p/241/75.
p. 3995 silver to be coined
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 21st December 1797
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you two
hundred eighty one thousand two hundred sixty four sicca rupees seven annas and
three pice (sicca rupees 281,264,,7,,3), weighing [lb] 8751,,2,,7˝ and sixty nine thousand one hundred and
seventy nine Spanish Dollars (69,179 Sp Dollars) weighing [lb] 4989,,2 which
are to be coined into Arcot rupees and an account of the produce submitted to
the Board as soon as possible.
MadPC198. p/242/1.
p. 4206 Vizagapatam copper coinage
From
William Brown, collector at Vizagapatam, to Madras Government, dated 16th
December 1797
I
have the honor to forward herewith a rough statement explaining the particulars
of the receipt and coinage of 30 candies of copper delivered to me by the
orders of Government in the month of July last.
It
may not be amiss again to point out that the exchange at the period of making
the first issue, which was in September last, was so low as 48 and 50 dubs per
rupee in this division and in Mr Collector Webb’s division not superior to 44,
which in the course of a month rose to 58 dubs in the former and to nearly the
same rate of exchange in the latter division. It has remained with very little
variation at the same rate of exchange until the present period, when it
appears to have fallen so low as 50 and 53 and I have therefore thought proper
to make another immediate issue, fixing the exchange throughout at 53, which as
upwards of three lacs will admit of being thrown into circulation must prove
competent in a very short time, to raise the exchange to not less than 62 or 64
dubs per rupee.
From
this view of the proceedings it may be reasonably inferred that were a constant
coinage to be carried on to the extent of eight candies per mensum, to be
issued at 55 dubs per rupee, the exchange in this and in the neighbouring
districts may be preserved at a general medium of upwards of 62 dubs per rupee.
The
benefits arising from such an arrangement to the lower classes of the people,
are self-evident, and where, instead of incurring loss, it appears to command a
certain and permanent advantage to the Company. I trust at the same time such
as to recommend it to his Lordship’s adoption.
Supposed
Cost of 30 Candies of copper including freight to Vizagapatam and carriage from
thence to Cassimkotah etc etc, dated 16th December 1797
|
|
Rupees |
Annas |
Pice? |
|
30 Candies of copper estimated
at 76 star pagodas or 266 rupees per candy |
7,980 |
|
|
|
Freight from Madras to
Vizagapatam estimated at 1 per cent tho’ it is probably considerably less |
79 |
12 |
9 |
|
Landing at Vizagapatam,
weighing etc |
18 |
5 |
2 |
|
Conveyance to Cassimcotah |
37 |
8 |
|
|
Coinage at 18 rupees per candy |
540 |
|
|
|
Total |
8655 |
9 |
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 Candies of copper at 17,500
dubs per candy make 525,000 dubs would admit at the rate of 60 per rupee if
required if required the issue in September Dubs 158,100 @ 51 Ds per Rupee |
3100 |
|
|
|
The balance to be issues
366,900 @ 53 Ds per Rupee |
6922 |
10 |
|
|
Total |
10,022 |
10 |
|
|
Deduct supposed valuation of
copper and expense of coinage etc etc as stated above |
8655 |
9 |
11 |
|
Estimated Profit |
1367 |
|
1 |
Index for 1798 P/242/2
MadPC199.P/242/3.
p. 339 silver coinage
To
Roebuck from Madras Government, dated 20th February 1798
I
am directed by the Honble the President in Council to send you fifty five
thousand one hundred seventy one Spanish Dollars (Drs 55,171) weighing lb
3981,, ,,12˝ of which ten thousand
dollars you will convert into fanams and the remainder into Arcot rupees with
as much expedition as possible.
MadPC200.P/242/3.
pp. 505-508 copper coins for Northern Circars
To
Madras Government from the Board of Trade, dated 26th February 1798
Agreeably
to the instructions of Government we have availed ourselves of opportunities of
sending copper to the subordinate settlements to the northward & Mr Malcolm
has acknowledged the receipt of 210 candies, at the same time desiring to be
informed whether the proceeds of the copper sent, & to be sent, are to be
applied solely to the use of the investment or whether any of the collectors in
the Vizagapatam district are authorized to indent for it.
We
are of opinion that the copper sent to Vizagapatam should in the first instance
be coined into dubs by the collector, as practiced on a late occasion, &
that the proceeds should be appropriated to the investment, which latterly from
unavoidable causes has been inadequately supplied…
MadPC201.P/242/3.
p. 733 silver coinage
To
Roebuck from Madras Government, dated 30th March 1798
I
am directed by the Honorable the President in Council to send you sixty six
thousand one hundred and ten Spanish Dollars (Drs 66,110) to be coined into
Arcot rupees, weighing lb 4765 8 oz 7˝ d, and an account of the produce
submitted to the Board as soon as possible.
MadPC202.P/242/4.
p. 1148 Vizagapatam & Masulipatam coinage
To
the Board of Trade from Madras Government, dated 28th April 1798
…With
a view to obviate the inconvenience and expense at present attending the
coinage of copper at Vizagapatam, we have issued some orders which we hope will
answer the purpose. We shall hereafter communicate to you the result.
The
Collector at Masulipatam has suggested to us that it would be more advantageous
to use Japan instead of sheet copper for converting into dubs. We enclose a
copy of a letter and statement received from Mr Oakes and desire to be informed
of your opinion on the subject…
MadPC203.P/242/4.
p. 1178 Vizagapatam new mint building
From
the Collector at Vizagapatam (William Brown) to Madras Government, May 1798
The
building in the town of Cassimcotah which I had used for the purpose of coining
the copper received last year, not being adapted to a coinage on a more
extended scale, as has now been established under my direction, I beg leave to
mention that under the presumed sanction of the Honble the Governor in Council,
I have deemed it necessary to convert to this use a public building (for
several years past left unoccupied) , which was originally built for the late
Major Cox, for the purpose of serving as a gun shed.
No
detriment will arise to the building from this manner of rendering it of
present use. On the contrary, I presume it may be the means, by its being
occupied and attended to, of securing it from injury. If required again as a
gun-shed it may also readily be relinquished and disposed of again to that use.
MadPC204.P/242/5.
p. 1479 copper coinage in the Northern Circars
To
the Board of Trade from Madras Government, dated 19th May 1798
…We
approve your intention of consigning to the Northern Settlements a further
quantity of copper for coinage and have resolved that the coinage shall remain
in the hands of the Commercial Resident…
MadPC205.P/242/5.
p. 1637 State of the mint
To
Roebuck from Madras Government, dated 2nd June 1798
The
Honble the Governor in Council having referred to the explanation given in your
letter of 22nd July last, of the delay in coining bullion at the
mint, is satisfied that there is some defect in this branch of Government and
as it is of importance that all impediment to the coining of money should be
removed, I am directed to call upon you for a full report of the present state
of the mint, its establishment and the time required to coin any given quantity
of gold or silver bullion.
MadPC206.P/242/5.
P/242/6. p. 2061 copper for Ganjam
Letter
from Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 7th July 1798
…Notwithstanding
our order of 21st October 1797 for consigning an adequate proportion
of copper for coinage to the different northern subordinacies we have been
informed from Ganjam that none had hitherto been received there, and that the
scarcity of this article was a cause of considerable inconvenience.
We
would therefore have you avail yourselves of the earliest opportunity of
consigning thither an adequate supply to be coined into dubs.
MadPC207.P/242/6.
p. 2223 copper for Ganjam
To
Madras Government from the Board pf Trade, dated 20th July 1798
We
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter from Government under
date the 7th inst and to inform you that in April last thirty
candies of copper were consigned to Ganjam in conformity to former
instructions, and with the view to replacing a similar quantity captured by the
enemy…
MadPC208.P/242/6.
p. 2261 silver coinage
From
Madras Government ro Roebuck, dated 30th July 1798
I
am directed by the Honble the President in Council to send you sixty four
thousand five hundred and three Spanish Dollars (S Drs 64,503) weighing lb
4645: 8 oz: 10, to be immediately coined into Arcot rupees and an account of
the produce submitted to the Board.
MadPC209.P/242/6.
p. 2356 State of the mint
From
Roebuck to Madras Government, dated 26th June 1798
In
consequence of the commands of the Honble the Governor in Council by your
letter of the 2nd instant, I have personally examined both the
silver and gold mints and have now the honor to lay before you, for his
information, statements of the same, together with a list of the servants
employed by the mint.
Silver
Mint
During
the late war when a considerable quantity of silver was required to be coined,
it was found requisite to build a new mint as, without this aid in the
apartments then used, no more than 3 lac of rupees could be coined monthly.
When the new mint was built and the silver smiths collected together, in one
month 10 lacs of rupees have been coined, and there can be no difficulty of
doing the same again with the same means. The new mint is now used for
containing military stores and in the confused state of the present, there can
only be coined about 3 lacs of rupees monthly. I must here observe that after
the coinage is completed, 6 weeks or two months are required to extract from
all the different vessels which have been used in the coinage, the silver which
adheres to them.
Gold
Mint
In
the present gold mint there are only two apartments, which are not sufficient
for the coinage, as there is no separate place to wash and amalgamize the gold
which has adhered to the vessels used in making the pagodas, the whole of which
are beat up, washed and trilurated with quick silver, but if one set of
apartments in Fort Square, which are close to the mint, are given up, there
will then be a place for conducting this branch of the business separately,
while the coinage is going forward, and there will be no occasion for any stop
to be put to the coinage. In that case, two lacs and forty thousand pagodas may
be regularly coined monthly. But in the present mint where there is no place
for conducting that operation without stopping the other business, one lac and
forty thousand an month is as much as can be regularly coined.
The
mint establishment of servants are as follows:
Assay
Office
1
Assay Master @ 200 pagodas per annum
Malabar
Monthly Servants
A
Writer @ 4 Pags per
month
A
shroff @ 4
ditto ditto
A
surveyor @ 5 ditto ditto
A
Surveyor Assistant @ 3 ditto ditto
A
Conicopoly @ 6 ditto ditto
Pags 22
A
furnace man when employed @ 2
fanams per day
A
Flattening man ditto ditto
A
Chop Cutter for making Chops
For 1 lac of Star Pags 4 Pags
Ditto Madras Pags 2
Ditto Rupees 5
240 lbs Madras fanams Ľ
1 Candy of Madras doodoos 3/8
The
fees of the Assay Office are as follows
Assay
Master fees – Assay bits allowed by the merchants Viz
˝
Pagoda weight on all gold bars or cakes
Also ˝ Pagoda weight on each Pott (each
contains 1500 pagodas) of current of Madras powder allowed by the Gold Smith
Surveyor
Ditto ˝ pennyweight allowed by the merchants,
also 1˝ grains by the Gold Smith
Flattening
man Ditto Ľ ditto
Furnace
man Ditto Ľ ditto
Conicopoly Ditto ľ ditto allowed by the merchants
Contractor
Conicopoly Ditto ˝ ditto for 1 Pott current or Madras Powder
There
is also a contractor who has no fixed salary. The contractor takes upon himself
the whole expense of coinage such as artificers, implements, fuel and
attendants, with all wastage of gold and silver, and is accountable for all
deficiencies, for which he receives as follows:
On
silver 17˝ rupees per 1000
On
gold 6˝ pagodas per 1000
Madras
fanams 2˝ per cent
Madras
Dubs 23:5:50 per Candy
When
he refines silver which is not of a proper touch, he receives ľ per cent for
such silver
When
gold is required to be refined, he receives for refining 1Ľ per cent. But there
is very little gold brought to this place, which requires refining.
He
also pays 2000 pagodas a year to the Governor and in a year when there is not
much coinage he scarcely receives more than the public expense of the mint.
MadPC210.P/242/7.
p. 2673 silver coinage
To
Roebuck from Madras Government, dated 14th September 1798
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you forty
seven thousand six hundred and sixty eight Spanish Dollars (47,668 Drs)
weighing lb 3434 5 oz 2 d, to be coined into Arcot rupees and an account of the
produce submitted to the Board.
MadPC211.P/242/7.
p. 2842/3 mint repairs
From
Roebuck to Madras Government, dated 20th September 1798
The
following trifling repairs are wanting at the gold and silver mint, and I
request you will be pleased to obtain the orders of the Right Honble the
Governor in Council for their being completed (sic)
Gold
Mint
Tiling
of the roof to be shifted, a new tiled shed wanted 8 feet square. A new Pyal
with brick in chunam, and another old Pyal to be plastered with one coat
chunam. One stamping timber to be taken up and re-laid. Two heaps of rubbish
wanted to be cleared away
Silver
Mint
Two
new brick peers wanted to support the roof tiling. All the roof to be shifted.
A necessary to be made, uncovered, but door and frame. 4 stamping timbers to be
taken up and re-laid. 1 pair new window shutters. A Godown wanting new paving
and plastering the wall.
Ordered
that the chief engineer be ordered to execute without delay the necessary
repairs to the gold and silver mint
MadPC212.P/242/7.
p. 2849 copper for coinage at Salem
To
the Board of Trade from Madras Government, dated 22nd September 1798
…We
desire that ten candies of copper may be delivered upon the application of the
Board of Revenue for coining at Salem.
MadPC213.P/242/9.
p. 3853 silver coinage
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 8th December 1798
I am
directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you seven
hundred and twenty eight thousand, four hundred and forty eight Lucknow rupees
(Rs 728,448) weighing Oz 21,807,,3as,,12˝d, which are to be coined into A
rupees and an account of the produce submitted to the Board, with as much
expedition as possible.
MadPC214.P/242/9.
p. 3942/44 and 3962 distribution of dubs
From
the Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 7th December 1798
We
have been furnished with the detail of a correspondence which has passed
between Mr Malcolm, the commercial resident at Vizagapatam, and Mr Collector
Brown relative to duties levied by the latter upon dubs and copper passing
through his division.
Mr
Brown appears from the correspondence to have ascertained by a reference to the
Board of Revenue, that the Company’s copper was not liable to inland duty, but
we are informed by the Commercial Resident that it is still required of him to
furnish certificates specifying each particular quantity of dubs, which he may
have occasion to pass at the different chowkies for the purposes of his
investment, a requisition that must unavoidably be attended with much delay and
cause great impediment in the provision of goods.
We
therefore beg leave to recommend that instructions be given the Board of
Revenue to send injunctions to the Collector directing him to abstain from
interfering with the transportation of copper, and to allow the Commercial
Resident the undisturbed means of distributing it.
The
problem was solved
p/242/10, 11. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Index 1799. P/242/10
MadPC215.P/242/10.
p. 98 Gold into pagodas
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 12th January 1799
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you three hundred
and sixty five bars of gold, weighing lb 361,, 11 oz,,1d, which are to be
coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the produce submitted to the Board
as soon as possible.
MadPC216.P/242/10.
p. 102 Gold and silver into pagodas, rupees and fanams
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 14th January 1799
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you sixty
four bars of gold to be coined into Star Pagodas weighing lb 53: 1oz: 7d &
also send you thirty one thousand nine hundred and ten Spanish Dollars (S Dr
31,900) weighing […] of which twenty thousand are to be coined into Star
Pagodas & the remainder into fanams and an account of the produce submitted
to the Board as soon as possible.
MadPC217.P/242/10.
p. 174 Gold into pagodas
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 1st February 1799
I
am directed to desire that you will receive one hundred and eight ingots of
gold weighing lb 106,,10oz,, 9d into the mint and coin them into Star Pagodas
with all possible expedition, laying before the Governor General in Council an
account of the coinage.
MadPC218.P/242/10.
p. 246 Gold into pagodas
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 2nd February 1799
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the President in Council to send you gold
weighing lb 359. ľd which is to be
coined into Star Pagodas and an account of the produce submitted to the Board
as soon as possible.
MadPC219.P/242/10.
p. 259 Copper coins in store
From
the Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 4th February 1799
…We
avail ourselves of the present opportunity of submitting to Your Lordship in
Council that there still remains in store copper coin of a similar description
to that transmitted to Colombo by the directions of Government under dates the
31st December 1797 and 26th February last, to the amount
of about (30,000) thirty thousand pagodas, for the appropriation of which we
want Your Lordship’s instructions…
MadPC220.P/242/11.
p. 736 send copper coin to Ceylon
To
the Board of Trade from Madras Government, dated 16th March 1799
…We
have engaged the Iron Prince to convey a part of the copper coin in store to
Columbo & desire that you will accordingly proceed to lade her with the
whole, or as much of that article as she can receive, taking care the packages
containing the coin are in good condition.
We
desire that you will furnish us with accounts of the coin & off the
stationary, which may be embarked on the Iron Prince for transmission to His
Excellency the Governor of Ceylon.
P/242/11. p. 853 invoice for coins sent to
Ceylon
MadPC221.From the Board of Trade to Madras
Government, dated 1st April 1799
Agreeably
to the instructions contained in your Lordships commands of the 16th
ultimo, we have the honor to lay before you invoices of copper coin and
stationary sent to Columbo on the Iron Prinz Frederick…
In
shipping the coin above noticed, a loss of about 465 lbs, amounting to pagodas
82,,17,,57, appears to have arisen due to pilferage in the boats, the greatest
part of which will be recovered and the delinquents prosecuted for the theft,
at the ensuing admiralty session…
MadPC222.P/242/12.
p. 1007 Dollars into rupees (2 entries)
From
Madras Government to Roebuck, dated 23rd April 1799
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor General in Council to send you
seven hundred and fourteen bags of new Mexico Dollars received from England
weighing lb 51,912 5 oz 5d to be coined into A rupees and an account of the
produce submitted to the Board as soon as possible.
MadPC223.P/242/12.
p. 1565 copper for coinage at Masulipatam and Vizagapatam
To
the Board of Trade from Madras Government, dated 25th May 1799
…we
approve your intention of sending a further quantity of copper for coinage to
the commercial residents at Masulipatam & Vizagapatam and desire that the
copper intended for both those places may be embarked in the Dublin…
MadPC224.P/242/13.
p. 2023 copper for coinage at Masulipatam
Letter
from the Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 21st June 1799
The
Superintendent of the import department having reported to us that there
remains in the warehouse about one hundred and twenty six candies of
manufactured copper, which has been a long time in store and for which there is
no demand at the Presidency, and as we understand this description of copper
may be coined into dubs, we purpose, with your Lordship’s sanction sending that
quantity by the first favourable opportunity to Masulipatam.
MadPC225.P/242/14.
p. 2243 copper for coinage at Masulipatam
From
Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 20th July 1799
…we
also authorize you to send a proportion of copper to Masulipatam for coinage
according to the recommendation in your letter of 21st ultimo…
z/p/2472 c 1800
Index P/242/18
MadPC226.P/242/20.
p. 842, Assay master directed to hand over charge of the mint to the mint
master
To
Roebuck from Madras Government, dated 19th March 1800
The
Right Honble the Governor in Council, having appointed Mr William Jones to be
mint master, I am directed to desire that the charge of the Honble Company’s
mint, with all the implements of coinage, and the balance of public and private
bullion, may be immediately delivered to that gentleman.
MadPC227.p/242/20.
p. 821
Minute
dated 18th March 1800
Regulations
for the office of Mint Master and Sub-Treasurer
The
offices of sub-treasurer and mint master shall be united in the same person who
shall have charge of the mint and the treasurer.
That
the person holding this appointment shall take and subscribe the following
oath:
“I,
AB, do solemnly swear and declare before Almighty God that I am not at this
time engaged in any houses of commerce or of agency, nor in any bank nor in any
commercial dealings whatever, directly or indirectly, and that I will not be
engaged in any transactions of the nature herein described so long as I may
hold the offices of mint master and sub-treasurer. I do further solemnly swear
and declare that I will not take or accept, either by myself or by any person
on my account, now or hereafter, any fee, perquisite, emolument, present or any
valuable thing of any description, except for and on account of the Company,
saving the public salary allowed to me by the said Company, and that I will
faithfully and truly perform the duties reposed in me without favour,
partiality or connivance”.
The
mint master and sub-treasurer shall keep regular accounts of all monies, bills
and valuable articles received into the Honble Company’s treasury, and cash,
according to the regulations which may be prescribed for this department by the
accountant general.
The
mint master and sub-treasurer shall keep a regular register of all bullion or
specie sent to the mint for coinage, and shall pass receipts under his
signature for such bullion and specie, distinguishing the property of the
Company from that of individuals. This register shall specify the several
periods of delivering the bullion or specie for the purpose of assaying and
weighing to the assay master, of the return from the assay master, of the
coinage, of the re-assayment, and of the delivery to the owner.
The duties on coinage shall continue to be
fixed at 11˝ per mille on gold and 22˝ per mille on silver, and no further
charge shall be made for coinage under any pretext whatever.
The
mint customs as above fixed shall be regularly collected by the mint master and
brought to the credit of the Company in the treasury account.
No
distinction shall be made in the delivery of coin from the mint and all monies
shall be delivered from the mint in rotation according to the priority of the
delivery of the bullion for coinage.
The
assay of all bullion or specie shall be made in the presence of the proprietor,
or of any person whom he may depute for that purpose
The
mint master and sub-treasurer shall, in the presence of the assay master and of
the proprietor, take indiscriminately, one out of every thousand pieces coined
(to be credited to the proprietor in the charge for mint) which piece shall be
dropt (sic) in a box, the keys of which shall be lodged with the secretary to
the Government, in order that means may be taken by the Governor in Council for
comparing or correcting the assays by reference to the Governor in Council or
to the Court of Directors.
The
sub-treasurer shall pay constant attention to the course of exchange in Bengal,
Bombay and all places subordinate to this Presidency and shall make such
communications from time to time as may be necessary to the Governor or to the
secretary to the Government for the purpose of regulating the draft of bills on
such places respectively.
The
sub-treasurer shall at all times furnish the secretary to the Government with
whatever information he may require with respect to the state of the cash, the
treasury or the mint and shall prepare such statements thereof as the secretary
to the government may from time to time require.
The
sub-treasurer shall obey all such directions as he may receive from the
accountant general in regard to the preparation of his accounts or from the
civil auditor in respect of his charges and disbursements.
Regulations
for the office of Assay Master
A
separate office shall be established for the purpose of assaying all bullion or
specie, which may be sent to the mint for coinage.
The
assay master shall take and subscribe the following oath:
“I
AB do solemnly swear and declare before Almighty God that I am not at this time
engaged in any houses of commerce or of agency nor in any bank nor in any
commercial dealing whatever, directly or indirectly, and that I will not be
engaged in any transactions of the nature herein described, so long as I may
hold the office of assay master. I do
further solemnly swear and declare that I will not take or accept either by
myself or by any person on my account, now or hereafter, any fee, perquisite,
present or valuable thing of any description, except for and on account of the
Company, saving the public salary allowed to me by the said Company, and that I
will faithfully and truly perform the duties reposed in me, without favour,
partiality or connivance”.
The
assay master shall keep a register of all bullion or specie, which may be
delivered to him for assay by the mint master, which register shall specify the
dates of the delivery of the bullion for assay, of the time of assay and weight
(both previously and subsequently to the coinage) as well as the name of the
proprietor and the quantity and waste of the metal.
All
assays shall be conducted in the presence of the proprietor of the bullion, or
of any person whom he may chuse (sic) to depute.
One
piece out of every thousand shall be taken indiscriminately in the presence of
the assay master, the mint master and the proprietor, which piece shall be
dropped into a box, of which the keys shall be lodged with the secretary to the
Government in order that the assays of this Presidency may be compared or
corrected by reference to Bengal or to England.
The
assay master shall be allowed a salary of one hundred and fifty pagodas per
month, in lieu of all fees or charges for the process of assay whatsoever.
List
of native servants in the office of the treasury
|
|
Monthly
Salary (Pagodas) |
|
Ramasawmy,
Head Shroff |
70 |
|
Arnachellum,
Writer |
35 |
|
Kistna
Chitty, Shroff |
8 |
|
Mootumby,
ditto |
8 |
|
Audy
Narrain, ditto |
8 |
|
Soory
Chitty, ditto |
8 |
|
Four
Golag Peons |
8 |
|
Mooragapah,
writer |
30 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
175 |
MadPC228.IOR
P/242/20. p. 936, dated 19th March 1800
Notice
making the regulations for the mint and assay masters public
MadPC229.P/242/21.
p. 1382 Assay Master
No
relevant entry on this page
MadPC230.P/242/21.
p. 1575 Assay Master
From
Benjamin Roebuck to Madras Government, dated 30th April 1800
I
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter this days date and
will be pleased to represent to the Right Honorable the Governor in Council
that the office I now occupy for the department of the Military Paymaster
General is scarcely sufficient for that department and that I pay for it a
larger sum than I am allowed by Government. I beg leave further to add that an
assay office must be peculiarly constructed with furnaces and a room with glass
windows for the business of the department and that if Government will be
pleased to allot any apartments, I will see them properly prepared for the
purpose.
MadPC231.IOR
P/242/21. p. 1714
To
the President and Governor in Council (Clive) from William Jones (mint master
and sub-treasurer), dated 31 May 1800
The
late contractor for the mint having discontinued working the mint from the
expiration of last month, I have in consequence employed servants on account of
the Honble Company to attend to the coinage of Gold and silver, and beg leave
to lay before your Lordship the enclosed list of servants employed from the 1st
of the month with their rates of pay, which I hope your Lordship will approve
as a fixed establishment. In the want of there being a large coinage, more
conicopolies and inferior servants will be required.
The
workmen employed in coining the gold and silver, I have paid at the same rate
at which they were paid by the contractor, that is at 3 3/16th per
mille for gold and 5 ľ per mille for silver and beg leave to recommend that the
same may be continued as the most equitable, both for the Company and the
workmen.
Exclusive
of the coinage duty as fixed by the Company, an allowance has always been
granted by persons bringing gold to the mint for coinage, to the servants,
which on an average of the last six years has amounted to 75 pagodas per annum.
I have made an additional allowance for wages on this account, to the servants
who were accustomed to receive the same, of which I trust your Lordship will
approve.
A
further allowance made by persons bringing gold for coinage is on account of
sundry charities, a list whereof I beg to enclose. I request to receive your
Lordships instructions whether this is still to be collected and appropriated
as heretofore.
In addition to the servants in the treasury in the list transmitted one
by Government in the letter of 19th March, I have been obliged to
employ one writer at 15 Pagodas per month from the 26th of that
month, which I hope your Lordship will approve, and I find it will fully employ
one writer to attend to the civil disbursements, to whom I propose allowing
twenty pagodas per month. An extra writer will be required for two or three
months to bring up the accounts of the late pay office. Two office peons at 2
pagodas each have been entertained since the time of my appointment and charged
in my abstract (in lieu of one before paid in the civil office and one by the
mint contractor) and one moochee at 3 pagodas from the 1st instant
which I hope will meet your Lordship’s approbation.
Establishment
of Servants in the mint
|
|
|
|
|
1
Manager to superintend the mint |
25 |
|
|
1
writer for writing account registers etc, |
10 |
|
|
Gold Mint |
||
|
1
conicopoly |
9 |
|
|
1
ditto writing ditto |
7 |
|
|
1
shroff |
4 |
|
|
2
peons |
4 |
59 |
|
Silver Mint |
||
|
1
conicopoly |
4 |
|
|
1
shroff |
3 |
|
|
1
conicopoly to keep charcoal etc |
2 |
|
|
2
watching peons |
4 |
|
|
3
coolies for charcoal etc |
4..22 |
17..22 |
|
Refining Office |
||
|
1
refiner of silver |
6 |
|
|
1
bellows man |
2 |
|
|
1
weighing shroff |
3 |
|
|
1
shroff |
4 |
|
|
2
conicopoly |
7 |
|
|
4
peons for watching the meltings |
6 |
28 |
|
|
|
104..22 |
This
was authorised. Payments to charities were abolished.
MadPC232.P/242/22.
p. 1855 Assay Master
From
Madras Government to Benjamin Roebuck, dated 21st June 1800
I am
directed to acquaint you that the Right Honorable the Governor in Council has
been pleased to appoint you to be Assay Master and to furnish you with the
enclosed copy of the regulations adopted by his Lordship for the conduct of
that department in consequence of its separation from that of the mint.
The
Governor in Council having resolved to abolish receipt of all fees and
emoluments of whatever description has been pleased to augment your salary to
the sum of one hundred and fifty pagodas.
I
am directed to enclosed a list of monthly servants whose pay amounts to pagodas
42-30 and whom the Governor in Council considers to be sufficient to enable you
to discharge the duties of the office on its present footing.
Your
salary is to commence from the 19th day of March last.
List
of servants employed at the Assay Master’s office from 1st May 1800
1
Writer Pags 14
1
Surveyor 8
2
Flattening men @ 4 Pags each 8
2
Furnace Men @ 4 Pags each 8
2
Peons @ 2 Pags each 4
1
Water woman - 30
42 30
MadPC233.P/242/24.
p. 2895
From
mint master (Jones) to Madras Government, dated 15th September 1800
During
the time the mint was worked by contract, the operation of melting and refining
the silver bullion, which requires a good deal of room, was carried on by the contractor
at his house in Black Town. That operation being now performed at the mint, and
part of the buildings before employed entirely on account of the silver mint,
being allotted for the treasury and the gold mint, which have been removed from
the fort square, the silver mint is thereby much contracted and it is
impossible to carry on the coinage with the requisite expedition. Should a
large silver coinage be required in haste, much inconvenience would arise to
the service from the above circumstance. I therefore beg leave to submit the
same to the consideration of Government, and request that some additional
buildings may be erected, large enough to prevent the inconvenience and delay
above stated. There is a space of ground to the southward of the present mint,
unoccupied, on which the buildings required might be erected.
Ordered
that a copy of the above letter be transmitted to the civil engineer, and that
he be directed to state his opinion in communication with Mr Jones, of the
buildings which may be necessary for the use of the mint and to furnish an
estimate of the expense.
From
mint master (Jones) to Madras Government, dated 17th September 1800
I
have to request you will lay the accompanying indent of weights and scales etc
wanted for the mint before Government and that His Lordship wil be pleased to
give orders for the same to be transmitted to the Honorable the Court of
Directors.
Indent:
2
pairs scales for weighing gold
2
sets brass bell weights 10lb down sized to the standard.
4
sets hollow pile Troy weights 1 oz to 16 ounces
10
sets pile penny weights and grains
2
pairs scales for weighing silver
2
sets brass bell weights 50lb down sized to the standard
4
sets hollow piled Troy weight 1 oz to 16 ounces
10
sets pile penny weights and grains
1
pair hand scales to weigh 12oz
2
ingot moulds, large
Ordered
that the foregoing list be transmitted to the Court of Directors by the present
dispatch
From
the assay master (Roebuck) to Madras Government, dated 17th
September 1800
I have
to request you will lay the accompanying indent of assay utensils etc for the
assay office, before Government and that His Lordship will be pleased to give
orders for the same to be transmitted to the Honorable the Court of Directors.
Indent:
Double
aquafortis 1st sort
500lb
Single
ditto 1st
sort 500lb
50
parcels of flatted lead bullets to be cut round
36
dozen mufflers, 1 foot long and 8 inches broad
4
iron furnaces complete
2
silver assay balances with scales and glazed lantern
1
set brass bell weights 10lb down sized to the standard
2
sets hollow pile Troy weights 1 oz to 16 ounces
4
sets pile penny weights and grains
1
pair hand scales to weigh 12 ounces
4
small polished anvils
4
small hammers weighing 1 ˝ lb each
20
dozen assay parting glasses
4
dozen large ditto
4
dizen small glass funnels
4
casks [sloe] ashes
2
bullet moulds
2
ingot moulds, small
Ordered
that the indent for articles required for the use of the Assay Department be
transmitted to England
Index for 1801 P/242/26
MadPC234.P/242/28.
p. 804 copper coinage at Masulipatam
From
The Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 26th February 1801
We
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s commands under
date the 21st of this month directing the embarkation of eight
candies of copper for coinage on board the Indiaman about to proceed to the
northern ports to be consigned in equal portions to the commercial residents at
Masulipatam and Vizagapatam.
We
find on reference to the import warehouse that the whole quantity of that article
at present in store consists of manufactured copper, belonging to the Bombay
Presidency, and which description is ill adapted for the purpose required by
the instructions of Government conveyed through Mr Secretary Hodgson as above
mentioned.
Taking
this into consideration and the circumstance of the embargo on the exportation
of copper from England to India being still in force, , it has engaged our
endeavours to provide for the present pecuniary exigency and at the same time
to prevent inconvenience arising from an insufficient supply of that commodity
to answer the demand of the public service especially that of the ships
frequenting the port.
We
have accordingly made the necessary arrangements with the proprietor of a
quantity of stick copper (generally used in coining) for the purchase of forty
two candies, now at Masulipatam, after the rate of (97) ninety seven pagodas
per candy, payable in treasury passes, subject to the approval of Your Lordship
in Council, and this being the sort more fit for conversion into currency, we
beg leave to submit it as our opinion that it would be eligible to conclude the
bargain rather than export the sheet copper from the Presidency, which can be
disposed of during the existing scarcity at (100) one hundred pagodas per
candy, and in the event of the quantity of 42 candies proving inadequate for
both stations, the deficiency can ultimately be supplied from hence as Your
Lordship may please to determine.
MadPC235.P/242/28.
p. 995 copper for coinage at Masulipatam to be sent to Vizagapatam
From
the Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 8th March 1801
We
have the honor to report to your Lordship in Council that out of the quantity
of stick copper which you were pleased to resolve might be purchased at Masulipatam
for the purpose of coinage in the northern circars, we have given instructions
for retaining twenty one candies in that account at the above mentioned station
and have desired the remaining proportion to be prepared in readiness for
embarkation on board the Honble Company’s ship Sir Edward Hughes on her arrival
there, to be consigned in like manner to the commercial Resident at
Vizagapatam.
MadPC236.P/242/28.
p. 1020 distribution of copper for coinage in the Northern Circars
From
Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 14th March 1801
…His
Lordship approves the distribution which you have proposed of the copper
purchased for the purpose of coinage…
MadPC237.P/242/30.
p. 2138 copper sent to Vizagapatam not needed for coinage
From
the Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 31st April 1801
We
have the honor to report to Your Lordship in Council that the quantity of stick
copper which were given to understand was for sale at Masulipatam agreeably to
our address under date 26th February last, proved on delivery not to
exceed candies 28,,13maunds,,13 Annas, the whole of which has been transported
to the commercial resident at Vizagapatam as it can there be converted into
dubs at a smaller loss than at the former station.
Mr
Dick, who has made the state of the copper currency in the Northern Circars the
particular object of his enquires, informs us that as far as the accuracy of
his intelligence may be depended upon, those districts were not in immediate
want of that coin, which we trust will prevent any inconvenience from the
disappointment. We shall, if Your Lordship approves, restore the amount of the
deficiency either in passes or cash to the General Treasury.
MadPC238.P/242/35.
p. 4674 recoinage at Mysore mint
Index for 1802 P/242/37
p/242/38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46
MadPC239.P/242/40.
p. 1614 copper for Masulipatam to be coined into dubs for Ingeram
To
Madras Government from the Board of Trade, date 21st April 1802
The
Board of Trade having received from the Acting Commercial Resident at Ingeram a
report of the scarcity of Dubs in that part of the Circars, I am directed to
acquaint you for the information of the the Right Honorable the Governor in
Council, that it is their intention, with the permission of his Lordship, to
transmit by the first opportunity a quantity of copper to the extent of 50
candies for the purpose of being coined at Masulipatam…
Resolved
that the Board of Trade be permitted to transmit to Masulipatam 50 candies of
copper for the purpose of being coined into Dubs for the use of the Acting
Commercial Resident at Ingeram.
MadPC240.P/242/40.
p. 1642 copper for Masulipatam
From
Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 24th April 1802
Confirmation
that the copper could be sent to Masulipatam.
MadPC241.P/242/40.
p. 1638/9 Assay office to be reduced in number
From
Madras Government to the Mint Master (and many other departments), dated [23rd]
April 1802
Asking
for reduction in numbers of staff employed in the Assay Office.
MadPC242.P/242/41.
p.1903/4
From
Roebuck to Madras Government, dated 8th May 1802
I
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from the Secretary to
Government in the Public Department of the 24th ultimo expressing
that it is the direction of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council that I
suggest such reductions as may be practicable in the office of Assay Master.
I
beg leave to observe that this department is upon the lowest possible
establishment and that upon an increase of coinage it will require to be
enlarged.
Ordered
to lie on the table.
MadPC243.P/242/43.
p. 3017 mint output since the mint master took over
From
the sub-treasurer & mint master (W. Jones) to Madras Government, dated 30th
June 1802
Two
complete official years having elapsed since the mint has been worked by the
Mint Master instead of by a contractor as before, in consequence of the change
introduced by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council on my appointment to
be Mint Master and Sub Treasurer in March 1800, I presume Government may wish
to receive a report of the quantity of bullion coined, of the expenses
attending, the mint customs collected and net receipt, during that period.
I
have now the honor to submit to His Lordship in Council, the enclosed
statements, No 1 & 2 showing the amount of bullion coined on account of the
Honble Company and individuals for the years 1800/1 and 1801/2 and No 3 & 4
showing amount of customs collected and expenses of the mint for the same,
including servants wages and all charges except the personal salary of the Mint
Master, the whole whereof cannot be considered properly chargeable to the mint
because the same person executes the office of Sub Treasurer and does the duty
of former Civil Paymaster.
In
addition to the above, I beg to lay before the Government, statements No 5
& 6, showing what would have been paid to the Contractor for his share of
coinage money etc on account of the bullion coined in 1800/1 & 1801/2,
supposing the same to have been done by contract on the usual terms.
From
the above statements it would appear that the expenses of the mint, exclusive
of the Master’s salary, amounted for 1800/1 to Pagodas 4913-13f-15c and that
the sum which would have been paid to the contractor for his share of coinage
money etc would have amounted to Pagodas 12,892-31f-20c, exceeding the total
disbursements of the mint as above stated in the sum of pagodas7,979-18f-5c
exclusive of which the Company would have had to pay the wages of the mint
servants on the old footing, pagodas 192 per annum and other charges to the amount
probably of pagodas 300.
By
the same statement it will be seen that the total expenses of the mint for
1801/2 amounted to pagodas 6000-28f-45c and that the contractors share for
coinage money etc would have been pagodas 19,483-34f-35c, exceeding the total
mint charges before stated in the sum of pagodas 12,483-5f-70c, besides which
the Company would have had to pay the mint servants wages on the old footing
Pagodas 192 per annum and charges merchandize to the amount probably of Pagodas
1500.
As
the establishment of a new office, such as that of Mint Master and Sub
Treasurer with a considerable salary annexed may seem to have added so much
actual expense, it may be satisfactory to Government to perceive that in this
instance the Honorable Company has not incurred any expense in fact, but that
the Mint Master’s salary has not only been defrayed out of the expense saved by
the appointment but an [overplus] also been saved thereby to the amount of
Pagodas 12,146-23f-75c as particularized in statement No 7.
I
beg leave to assure Government that all possible care has been employed by me
in an oeconomical (sic) regulation of the charges of the department and as it
was from a conviction of the trouble and labour of the mint servants that I
recommended them in my letter under date the 24th ultimo to the
Right Honorable the Governor in Council for an increase in pay, I again take
the liberty of soliciting His Lordship’s favourable attention in their behalf.
Having
stated to Government the advantages gained by the present constitution of the
mint, it becomes me in fairness to represent that while the mint was worked by
contract, the Honorable Company received the whole produce of their bullion
sooner than they can upon the present system because the contractor always paid
up the balance before he could work off what remained in hand by purchasing
bullion and incurring loss of interest of money for which he must have been
indemnified by the profits. This, the Mint Master cannot do and there must
consequently remain a balance in his hands until the whole can be extracted by
processes which are tedious and dilatory and that balance will increase in
proportion to the extent of coinage. Of
this I think it necessary to apprize Government because, if there should be a
large importation of Dollars and a great coinage in consequence, a considerable
balance will remain in the hands of the Mint Master, which might, if
unexplained previously, lead to a supposition of a want of attention on his
part, although, under present circumstances, it is impossible to prevent it.
In
bringing forwards this circumstance to the notice of Government, I should feel
much satisfaction for the sake of the Honorable Company as well as of myself,
if I could suggest any plan for effectually remedying the same but apprehend it
cannot be done unless processes more speedy than that known to and used by the
workmen of this mint could be employed and another building be added to the
mint. To introduce other processes may be difficult and requires knowledge which
I cannot pretend to possess but by the erection of an additional building much
would certainly be gained because it would then be practicable to employ
workmen constantly in working off the balance, which cannot be done now for
want of room when any coinage of silver is going on. The expense of a building
required to consist of little more than open verandas, would not be great and
considering that it would be advantageous to the Company by affording a quicker
return of the bullion in coin, than can be done under present circumstances,
and that it would relieve the Mint Master sooner from a great responsibility, I
beg leave to recommend to Government that such an additional building may be
constructed.
The
statements No 1-7 then follow. They show that for 1800/01, 2,564,765 Arcot
rupees were coined and 12,492 Madras Pagodas plus 2,301,267 fanams.
For
1801/2: 4,266,274 Arcot Rupees, 148,815 Madras Pagodas, 177,710 Current
Pagodas, plus 1,377,758 fanams
There
then follows the draft of a reply:
To
the sub-treasurer and mint master from Madras Government, dated 9th
July 1802
I
am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 25th May
and 30th ultimo.
The
Governor in Council is well pleased at the very satisfactory result of the
experiment made under His Lordship’s authority of working the Honorable
Company’s mint at this Presidency, under the superintendence of the Mint Master
instead of a contractor, and his Lordship in Council coincides in opinion with
you on the necessity of constructing a further building at the mint. I am
directed to desire that you will consult the Superintending Engineer on the
subject and submit for approval an estimate of the probable expense which will
attend the addition proposed.
His
Lordship in Council is also pleased at your recommendation to grant an addition
of Pagodas 20 per month to the pay of Arnachellum, the Book Keeper and to
increase the salaries of the Head Servant at the mint from 25 to 50 pagodas per
month, of the Mint Writer from 10 to 14 pagodas per month and of the Shroff
from 4 to 6 pagodas per month.
MadPC244.P/242/43.
p. 3055 copper to Masulipatam and Vizagapatam to be coined into dubs
From
Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 13th July 1802
…Great
inconvenience having been experienced in the Masulipatam districts from the
want of a sufficient currency of dubs, I am directed to desire that a large
supply of copper may be consigned to Masulipatam and Vizagapatam on the
Marchioness of Exeter for the purpose of restoring the currency of that coin.
MadPC245.P/242/44.
p. 3431 coinage of gold mohurs into Star Pagodas
From
Madras Government to the mint master, dated 23rd August 1802
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to desire that you
will immediately take charge of a quantity of gold mohurs received from
Seringapatam and coin them into Star Pagodas with all convenient dispatch.
MadPC246.P/242/45.
p. 4044 Utensils required from England
From
William Jones, mint master, to Madras Government, dated 14th October
1802
I
have the honor to enclose an indent for weights and scales wanted for the mint
and request Government will be pleased to make application to the Honble Court
of Directors to send them out by the first ships from England.
Ordered
that the above indent be forwarded to England by the present dispatch.
MadPC247.P/242/45.
p. 4279 Buildings required for mint and costs
From
William Jones, mint master, to Madras Government, dated 9th October
1802
Herewith
I have the honor to transmit plan and estimate of the expense of the additional
buildings required at the mint, received from the superintending engineer and,
if the same should be approved, I request Government may be pleased to give
orders for the execution of the work.
There
then follows a detailed list of work totalling Pagodas 2212-12f-42c
Ordered
to lie on the table.
Index for 1803 P/242/47
p/242/47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,
55, 56, 57
MadPC248.P/242/47.
p. 78 copper for Masulipatam and Vizagapatam
To
Madras Government from the Board of Trade, dated 11th January 1803
I
am directed by the President and Members of the Board of Trade to enclose the
accompanying invoice and bill of lading of copper consigned on the Brig Montgomery to Mr
Cazalit in charge of the mint at
Masulipatam for the purpose of being coined into dubs and I am desired to
request that His Lordship in Council will be pleased to order their
transmission to that gentleman with instructions to order an equal proportion
of the dubs to Ingeram and Madepollam which the Board beg leave to submit to
His Lordship should not be subjected to any fees of coinage or any other charge
whatever than those absolutely incurred in the mint.
The
Commercial Residents of the above mentioned factories have been directed to
receive their respective amount from Mr Cazalit and to communicate with him on
the cheapest mode of conveying them from Masulipatam…
Ordered
that the invoice an bill of lading of the copper consigned on the Brig
Montgomery to Masulipatam be consigned to the assistant in charge at that place
and that he be furnished with instructions in regard to the coinage of it into
dubs as recommended by the Board of Trade
MadPC249.P/242/49.
p. 722 minting of Star Pagodas & Pensions
From
Madras Government to the mint master and sub-treasurer, dated 26th
February 1803
I
am directed to inform you that in consideration of the circumstances submitted
in your letter of 22nd ultimo in favour of the writer Murugapah and
the two Peons Darmashiva and Carpoo Chilly, the Right Honorable the Governor in
Council is pleased to grant to those persons pensions for their natural lives,
the former of 30 pagodas and the latter 2 pagodas each per month to commence
from the 1st March next ensuing.
To
the mint master from Madras Government, dated 26th February 1803
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to desire that the
treasure received from Bengal on the Honorable Company’s ship United Kingdom
may be immediately converted into Star Pagodas and that when that shall have
been effected a correct statement of its produce may be prepared and submitted
for transmission to His Excellency the Governor in Council at Fort William.
MadPC250.P/242/50.
p. 1272 re-establishing mints of Ingeram and Maddepollam
From
the Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 15th April 1803
…In
consequence of a report recently received from the Commercial Resident at
Ingeram exhibiting a comparison between the expense of coining at Masulipatam and
his factory, the Board have directed me to request the sanction of His Lordship
in Council for the re-establishment of the mint at the latter place (as also at
Masulipatam [Madepollam?] as soon as there shall be a sufficiency of copper in
store for this purpose, by which some saving would be made in the coining and a
considerable expense of carriage at present incurred in transporting dubs from
Masulipatam to those factories avoided for the future…
…Resolved
that the coinage of dubs at the factories of Ingeram and Maddepollam be
authorized until further orders…
MadPC251.P/242/50.
p. 1321 coinage at Ingeram and Madepollam authorised
To
the Board of Trade from Madras Government, dated 16th April 1803
…the
Governor in Council is pleased at your recommendation to authorize until
further orders the coinage of dubs at the Factories of Ingeram and Maddapollam…
MadPC252.P/242/51.
p. 1718 mohurs coined into Star Pagodas
From
William Jones, mint master, to Madras Government, dated 7th May 1803
The
gold mohurs received from Bengal by the Honorable Company’s ship United Kingdom
having been coined into Star Pagodas, I have the honor to submit a statement of
their produce as directed by Mr Keble’s letter of the 26th February.
The neat amount, deducting charges, is Pagodas 274,616-41f-40c.
Having
understood that the Calcutta mohurs were reckoned to be of the fineness of 99Ľ
touch, I was careful to have different assays made of them from several of the
coins taken indiscriminately from different bags and melted together into a
mass, as those assays agreed in making the whole mohurs 98˝ touch, and the half
and quarter mohurs 98 touch. The results must consequently be taken into
account.
Of
the mohurs composing the treasure sent from Bengal by the United Kingdom, 2350
˝ being coins of various mints, the same were melted into three ingots and the
result of the assays thereof was 98Ľ,98 and 98 1/8 touch respectively.
MadPC253.P/242/51.
p. 1821 copper to be coined at Masulipatam
From
the Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 23rd May 1803
…An
opportunity having offered for shipping copper to the several northern
factories, I am directed to request that orders may be issued to the Collector
at Masulipatam to deliver the remaining copper in his possession for the
purpose of being coined into Dubs, to the Commercial Resident at that station…
MadPC254.P/242/51.
p. 1841 copper to be coined at Masulipatam
From
Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 28th May 1803
…Instructions
will be transmitted agreeably to your request, to the Collector at Masulipatam
to coin into Dubs the copper at present instore at that place with such further
supplies of copper as may be hereafter consigned to him for that purpose, and
to issue the Dubs when coined to the Commercial Resident at Masulipatam.
MadPC255.P/242/52.
p. 2557 Copper coins from England
From
the Import Warehouse keeper to the Board of Trade, dated 13th July
1803
Amongst
the articles lately imported from England a quantity of copper coin has been landed
from the Walpole, Windham & Harriett, consisting of pieces of the value of
Twenty, Ten and Five cash, agreeably to the accompanying samples, on the
appropriation of which I request you will obtain the instructions of the Board
of Trade for my guidance.
From
the want of invoices I am unable to state the precise cost of the different
descriptions of coin but the whole may be computed in weight equal to about 160
candies contained in 240 casks.
On
contrasting a proportion of each kind with the common currency of copper at
Madras, it appears that this species of coin may be circulated so as to produce
100 pagodas per candy, at which rate it would exceed the average cost of the
copper received at this Presidency during the season, by 22 per cent, and upon that
principle the present consignment of coins may be estimated at 1600 pagodas.
There
are besides, between three and four thousand copper medals in the warehouse,
enclosed in separate cases, of which no account has been received at the
office, either of the price or with regard to their disposal. A specimen of
them is also transmitted herewith.
MadPC256.P/242/53.
p. 2583 What to do with the copper coins from England
From
Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 16th July 1803
…No
instructions having as yet been received from the Honorable the Court of
Directors on the subject of the copper coins and medals landed from the
Honorable Company’s ships Windham and Walpole and the extra ship Harriett, the
Governor in Council cannot at present issue orders for their appropriation…
MadPC257.P/242/53.
p. 3185 repair of mint at Madepollam
From
the Board of Trade to Madras Government, dated 20th August 1803
…We
have also the honor of forwarding to Your Lordship in Council a copy of two statements
received from the Resident at Madepollam of the expense incurred in erecting
the Flag Staff and repairing the mint at that factory and, as we are of opinion
the charge is moderate, we recommend its receiving the sanction of your
Lordship in Council.
There
follows the detailed estimate which came to a total of pagodas 62-1f-49c.
This
was authorised and confirmed by the Governor on 27th August (see p.
3212)
MadPC258.P/242/54.
p. 3443 gold coined into Star Pagodas
From
Madras Government to sub-treasurer, dated 14th September 1803
I
am directed by the Right Honourable the Governor in Council to desire that the
chest of gold coins, which was landed from the Honorable Company’s ship Europe,
may be coined into Star Pagodas and appropriated to the Public Disbursements…
z/p/2473 c 1804
P/242/60, p. 180 (could be 80)
MadPC259.P/242/60,
p. 659
From
the mint master (Jones) to Madras Government, dated 9th February
1804
There
is a quantity of rubbish constantly accumulating at the mint, which not only
takes up much room but is also offensive. The superintending engineer, to whom
I applied to have it removed, having informed me that he has no authority for
carrying it away, I request the Right Honorable the Governor in Council will be
pleased, either to allow an establishment of carts for the purpose, or give
instructions to the Superintending Engineer to remove the same, whenever
application is made to him by the mint master.
Resolved
that the Military Board be directed to give such orders, to the superintending
Engineer, on the subject of the foregoing letter, as may be necessary for the
removal of the inconvenience described by the sub-treasurer.
MadPC261.P/242/62,
p. 1992
Letter
from the board of trade to Madras Government, dated 26th March 1804
A
loss having been experienced from coinage and other causes in the copper sent
to Masulipatam to the extent of pagodas 343,,31,,4 I am directed by the
President and members of the Board of Trade to request the sanction of the
Right Honorable the Governor in Council for that sum being carried to the head
of profit and loss in the accounts of that factory…
…Resolved
that the amount of the loss on the coinage of dubs at Masulipatam being pagodas
343,,31,,4 be written off to the head of profit and loss as recommended by the
Board of Trade.
MadPC262.P/242/62,
p. 2401
Notice
issued 26th April 1804
The
Right Honorable the Governor in Council having been pleased to resolve that the
coining of dollars into Arcot rupees at the Honorable Company’s mint in Fort St
George shall for the present be suspended, notice is hereby given that during
such temporary suspension, all dollars which may be brought to the mint will be
returned to proprietors after having been stamped with the impression of our
Arcot rupee in the centre of each dollar.
All
dollars which have been so stamped at the mint, will be received into the
Honorable Company’s treasury and in general circulation at the exchange of 16
3/8 dollars for 10 star pagodas, being the amount which standard Spanish
dollars yield when coined at the mint.
When
it shall be deemed advisable that the coinage of Arcot rupees should
recommence, of which public notice will be given, all stamped dollars will be
first coined at the mint, in preference to any other dollars or to bullion.
MadPC263.P/242/63,
p. 2428
Letter
from the sub-treasurer to Government dated 18th April 1804
A
part of the new copper coins sent from England and intended for the currency of
this Presidency having been received at the treasury and being now ready for
issue, I beg leave to suggest the expediency of a proclamation being published
by Government, previous to their being issued, ordering them to pass in all
receipts and payments according to the value as expressed on the different
coins. They consist of pieces of twenty cash, ten cash, five cash and one cash
each.
Resolved
that an advertisement notifying the proposed circulation of the new copper
currency received from England be published, agreeably to the recommendation of
the sub-treasurer and that it be translated into the different native languages
for the information of the native inhabitants of this Presidency.
MadPC264.P/242/63,
p. 2440
Government
Advertisement issued 28th April 1804
A
quantity of copper currency consisting of pieces of twenty, ten, five & one
cash each having been received from the Honorable the Court of Directors for
circulation at this Presidency, it is hereby ordered and commanded that their
coin shall pass in all receipts and payments accordingly to the value expressed
upon each coin.
Published
by order of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council.
MadPC265.P/242/63,
p. 2458
Letter
from the mint master (William Jones) and assay master (Benj, Roebuck) to Madras
Government, dated 8th February 1804
We
have the honour to enclose for your Lordship a rupee stamped as we thought
would have answered for the coins of this Presidency, but we have been
disappointed in its appearance, and think that the Company’s arms or the arms
of England on the reverse, where the flag is, would be better. The inscription
to remain the same. We would wish to have a half rupee die and a quarter of a
rupee with the same inscription on each. We shall soon be able to ascertain the
sizes of the dies for the gold coin but we take leave to suggest the propriety
of the machines being sent here by the first safe opportunity without any die
except a sicca rupee die as on urgent occasion we might be able to execute them
here tho’ not equal to what are manufactured at Calcutta.
Resolved
to acquaint the assay master and the sub-treasurer that the board having
postponed a communication to His Excellency the Governor General in Council on
the subject of the letter which was referred to them on the 7th
January last until the coins which they are preparing shall have been completed
for transmission to Bengal, the board deem it proper to desire that every
degree of despatch may be used in the preparation of them, in order that
further delay may be obviated.
MadPC266.P/242/63,
p. 2459
Letter
from Madras Government to the Assay master and sub-treasurer, dated 1st
May 1804
The
Right Honorable the Governor in Council having postponed a communication to His
Excellency the Governor General in Council on the subject of the letter which
was referred to you on 7th January last until the coins which you
are preparing shall have been completed for transmission to Bengal, His
Lordship in Council deems it proper to desire that every degree of dispatch may
be used in the preparation of them, in order that further delay may be
obviated.
MadPC267.P/242/63.
p. 2828
Letter
from Government to MM & sub-treasurer, dated 19th May 1804
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to desire that in
future, when it may be necessary to clear the mint yard of rubbish, the work
may be performed under your own orders and that the expense may be charged in a
contingent bill.
MadPC268.P/242/63. p. 2878
Letter from Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 26th
May 1804
…to permit you to write off to the head of profit and loss the sum of
pagodas 112,,34,,49 being the charges merchandize on the copper consigned to
that factory [namely Masulipatam].
MadPC269.P/242/63. p. 2909
Resolutions passed on 1st June 1804
…that authority be given for the admission of the charges incurred at Masulipatam
in coining into dubs the copper forwarded at different times to that place
amounting to pagodas 3758,,12,,74…
MadPC270.P/242/63.
p. 2929
Letter
to the Board of Trade from Madras Government, dated 2nd June 1804
Confirming
the righting-off of the above costs for coining copper
MadPC271.P/242/64,
p.3529
Letter
from William Jones, mint master and sub-treasurer to Government, dated 5th
July 1804
An
expectation that the machinery for which this Government made application to
the Governor general in Council during last year, would have arrived, and that
the several processes of refining and coining as practiced at the Calcutta mint
would have been introduced by this time into the mint of Fort St George, I have
hitherto avoided troubling the Right Honorable the Governor in Council with any
representation of the defective state of this mint. But finding that delays of
an unexpected nature have arisen, and being uncertain under present
circumstances when the machinery and improvements will be introduced, I feel it
no less a matter of duty to myself than to the Honorable Company, to lay before
His Lordship in Council, the hazard and responsibility to which I consider
myself exposed in my office of mint master, and the risk of loss to which the
Company may be eventually liable, by the present defective and imperfect mode
of workmanship in this mint, through all its branches.
I
beg leave to recall the recollection of the Right Honorable the Governor in
Council that previous to my appointment to be sub-treasurer and mint master in
March 1800, the coinage had been carried on by a native contractor, whose
family had for many years been employed in that situation. In consequence of
the change that took place on my appointment, the contractor at once declined
all further connection with the mint and I was under considerable difficulty
for some time to find a person capable of superintending the business of the
silver mint. IT could not be supposed I could possess any knowledge of the
business myself and, as no Europeans of professional knowledge in this branch
are to be had here, I was obliged to carry on the work of this mint in the same
rude and imperfect mode wherein the country mints conduct theirs.
After
I had commenced the coinage of silver, it was not long before my attention was
attracted by a balance that remained unreturned, a great part of which I found
required time to clear off.
The
balance in question consists of dollars, rupees that have failed in the moulds,
or proved short of weight, of silver remaining in the moulds and of what is
carried off with the alloy in the operation of refining part of the dollars
(about 3/5th), which latter operation is necessary in order to bring
that portion of the dollars as near to fine silver as the process admits, in
order that the remaining dollars, being mixed with the silver so refined, may
form a mixture of the Arcot rupee standard. The balance that arises from the
first is easily collected, when the work of the mint is suspended. The latter
requires time and tedious operations before it can be recovered, resulting from
the unskilful processes of the native workmen.
The
coinage of silver for some time being not very considerable, the magnitude of
the balance did not give much cause for alarm, either on my own account or that
of the Honorable Company and as gold had heretofore been the currency of this
place, I was in hope that the same would again be the case on the restoration
of peace, and that the importation of silver being small, the old balance would
soon be cleared off and the responsibility after that time would be
inconsiderable.
In
these expectations I was much deceived for, on the return of peace, the
quantity of silver brought to the mint for coinage was great indeed beyond
expectations and it seems probable from all appearances that silver will in
future form the chief currency instead of gold.
While
the mint was worked by a contractor, who was answerable to give a certain
quantity of rupees for a certain quantity of dollars, the responsibility rested
with him, and it is presumed he held his contract upon such terms that he was
able to supply the bullion wanting to complete the amount of rupees he was
bound to deliver without waiting till he could have time to work off the
balance.
Gold,
as I have already stated, being formerly the currency of this Presidency,
silver only became so at certain times, when the extraordinary expenses of
warfare obliged the Honorable Company to export dollars for supplying those
exigencies. When the dollars were brought to the mint for coinage, the
contractor carried on his work as expeditiously as he could and, having
returned rupees adequate to the dollars delivered, he proceeded afterwards to
work off the balance at his leisure. This he did at his own house in the Black
Town, where he performed all the refining part of the business. The importation
of silver being thus casual only and at particular times, he had usually long
intervals which he could employ to execute this part of his business, and he
himself was an inhabitant of the place, settled with his family, he had no
inducement to press this work more expeditiously than he found to be consistent
with his own convenience.
His
Lordship in Council will be aware that the situation of a Company’s servant in
the office of mint master must be materially different. He receives a fixed
salary for the joint offices of mint master and sub-treasurer and is restricted
by oath from making any other emolument whatever by the situation, be the
coinage and the responsibility what it may. He stands in the dangerous
situation of being answerable for the native workmen employed under him, many
of whom are notoriously of bad character and, though strict watch is kept and
search made of all the workmen when they leave the mint, and their thefts often
detected, yet no doubt they frequently escape undiscovered. That thefts of this
nature should be committed here will appear the less surprising as the report
of the select committee of the House of Commons on the mint of England (made
five or six years ago) shews that peculations are frequently committed by the
under workmen employed by the company of moniers in that mint.
This
being the case, His Lordship in Council will perceive in how unpleasing a
situation the mint master must be when the Madras mint is upon such a footing,
that a very large balance remains against him and the continual work going on
at the mint, so far from permitting the reduction of the balance must on the
contrary contribute to its increase and, until the balance can be worked off, the
deficiency, whatever it may be, cannot be ascertained.
In
order to convey to the Right Honorable the Governor in Council some notion of
the balance that has occurred, I shall state the same as it existed at two
different periods since I have held the office of mint master, one when the
coinage was little and the other when it was considerable.
The
amount of silver coined into rupees from 1st May 1800 to 31st
October 1802, being 30 months, was 7,420,045 rupees. The balance against the
mint master then was rupees 39,775,,1. The amount coined from the 1st
November 1802 to 31st May 1804 was rupees 12,673,817,,6 and the
balance then against the mint master 425,287,,7. Thus in the first period was
coined at the average rate of 247,334 rupees per month. In the second period
coined at the average rate of 667,041 rupees per month and, after deducting the
balance of rupees 39,775,,1 anna, due 31st October 1802, there
remained a balance accruing in that last period of rupees 385,512,,6. Of this
latter sum above, about 35,000 rupees have been paid on the beginning of this
month so that the actual balance then due stood nearly at 350,000 rupees.
When
I had completed the coinage of the silver bullion brought from Bengal per his
Majesties ship Caroline, which was only finished in the beginning of last
month, I was in hope that the mint would have been suspended for some time that
I might have had leisure to work off the whole of the balance against me, or at
least to have enabled me to make some reduction thereof. But instead of that,
the late exportation of rupees to the northward obliged me much against my
inclination, to proceed immediately to the coinage of the treasure landed from
the Sir Edward Hughes.
If
I could have been allowed to suspend the work of the silver mint until about
the end of last month, I should have reduced the balance one half or to about
175,000 rupees, and in the space of three months more, if the work of the mint
could have been discontinued for that time, I think that the whole might have
been worked off, or at least such reduction made that it would be very easy to
form a judgement whether the whole would be realizable, and if not, what would
be the deficiency.
That
his Lordship in Council may not suppose that I was indifferent or inattentive
to the accumulating balance, I beg leave to refer to my letter to Government
under date the 30th June 1802, wherein I stated my apprehensions on
that subject and, finding that the want of a sufficient place for refining the
dross had prevented it being worked off I recommended the erection of an
additional building for that purpose. This proposal, altho’ it met with the
approbation of Government at the time, was afterwards laid aside in consequence
(as I heard) of some objections of a military nature.
In
the month of May 1803, finding that the coinage from the months of November
1802 had increased greatly and that the mint altogether began to be inadequate
to the coinage, I urged to the late Right Honorable President (Lord Clive) the
necessity of erecting the building I had before recommended, which was
accordingly done.
At
the same time that I recommended this measure, I also forcibly recommended in a
memorandum I delivered to Lord Clive respecting the mint, the very imperfect
state of the same and, having heard some time before that the mint of Calcutta
possessed great advantages over ours, that they had a better mode of refining,
whereby they extracted a larger quantity of fine silver from the dollars, that
the work of coinage by aid of machinery, was more expeditious, more certain and
more elegant, and that the balance that remained behind was comparatively
nothing. I represented this to his Lordship and urged the necessity there was
for the same improvements to be introduced here. I also expressed to his
Lordship the great anxiety of mind I suffered, from the accumulating balance
and respectfully stated to his Lordship my desire to resign the office I held,
unless these improvements I had taken the liberty of suggesting, could be
adopted. His Lordship was so much struck with the circumstances I had
represented, that he was pleased in consequence to make application to Bengal
accordingly.
Having
had some correspondence with the mint master at Calcutta, I understand from him
that the balance on one hundred and forty seven lacks (14,700,000) sicca weight
of silver bullion coined at that mint from August 1802 to December last, or
about 17 months, was only twelve thousand (12,000) rupees, which he expected to
settle by the end of January, whereas the balance upon the mint here as before
stated, was 350,000 rupees for a period of nineteen months, and upon a much
smaller sum, that is 12,673,871 rupees only.
This
is so great an advantage that if the Bengal process possessed no other
superiority over ours, it alone would be (I confess) in my mind sufficient to
recommend their adoption. But, I conceive, this is only one part of the
advantages to be derived from adopting the improvement I have recommended. If
their process of refining is so superior as I have understood it to be, and if
it be supposed that only one per cent should be gained thereby, the advantage
to the Company on the bullion coined on their account, would be considerable,
their having been coined for them upwards of 11,900,000 rupees in four years
and one month.
By
adopting a quicker and better mode of coinage so as to leave but a small
balance in the mint, the Company would be saved from the great inconvenience
they are often put to, by the delay in the coinage, whereby they lose the
benefit of a considerable sum of money and may indeed be said to sustain a
positive loss of interest upon the balance that remains in the mint. For if we
estimate the sum remaining as a balance constantly upon the mint at 75,000
pagodas, the interest thereon for twelve months at 8 per cent, is 6000 pagodas.
In fact, from the inability of the mint to coin with sufficient celerity,
Government was reduced to the necessity of borrowing money at the latter end of
last year, when they had a large sum in bullion in the treasury, and were
obliged to pay interest for the same, for which there would have been no
necessity had the mint possessed the means of coining expeditiously.
The
inconveniences that have arisen and must be expected in future to occur from
the same causes while the mint is on its present footing, are too notorious to
require any argument. If, instead of coining about six lacs and sixty seven
thousand rupees monthly, as we have done on average for the last nineteen
months, the mint had been capable of coining 14 or 15 lacs monthly, the bullion
that came for coinage would have been turned out in half the time, the people
of the mint, instead of being harasses and jaded perpetually, as they have been
and now are, would have had intervals of rest and relaxation, which I can
venture to say is necessary in a business that is, in all its branches, more or
less pernicious to the health, but particularly in that of the refinery,
wherein the people employed are constantly sick.
Having
stated the situation of the mint generally, I must now beg leave to revert to
my own individually, as connected with that office.
After
a residence of upwards of twenty four years in India in the service of the
Company, I feel my constitution much debilitated by the climate. The debility,
which is naturally incident thereto, has I believe, been much increased by the
situation of the building, wherein my office kept, it being almost entirely
excluded from the sea breeze and the heat of it greatly augmented by the strong
charcoal and other fires in the mint. The heat of these added to the noxious
fumes arising from the lead employed in refining, cannot but be very injurious
to the health.
From
the state of my constitution and feeling (as I have done) the influence of this
season, I can hardly promise myself sufficient health and strength to remain in
India, particularly in my present office for another year, but shall in all
probability be obliged to make application to Government to return to England
for the benefit of my health early in the year ensuing.
Such
being the case, it naturally becomes a subject of consideration, under the
present circumstances of the mint, in what manner I am to exonerate myself from
the charge of that office when I may have occasion to relinquish it.
If
the machinery and improvement I have recommended should be adopted, I should be
under little anxiety regarding it. For, as the accumulation of any balance,
except a trifling one, would be prevented after their introduction, time might
then be afforded for working off what has already or may hereafter be
accumulated, while the present mode of coinage is continued, and I should very
gladly wait any reasonable time, could I have the satisfaction of seeing the
mint placed on a good footing and of delivering over the office to my successor
in a clear and regular manner.
But
if these improvements I have suggested are not likely to take place, I humbly
beg leave to submit to Government the situation in which I stand, and to
solicit that some means may be adopted for my relief. In consequence, I beg
leave to propose, as the first means of accomplishing that purpose, that the
working of the silver mint be suspended until such time as the balance standing
against me can be worked off, or reduced so low that a pretty good judgement
may be formed of the deficiency, for some I apprehend then must be from the
hurried way in which the coinage has gone on for the last nineteen months. The
time necessary for the above I have stated in a former part of this letter to
be from 3 to 4 months.
If
the want of coin should prevent Government from complying with this request and
it should be necessary that the coinage of silver should be continued, I
confess I see little prospect in that case of the balance being worked off. For
as long as the coinage of dollars goes on, the want of hands to perform that
part of the refining which is necessary before the dollars can be brought into
coinage, will not allow a sufficient number of people to go with the operation
of reefing the dross, whereof the balance principally consists, and
consequently little progress can be made in working off the latter.
Should
Government find it necessary to go on with the coinage of dollars, and the
importation thereof be considerable, I beg leave to propose that the old balance
should be kept apart, and that in order to prevent future accumulation,
whenever the balance upon the silver mint, excepting what is in coin, in actual
silver, or bullion uncoined, shall amount to fifty thousand rupees, the working
of the mint shall be discontinued, until such time as that can be cleared off.
That so long as the Company has any silver bullion in the treasury, no silver
be allowed to be coined for individuals and that when the mint is again open
for coinage of silver for individuals, that they shall not have their full
amount of bullion returned to them in rupees completed from the Company’s
bullion, but shall wait for that part of it which may be in dross until it can
be worked off.
I
propose these regulations, not as being in my opinion desirable, but as
necessary in the present state of the mint, for the security of the Honorable
Company and the mint master. The most effectual remedy would certainly be that
of a well-regulated and sufficient mint and any expense that might be necessary
for building a new one on a regular plan and on a scale adapted to the present
exigencies of the service, would be amply repaid by the expedition and security
with which the business would then be conducted.
In
the conduct of the office entrusted to me, the responsibility whereof is great,
it has been my anxious desire at all times, to execute the charge with all
possible care and attention. The duties of the two offices of mint master and
sub-treasurer, from the great extension of the coinage of silver and the
increasing business of the treasury, since I have held it, are becoming too
weighty to be duly executed by one person. The mint in particular requires the
assistance of one or rather two professional men, well acquainted with the
practical principles of chemistry and metallurgy as applicable to the business
of a mint, who have been regularly brought up at some of the great houses in
England, such as that of Messrs Bolton etc, so well known for their ingenuity
in all things relative to metals and for the improvements they have made in
engines for coining. The services of two such men of good character would be
highly useful and might probably be obtained for a stipend comparatively
trifling. I would beg to recommend to Government that application might be made
to the Honorable Company for the purpose.
I
humbly trust that Government from the representation I have now the honor to
lay before them, will be sensible that the state of the mint, whatever its
defect may be, has not arisen from any want of attention on my part but that it
has been occasioned by circumstances not in my power either to control or
remedy; and that His Lordship will, in this instance, extend the same
indulgence which I have always experienced at the hand of Government in the
different offices I have had the honor to hold, and adopt such modes as he may
think best fitting for enabling me to relinquish the office of mint master at
such period as I may find it necessary to solicit the permission of Government
to resign it, and to place the mint on that footing which the Honorable
Company’s interests appear to require.
MadPC272.P/242/64.
p.3552
Draft
of a letter in reply from Madras Government to the sub-treasurer, dated July
1804
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 5th instant and to acquaint you that
though Hid Lordship in Council is sensible of the inconvenience which is
experienced in conducting the operations of the mint on the present defective
footing, His Lordship regrets that it is not practicable at this time to apply
an effectual remedy to that evil.
The
subject has however been submitted to the consideration of his Excellency the
Most Noble the Governor General in Council, and His Lordship in Council is led to
expect that measures will be adopted for despatching from Bengal at an early
period, the machinery which will be requisite for introducing an improved
system of coinage at Fort St George.
In
the meantime the Governor in Council is aware of the personal solicitude which
you may be liable to experience from the causes described in your letter, but
his Lordship in Council has every confidence that you will continue to use your
exertions for reducing the mint balance to the lowest practicable scale, and though
it may not be practicable entirely to obviate the inconvenience of having
unavailable balance in hand, His Lordship is satisfied of your vigilance to
avail yourself of every opportunity that may be afforded for diminishing its
extent.
His
Lordship in Council will be desirous to avoid the measure of issuing orders for
suspending the coinage of money on account of individuals persons, but his
Lordship has no doubt that considerable relief will be derived from the
authority which has been given for the circulation of stamped dollars in lieu
of the current coin, and his Lordship in Council entirely approves your
proposal for reserving in deposit the balance which may have accumulated in the
mint until an intermission in the demand for coinage shall afford to you the
means of rendering it available.
MadPC273.P/242/65.
p. 4065
Letter
from the assay master (Benj Roebuck) and sub-treasurer & mint master
(William Jones) to Madras Government, dated 9th August 1804
We
have the honor to lay before your Lordship drawings and inscriptions which we
wish to have engraved on the dies of a new coinage whenever it may take place,
together with translations of the inscriptions. We have attempted to get the
dies cut in Madras but we have not got them executed to out wishes. We hope
that on the transmission of these drawings to Bengal we may be furnished with
the apparatus for a new coinage. We would wish to have dies for half and
quarter rupees.
Translation
of No. 1
The
auspicious rupee of the English Company Bahadoor, the centre of all business,
struck at the Presidency of Madras
Translation
of No. 2
The
auspicious double pagoda of the English Company Bahdoor, the centre of all
business, struck at Madras
Translation
of No. 3
The
auspicious pagoda of the English Company Bahadoor, the centre of all business,
struck at Madras
The
President proposes that copies of the above letter and enclosure with the
drawings therein referred to, be forwarded to Fort William and that they be
accompanied by a letter agreeably to the following draft.
MadPC274.P/242/65.
p. 4068
Draft
of a letter to Calcutta from Government of Madras, dated 11th August
1804
I
am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council the acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of 15th December 1803, which having been
referred for the report of the Assay Master and sub-treasurer at Fort St
George, His Lordship in Council regrets that the different experiments which
have been made by those officers for the formation of models for the intended
coinage at this Presidency, have protracted the information which they were
called upon to furnish in consequence of the communication conveyed in your
letter, until this late period
The
Assay Master and Sub-Treasurer being now satisfied that a more accurate idea
will be conveyed with regard to the form and inscriptions which it will be
desirable to observe in the construction of the new gold and silver coins, by
drawings, rather than by the models which were originally proposed, I am directed
to request that you will submit to His Excellency the Most Noble the Governor
General the copy of a report which has been laid before His Lordship in Council
on that subject, accompanied by the enclosures to which it refers.
His
Lordship in Council is led to hope that these papers will convey a satisfactory
explanation on the subject referred to in your letter, and that no material
difficulty will be now experienced in the entire construction of the machinery
for coinage intended for the use of this Presidency.
In
a letter which was addressed to you under date the 22nd October
1803, particular reference was made respecting the nature of the buildings
which might be requisite for the accommodation of the new machinery and His
Lordship in Council will be solicitous to receive at as early a period as may
be practicable any plans for an extension or modification of the buildings now
appropriated to the purposes of the mint at Fort St George, which the
experience of the present system of coinage at Fort William may appear to
render necessary.
Approved
and ordered to be dispatched accordingly.
Rupees shipped to Masulipatam
MadPC275.P/242/66. p. 4150
Letter from the Government of Madras to the sub-treasurer (and mint
master), dated August 1804
I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to desire
that the sum of one and a half lac of pagodas in rupees may be shipped on board
the Honorable Company’s ship the Marchioness of Exeter for the supply of the
general treasury at Masulipatam
MadPC276.P/242/69.
p.5911
Government
Advertisement issued 9th November 1804
Notice
is hereby given that the treasury of Fort St George will until further
intimation be open for the receipt of Dollars at the exchange of 15/2 Spanish
Dollars for 10 pagodas to be repaid either in bills on Bengal at the present
rate of exchange, in treasury notes or in promissory notes according to the
terms of the loan which was opened under date the 2nd instant.
All
stamped Dollars which may be paid into the treasury will be received on the
terms of this advertisement.
Persons
paying Dollars into the treasury will state to the sub-treasurer the mode in
which they be desirous that repayment should be made.
The
Right Honorable the Governor in Council having resolved that the coinage of
Dollars on individual account, which was suspended by the advertisement dated
the 21st April last, shall be renewed. Notice is given that all
persons having stamped Dollars shall be at liberty to send them to the treasury
for the purpose of their being coined into Arcot rupees in the usual manner.
MadPC277.P/242/70.
p. 6320
Letter
from Madras Government to the Board of Trade, dated 8th December
1804
…I
am also directed to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a letter from the
Accountant General relative to the charge for coinage at the mint of
Masulipatam…
z/p/2473 c 1805
Index P/242/71
p.
579
p.
774
p.
2726
p.
2744
p.
2920
p.
2954
p.
3011
p.
3260
p.
3661
p.
3905
p.
4045
p.
4333
p.
4550
p.
5047
p.
5060
p.
5194
18
jan 609 Jones MM
5
feb 778, 802 Jones MM. Linley appointed
1
mar 1210 Jones MM
5
mar 1407, 1420 Jones MM. MM salary
15
mar 1751 Pension for head Conicopoly
22
mar masulipatam increase in people
29
apr 2757 checks on mint
7
may 2888 Bills. Checks on mint
21
may 3120 Checks on mint
31
may 3254 Bills. Assays
5
jun 3271 Bills. Assays
9
aug 4273 Assays
13
aug 4321 Assays
27
aug 4536 Assays
13
sep 4906 calcutta needs more info about dies
17
sep 4983 calcutta needs more info about dies
4
oct 5172 value of pagodas at masulipatam. Coins circulating in Malabar
26
nov 5627 mint at Ingeram
29
nov 5640 ibid
13
dec 6000 Reward for head servant
17
dec 6084 Reward for head servant
z/p/2474 c1806
Index
P/242/83
10
jan 187, 188 Cost of copper dubs etc
7
feb 424-94, 616,617 samples of coins for England. Introduction of a new coinage
70 page proposal
14
feb sending copper to Bengal
18
feb sending copper to Bengal
12
feb 861-2 coins left in treasury that are not current
21
feb 1236 letter to Calcutta about reform
1
mar 1865 calling for plans & estimates for new mint
4
mar 1926 calling for plans & estimates for new mint
18
mar 2125 approving Roebuck to report on coinage
28
mar 2166, 2173, 2201, 2373 copper coins at masulipatam. Approving Roebuck to
report. Mysore to report on coinage there
1
apr 2376, 2378 copper coins at masulipatam
10
apr 2434 machinery required for new mint
18
apr 3322 reply from Calcutta about reform. machinery required for new mint
25
apr 3457 Krishnagiri
29
apr 3537, 3560, 3569(0?) Report of committee of finance about copper coins to
lie. machinery required for new mint. Krishnagiri
2
may 3695 Roebuck’s proposals to go to finance committee
6
may 3737 Roebuck’s proposals to go to finance committee
9
may 3809-13 Machinery from Calcutta
13
may 3818 Machinery from Calcutta
4
jul 4961, 5114 report from Calcutta on coins sent from Madras. Court of
Directors approve new coinage
8
jul 5148 report from Calcutta on coins sent from Madras
25
jul 5586 Da Costa to Madras
12
aug 5787, 5982 report of committee of finance about copper. Size of dubs to be
reduced. Roebuck appointment MM
29
aug 6222 request for copper coins from England
2
sep 6292, 6331 request for copper coins from England. People at masulipatam
mint
9
sep 6361, 6372 copper sent to masulipatam. Disposal of dross
12
sep 6412, 6418 copper sent to masulipatam. Disposal of dross
19
sep 6561 copper coins in the south
26
sep 6589 copper coins in the south
21
oct 7209 coinage of brass dubs
27
oct 7587 Masulipatam
31
oct 7637, 7777 Da Costa. Masulipatam
11
nov 7872, 7880 Da Costa. Dollars to rupees
14
nov 7883 Da Costa. Building materials
18
nov 7954-7 Building materials. New silver coins
2
dec 8052
5
dec 8069 money for new mint
2
dec transfer of copper coins from Tinnevaly to Trichinopoly and Tanjore
12
dec 8123, 8126 transfer of copper coins from Tinnevaly to Trichinopoly and
Tanjore. Dollars to rupees
16
dec 8136, 8137, 8160 copper dubs. transfer of copper coins from Tinnevaly to
Trichinopoly and Tanjore. Dollars to rupees
19
dec 8210 copper dubs
24
dec 8254 Da Costa
MadPC300. Public
Consultations. IOR p/243/4, p. 2066
Minute of Lord Bentinck
dated 18th March 1806
Whatever may be the opinion
of the supreme Government with respect to the particular coin which should form
the currency of the Coast, I think I may venture to anticipate their
concurrence in the expediency of withdrawing from circulation the multitude of
debased coins, the great cause of the inconvenience so long complained of.
The mode by which this
desirable object should be accomplished is of considerable difficulty and
importance. Great nicety is required in determining the relative value of the
different coins and in fixing the rate at which the coins not standard should
be received at the various treasuries.
It requires some management
also in withdrawing a coin which has formed the currency in a particular
province to provide an immediate substitute.
But the great difficulty
consists in the just appointment of the loss which must inevitably arise from
any arrangement however correctly formed. I think this Government cannot in
liberality and equity say to the various provinces now under their rule, “the
coins which form your currency are debased. This was not our act but the act of
your former Government. The currency must be [re]formed and you must bear the
loss”. Such a measure would in fact be a forced [contribution?] upon the people
to vast extent if all the coins were immediately withdrawn. It appears to me
reasonable that the loss should eb jointly borne by the Government and the
Inhabitants, and in order that neither the one nor the other should suffer
material inconvenience from the operation, it would seem wise that the
execution should be gradual, and that those coins should be first withdrawn
which have been the source of the greatest abuse.
These remarks will be
sufficient to show that the difficulties which attend this measure are [of]
considerable magnitude and will require the most serious deliberation.
There is a Gentleman in the
service who has evinced very superior knowledge upon this particular question
and, I may venture to express the concurrence of the opinion of the Supreme
Government in the great correctness and judgement which all former reports of
Mr Roebuck upon the general coinage have displayed. I am of opinion that it
would be advisable to entrust to that Gentleman the superintendence of the
General Coinage. I would propose that this superintendence should only extend
to the following facts: to ascertain the exact state of the currency in all the
provinces and to recommend for the adoption of Government such measures as may
be best calculated with the least inconvenience and loss to effect the objects
of Government.
As this duty is of great
importance in itself and will occasion considerable trouble and some expense, I
would recommend that such compensation be made to Mr Roebuck as council may
think fit.
MadPC301. Public
Consultations. IOR p/243/4, p. 2103
Letter to B Roebuck from
Madras Council, dated 19th March 1806
You are already acquainted
with the discussion which has at different times taken place regarding a reform
of the coinage of this place.
The result of the
deliberation of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council on that subject
decided in favour of the measure of retaining the present denomination of coins
under certain modifications. His Lordship in Council has accordingly submitted
recommendation.
Whatever may be the
determination of Supreme Government in regard to the particular mode of
effecting the proposed reform, His Lordship in Council has no doubt that the
measure itself will be authorized, and it will be accordingly proper that the
preparatory arrangements which may be necessary, should be made in order that
the accomplishment of the desired object may be effected with as little delay
as may be practicable.
From the experience which
you have had in this particular branch of the Public Service, his Lordship in
Council has resolved to appoint you to superintend the arrangements connected
with the intended reform and you will accordingly proceed to submit your
sentiments on that subject. You will particularly ascertain the state of the
currency in the several provinces under this Government and state your opinion
as to the best mode of withdrawing the debased coins from circulation, with the
least practicable loss and inconvenience.
It being proper that you
should be minutely acquainted with the opinions which have been stated relative
to the intended reform, from the institution of the late Committee of Finance
until the present time, I am directed to inform you that the papers on that
subject
In consideration of the
trouble which will attend the efficient execution of the important duty which
has been committed to you, His Lordship in Council has resolved to grant you an
allowance of one hundred and fifty pagodas per month, as long as the duty in
question may continue
MadPC302. Public
Consultations. IOR p/243/4, p. 2330
Letter from the Committee of
Finance to Government, dated 22nd September 1806
I am directed by the
President and members of the Committee of Finance to acknowledge the receipt of
Mt Secretary Keble’s letter of the 14th instant accompanied by
copies of a letter from the Secretary to the Supreme Government whereby it
appears that the Mint Master at Calcutta, not having been informed of the size
and inscription of the coins, is unable to complete the necessary implements.
Information upon the
foregoing points, the Committee understand to have been furnished to the
Governor General in Council by the Chief Secretary’s letter of 10th
August 1804, duplicate of which they recommend being transmitted, with a
request that the machinery for the Madras Mint may be conveyed to this
Presidency y the first convenient opportunity.
1808 Index (P/243/30)
MadPC303. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/31, p. 133
Letter from the mint master
(Roebuck) to Madras Government, dated 4th January 1808.
The Collector of Tanjore applied
under date the 13th November last for a quantity of copper coinage.
As yet I understand there has not been any sent. There is now a large stock in
the Treasury and Mint. The season is open and I take the liberty of suggesting
that I think under the charge of Gollahs they may now be safely sent to
Nagapatam in a Cheeliar Pessed, which will keep close to Coast all the way down
and I should suppose perfectly safe from Privateers.
There has been a great
demand in Tanjore for silver fanams and very large quantities in Number and
Value have been sent by the Shroffs of this place, by land, to Tanjore and they
still continue to send then as fast as they are issued from the Treasury.
MadPC304. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/31, p. 155
Letter from Madras Government
to the mint master, dated 9th January 1808.
Agreeing with the proposal
to send copper coins to Tanjore.
MadPC305. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/31, p. 307
Letter from Madras
Government to the mint master, dated 21st January 1808.
Transmits copy of a letter
to the sub-treasurer about the descriptions of coins to be withdrawn from
circulation. However, there is no attachment in the records.
MadPC306. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/31, p. 704
Letter from the mint master
to Madras Government, dated 30th January 1808.
I beg to state to you that
the new gold coinage is now ready to be issued and in order to give it currency
under this Presidency, I take leave to submit to Your Honor in Council, the
accompanying draft of a proclamation which, if approved, I have to request may
be published.
There then follows the
proposed new proclamation (see below)
MadPC307. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/31, p. 740
Letter from Madras
Government to the mint master (and others), dated 3rd February 1808.
Forwards letter concerning
the mint at Masulipatam from the Board of Revenue.
MadPC308. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/32, p. 744
Proclamation published 3rd
February 1808
The Honorable the Governor
in Council having deemed it expedient to establish a new gold coinage for the
territories under Presidency has in consequence resolved to coin a gold pagoda
of the fineness of England Standard of 22 carats fine or 91 2/3 touch, weighing
45 grains and 9 elevenths of a grain English Troy weight, containing forty two
grains of pure gold and three grains and nine elevenths of a grain English Troy
weight of alloy. Also a double pagoda of the same fineness and touch weighing
ninety one grains and seven elevenths of a grain English Troy weight,
containing eighty four grains of pure gold and seven grains and seven elevenths
of a grain of alloy with English, Persian and Gentoo and Malabar inscriptions
on each coin.
MadPC309. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/32, p. 1324
Letter from the mint master
and assay master to Madras Government, dated 22nd December 1807
All about the supposed fraud
at the old mint
MadPC310. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/33, p. 1542
Letter from the mint master
(Roebuck) and Assay Master (Balmain) to Madras Government, no date but read at
a meeting on 29th February 1808
We have the honor to enclose
specimens of the new Gold Coinage which is 22 carats fine and of which each
pagoda contains 42 grains of pure gold and weighs 45 9/11th grains
and each two pagoda piece contains 84 grains of pure gold and weighs 91 7/11
Grains. They are each five in number which we request may be sent to the Honble
the Court of Directors.
This was so ordered
Apr 1st 2553
MadPC311. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/35, p. 2664
Letter from the mint master
to Madras Government, dated 6th April 1808
He asks that he be allowed
to purchase small amounts of silver, up to a value 3000 pagodas, because he can
get it at advantageous rates. He will send his shroffs to the bazaar to try to
find such small amounts.
This is approved.
MadPC312. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/36, p. 3217
Letter from Madras
Government to the mint master, dated 7th May 1808
I am directed by the Honble
the Governor in Council to desire that you will immediately submit a revised establishment
for the mint with a calculation for the probable contingent charges on 1000 of
each description of coin delivered from it.
You will state whether the
machinery is now complete or if otherwise how long time it will require to
render it so. The Governor in Council observes that though it was understood to
be complete in the month of May last, considerable monthly charges are made for
completing the machinery.
You will state what has been
done to the machinery since the above report and you will submit a separate
account of the expense which has been incurred on that account.
The Governor in Council
desires that no new buildings of any description or repairs to buildings at the
mint may be undertaken without the special orders of Government, and when new
buildings or repairs are sanctioned, they are to be executed by the proper
officer under the superintendence of the Military Board, and not to form in
future a contingent charge of the mint.
You will state what
additional buildings have been executed and the expense incurred.
You will state the number of
bullocks required for the use of the mint and the estimated expense of keeping
them as also whether that is the cheapest mode of executing the work.
The Governor in Council
desires that you submit an account of the copper which you have received,
stating upon actual weight, what has been coined, what is in the scissel, and
what remains on hand, and you will return to the stores all copper not
immediately required for coinage, and receive it back from thence only n such
proportions as may be absolutely required to keep the mint employed.
The Governor in Council
desires that you will state exactly what quantity of gold and silver bullion is
necessary to be on hand so that the full operations of the mint may not be
stopped, and a constant supply sent to the Treasury and Bank as long as bullion
is supplied from thence.
It is to be understood that
no application is to be made to the Treasury or Bank for further supplies of
bullion than are absolutely necessary to keep the mint in full employment, and
that no fresh supply of bullion is to be applied for but in return for currency
sent from the mint.
MadPC313. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/36, p. 3488
Letter from mint master
(Roebuck) to Madras Government, dated 3rd May 1808
I have the honor to return
the papers of the old Mint Committee and shall send in my Report to Government
in the course of two or three days.
MadPC314. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/36, p. 3489
Letter from mint master
(Roebuck) to Madras Government, dated 11th May 1808
It is necessary to have an
additional refining room for the Gold. At present the Porto Nova Pagodas and
other inferior coins cannot be refined to a larger value than about 3000 Pagodas
daily, or of Seringapatam coins about double the value.
All the Gold brought to the
Mint must be refined and this occasions the delays which we have hitherto
experienced. There is an apartment set aside for this operation and the expense
attending the alteration will be trifling. I hope it will be executed with as
little delay as possible. If the Engineer receive the orders it can be
completed in a week.
MadPC315. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/36, p. 3679
Letter from mint master
(Roebuck) to Madras Government, dated 23rd May 1808
As all silver bullion in the
mint will be delivered in the course of this week and the mint left without any
silver bullion to coin, I take leave to reply to the 8th paragraph
of your letter of the 7th instant which reached me on the 12th.
I request therefore you will
be pleased to lay before the Honorable the Governor in Council the enclosed
statement of the quantities of silver and gold bullion requisite for the Mint
supposing 40,000 Rupees to be coined daily and near three lacks of Pagodas
monthly.
The scissell copper is
delivering back to the Warehouse with all practicable expedition.
The full replies to the
other parts of the letter will be shortly ready and shall be delivered to
Government with the least possible delay.
Silver Bullion Required in
the Mint Supposing the Bullion to be Dollars with 2/3rds coined into Half &
1/3rd into Quarter Pagodas to Deliver in Value about 17,500 Rupees
Daily:
|
|
Dollars |
|
Receiving, Shroffing &
Weighing in the Mint Treasury |
30,000 |
|
Classing them by weight
and measure in the Cutting Room |
20,000 |
|
Laminating & Cutting |
20,000 |
|
Adjusting & Sorting |
10,000 |
|
Milling |
30,000 |
|
Annealing & Blanching |
30,000 |
|
Stamping |
30,000 |
|
Sorting & Weighing in
the Mint Treasury |
30,000 |
|
Scissel Cuttings in the Mint
Treasury. One Third |
10,000 |
|
Melting Room |
10,000 |
|
Total Dollars |
220,000 |
Silver Bullion Supposing it
to be in Bars to deliver in value about 40,000 Rupees Daily
|
|
Rupees |
|
Receiving in the Mint
Treasury ne day’s Bullion |
60,000 |
|
Melting Room |
60,000 |
|
Laminating & Cutting
Rooms |
60,000 |
|
Adjusting Room |
10,000 |
|
Blanks receiving in the
Mint Treasury |
40,000 |
|
Milling Room |
40,000 |
|
Annealing & Cleaning |
40,000 |
|
Stamping Room |
40,000 |
|
Weighing, Sorting &
Packing |
40,000 |
|
Scissell in the Laminating
& Cutting Rooms |
20,000 |
|
Total Rupees |
410,000 |
If the Gold is in the Porto
Novo Pagodas, it will require to be refined by 24 fires and 4 fires each day
are as much as can be given. When the rooms the Engineer is now altering are
completed we shall be able to have 120 pots refining and in each pot 500
Pagodas. Of course, 60,000 pagodas are required for this operation and 60,000
after refinage to carry on the operation of the coinage and to deliver the
value of 10,000 Porto Novo of Gold daily, there will therefore be required
120,000 Porto Novo to be in the mint to be replaced from the Treasury as
delivered at the rate of 10,000 daily. If fine coins are sent to the mint fewer
fires will be required and the operations sooner completed. Of course. Less
bullion will be wanted, but as all Country coins are alloyed with bad copper
they will not laminate without being made very pure as it is difficult to get
rid of the lead which has been united to the copper with which the gold has
been alloyed, 1/2000 part of which or about a Ľ of a grain to an ounce of gold
will render the gold unfit for coinage.
MadPC316. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/36, p. 3684
Letter from Madras
Government to the mint master, dated 28rd May 1808
I am directed by the Honble
the Governor in Council to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 23rd
instant.
The Governor in Council
directs me to observe that he expected to receive a more satisfactory reply
regarding the several points which were stated in my letter of the 7th
instant. Though a long interval has elapsed since your receipt of that letter,
your answer has been confined to only one of the subjects to which it related
and, with regard to that subject the Governor in Council cannot consider your
explanations to be satisfactory.
You were informed by my
leter of the […] instant that it was the determination of the Governor in
Council on no account to permit the accumulation of a large balance of money at
the mint and if the operations of the mint cannot be conducted without such a
balance as you have now represented to be requisite, it will be better that its
operations should cease and that some other more satisfactory and more
economical arrangement should be adopted.
The Governor in Council has
been informed that since the 12th instant, copper to the amount only
of Pagodas 16,390 has been restored to the import department and paid into the
Treasury. It is impossible not to view this tardiness without extreme
disapprobation and I am directed to repeat the desire of the Governor in
Council that you will without further delay furnish the specific information
required in the 7th paragraph of the letter addressed to you under
the 7th instant and that you will comply with the orders conveyed in
that paragraph on the subject of the copper delivered to your charge.
The Governor in Council
further observes that a balance of not less than Pagodas 197,221 remains due
from the Mint to the Treasury. As it appears that the average deliveries of
coin which have for some time been made from the Mint to the Bank and Treasury
fall materially short in value of what might have been expected, the Governor
in Council desires that you will furnish a particular and early explanation of
this circumstance and it has been judged proper to interdict the delivery of
any further bullion until the whole, or the greatest part of the present large
balance due from the Mint shall have been liquidated.
MadPC317. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 3928
Letter from Madras
Government to the sub-treasurer with a copy to the mint master, dated 6th
June 1808
It having been represented
to the Honorable the Governor in Council that a great scarcity of fanams
prevails at the Presidency, I am directed to desire that you will transfer to
the mint, a sufficient quantity of bullion to be coined into fanams. The
Governor in Council desires that the transfer of bullion may after the first
issue, take place in proportion as the fanams shall be returned, in order to
prevent any unnecessary accumulation of Bullion at the Mint.
MadPC318. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 3975
Letter from the mint master
to Government, dated 7h June 1808
I have to acknowledge the
commands of your Honor in Council through Mr Chief Secretary Buchan of the 28th
ultimo received by me the 2nd instant and it is with concern that I
feel I have incurred your displeasure from tardiness in the execution of your
orders in the redelivery of the copper and not sending the statement required
in the 7th paragraph of Mr Buchan’s letter dated the 7th
May and received by me on the 12th. That paragraph directs me to
submit “an account of the copper you have received stating upon actual weight
what has been coined, what is in scissell and what remains on hand, and you
will immediately return to the stores all copper not required for coinage and
receive it back only in such proportion as may be absolutely required to keep
the mint employed”. I have to assure your Honor in Council that I have used
every practicable expedition in obeying this order. Copper scissel is not
specially weighed it being in pieces averaging 6 ounces and is not readily
handles from the people being afraid of cutting their fingers. Since the
receipt of Mr Buchan’s letter of the 28th ultimo, I have made every
exertion and I cannot weigh more than from10 to 12 Candies daily of scissell
copper. I have delivered to the Import Warehouse since I received the order,
168.5.2 and 122.10.19 remain still to be weighed and delivered. Had I
understood it was your wish to have an immediate statement, I could have
immediately delivered it. I considered the tenor of the 7th para of
the Chief Secretary’s letter directed me to furnish a statement by actual
weight and if I have erred in mistaking your orders, I hope I shall be excused.
The only copper in the mint not required for coiage10.23.14 [last two numbers
are lbs & ozs] of plate copper, the statement I now submit to Government.
But there must be deducted from it such wastage as may have been incurred in
the Coinage, which cannot be ascertained until the whole of the scissel is
delivered.
The mint with its present
establishment, can complete from 70 to 80,000 pieces per day, on working days,
according to their sizes and more when the new presses are completed.. After
silver is received in the mint, in Bullion, t is six days before I can begin to
redeliver any quantity of it and from that date the re-delivery will be equal
to the Mint daily work. The same process must take place on Gold if it is of
fineness to recoin without refinage. The Refinage of any parcel of gold as
coarse as Porto Novo Pagodas cannot be done in less than 8 days and even if
these coins were to be re-coined into the old Star Pagodas they mus be refined.
If 100,000 Dollars are
delivered into the Mint they can immediately be cut into from 92 to 94,000 Half
Pagodas. The scissell which is cut from them, as well as the scissell from the
remaining Dollars which will not admit of being cut into Half Pagodas, but are
cut into Quarter Pagodas, can be melted daily into bars and manufactured into small
coins, and the mint can stamp and deliver daily 28,000 Half Pagodas from
Dollars and the scissell which comes from them, independently of Gold coins and
Copper coinage.
When I first undertook the
refining of Gold there were no people about the old mint who had been used to
the operation or could execute the business. I was told that it could not be
executed under 7 ˝ per mil, and that the individuals were willing to give that
rate, but there was no one willing to execute it by contract, the dealers in Gold
at Madras wished to keep this operation entirely in their own hands and then
regulate the purchase of Gold of inferior touch and of a brittle nature. So
soon as the Porto Novo Pagodas have been refined I shall be able to lay before
Government an amount of their out-turn which I make no doubt will prove
satisfactory.
For the last three months
the laminating rollers have been in a very imperfect state and it is only at
this moment that evil ios corrected by Cast metal and Steel Rollers. When the
Gold coin commenced, I was obliged to devote one laminating mill entirely to
that purpose and this cause in a certain degree impeded the operations of the
mint. The presses also in the stamping room were in a very imperfect state, the
screws and boxes gave way. This was a cause of impediment. But still I believe,
on reference, the delivery of coins in value will not be found to be deficient
until the end of April when there was not a sufficient quantity of bullion to
keep the mint at work. I shall have cleared the mint of silver in a short
period. It will be found that the same operation at the old mint took a period
of […] months.
With a view to the
consumption of copper scissell to a profitable purpose. I have prepared from
this matter a quantity of green pigment, esteemed in Europe superior to
Verdigrease and called there, Brunswick Green. The substance used for its
oxidation is much cheaper in India then in England and I believe it may be
manufactured with advantage. A sample of some hundredweight can be sent home to
the Honorable the Court of Directors by the next despatch and it can be tried
in the market.
In the conduct of the
business which was committed to my charge, I have one satisfactory feeling
under your displeasure, that I have conscientiously and Laboriously discharged
the duties of the Department and that I have never been absent from those
duties one day excepted detained by ill health.
The revised establishment
and statements called for in Mr Chief Secretary Buchan’s letter of the 7th
ultimo are nearly complete and I trust I shall be able to send them on Thursday
to your Honor in Council, before which time I shall also lay before Government
a statement of the actual loss by wastage on the whole of the silver coined to
the present period from the commencement of the new mint. I have to state that
the only bullion now remaining in the mint, is gold bullion. The very small
quantity of silver remaining is hourly completing. The quantity of copper
blanks as per the statement remain to be finished by Stamping. The small
quantity of copper remaining will this day be cut into blanks. There will be
little silver for the laminating mills & cutters & the only copper is
the small quantity of scissell I can melt daily. The gold process will be going
on in that department & the others as usual.
There then follows a
statement of the amount of copper received into and sent out of the mint,
followed by a list of the number of copper blanks in the Copper & Cleaning
Rooms:
|
Forty Cash |
646,967 |
|
Twenty Cash |
403,716 |
|
Ten Cash |
2,728,590 |
|
Five Cash |
60,500 |
|
Two & a Half Cash |
21,800 |
|
Double Dub |
3,400 |
|
Single Dub |
21,950 |
|
Half Dub |
139,300 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
4,026,223 |
In Reply (11th
June 1808):
I am directed by the
Honorable the Governor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 7th instant and to acquaint you that the Governor in Council is
concerned to observe that he cannot consider the explanation which you have
submitted to be sufficient to remove the impression that a great degree of
unnecessary delay has occurred in the execution of the duties of the mint.
Under the [terms] of the
instructions received by you as stated in your letter of the 12th
ultimo, the redelivery of the copper under your charge should have been
completed at a much earlier period. The Governor in Council has been informed
that the balance of copper now due amounts to Pagodas 12,362 but as it appears
to be in progressive liquidation he hopes that whole will be now discharged at
an early day.
I am directed to observe
that the Governor in Council disapproves the conversion of copper scissell as
stated in your letter to any purpose not belonging to the duties of the Mint or
not sanctioned by express authority.
The Governor in Council observes
with particular regret that your explanation on the subject of the coinage of
gold at the mint is entirely inconclusive and unsatisfactory. The sum in Porto
Novo Pagodas sent from the Treasury to the mint on the 19th April
last, amounted to Star Pagodas 150,020. From that time ‘till the 4th
instant no gold coin appears to have been returned to the Treasury and the
whole amount and the whole amount returned until the present date does not exceed
Pagodas 41,000 leaving a balance still to be accounted for of Star Pagodas
109,020
It is obvious that your
letter exhibits no adequate cause for this extreme procrastination and as the
delay is attended with the utmost inconvenience and embarrassment to the
financial arrangements of the Government, I am directed by the Honorable the
Governor in Council, to recall your attention to the subject and to observe
that the case is of a nature to demand a more explicit elucidation.
MadPC319. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 3986
Letter from the mint master
to Government, dated 8h June 1808
I have now the honor to lay
before you an account by weight of all the silver received by me since I
commenced the operations of the New Mint, converted into the Madras standard
and re-delivered by me to the Bank and the Treasury, from which it appears that
the actual wastage in coining the bullion including the refinage of the coarse
silver sent to the mint and the immense amount in number of small coins manufactured
on which the wastage is far above the larger coins, has scarcely exceeded 4 Ľ
per mill, a less wastage than has ever before been exhibited in any Mint and I
believe in the course of the next year the wastage will be considerably
smaller.
In the commencement of a new
establishment, the same economy does not exist in the different departments as
when it has been arranged. But I trust that your Honor in Council will see that
the laborious application and constant attention I have given to this
department have not been unproductive.
As the Mint is in the first
instance debited with the total quantity of bullion received, it is necessary
that I should have the permission of Government to write off this amount to the
head of Profit and loss and we shall now commence a fresh account of silver
coinage from this date whenever it is your pleasure to direct silver to be
transmitted to the Mint and of which there is now only the small remaining
balance of […] to coin.
There then follows an
account of the wastage incurred in the silver coinage
Resolved
that a copy of the forgoing
letter be forwarded to the Accountant General and Civil Auditor and that he be
desired to report if there be any objection to the adjustment of the account of
wastage in the manner therein proposed.
MadPC320. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 4110
Letter from the mint master
to Government, dated 20th February 1808
In July last under date the
31st I reported to Government with a reference to my letter of the
13th September 1806 that I considered the people latterly employed
at Masulipatam as having no claim on Government. None of the people are wanted
at Madras. The engravers whom I formerly stated we could employ, are artists
very inferior to those now in the service of the new mint. Whatever Copper
Currency is wanted can be supplied from the Madras Mint and we have blanks but
which are stamping to the amount of 5,212 star pagodas. When we have not any
Precious metals to coin, the mint is always employed on copper.
I should suppose the
Honorable the Governor in Council will not approve of any mint being
established at Masulipatam. If there is sufficiency of bullion brought to that
port there can be no objection to the establishment of an Assay Office to
furnish the means for the purchase of that bullion but I take leave to suggest
that an enquiry may be made of the amount of bullion which is brought or may be
imported from the Persian Gulph and that a statement may be sent of what was
formerly brought to that Port from which some judgement may be formed whether
it is worthwhile for Government to go to the expense of an Assay Office.
We are now preparing dies to
make two anna pieces and four anna pieces of the same relative weight to the
rupee which our fanams bear to the large silver coins being 22 101/112 Grians
the two anna pieces and 45 45/56 Grains the four anna pieces as per
accompanying statement and we shall in a few days have about 5,000 pagodas
value of them ready to be sent to Masulipatam.
I beg to observe that by the
last account I saw at the Accountant General’s office there were then copper
coins to the amount of Pagodas 1751 remaining in the Masulipatam Treasury.
MadPC321. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 4113
Letter to the Collector in
charge of the general treasury at Musilipatam from Government, dated 15th
June 1808
The Honorable the Governor
in Council having been pleased to resolve that no coinage shall in future be
carried on in the mint at Masulipatam, I have been directed to desire that the
whole of the establishment attached to it may be discharged and that every
expense on account of it may cease on the 1st July next.
I am also desired to inform
you that as it appears in a report from the Mint Master that none of the
workmen attached to the mint at Masulipatam can be employed at the Madras Mint
with any prospect of advantage to the Public Service, the arrangement which you
proposed of transferring the establishment to Madras cannot be carrie into
effect but if there should be amongst those servants any, who from length of
service or infirmity appear to you to be particularly deserving of
Consideration, the Governor in Council will not object to bestow on them some
small allowance for their future support agreeably to their respective
circumstances.
…
MadPC322. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 4115
Letter from the mint master
to Government, dated 9th June 1808
I had the honor to receive
Mr Secretary Buchan’s letter of the 7th ultimo and, in consequence,
submit to Government a revised establishment which is necessary for the mint. I
commenced with natives in each department but I soon found that they not energy
nor the requisite talents for Mechanical operations, and have been obliged to
entertain People of Colour, whose service in the Laminating, Cutting and
Adjusting Departments have been beneficial and, in my humble opinion, adequate
to the pay they receive.
I never reported the mint as
complete in May, on the contrary, in June, I stated to Lord William Bentinck by
his particular desire in a letter to himself, the state of the mint, to which I
beg to refer per No.1 as an account of the machinery at that time.
Since that period, two of
the stamping presses have broke and are removed as useless, and two others of a
different form and in my opinion, superior, are nearly completed in their
place. Of the screws sent from Bengal for the stamping presses, 9 out of 14
have entirely given way and seven remain now useless in the mint. Two of the
were wrought over again. They were neither well forged nor of a sufficient
size, nor true, and of the remaining, one only is a good perfect screw. The
screws are replaced and new ones are preparing that we may never want spare
screws. There are only four at present which can strike large coins or about
30,000 half pagodas daily. But if an exertion was necessary, with night work
more could be effected. In the course of the month of April and the beginning
of May, I had only one screw capable of working on large coins.
There is no part of the
apparatus from Bengal which has been useful except the mere skeleton of the
machinery, the whole of the Laminating wheels required to be made new and are
nearly completed.
Turning Lathes were required
of different sorts. Two only were sent from Bengal and so imperfect that they
could not be used. The whole of the cutters have been made new of every
description. The whole of the dies have been made new and the steel has been
prepared in a particular manner to enable the dies to stand the Dollars.
The wrought iron moulds in
which the bars of silver are cast were made very imperfect and have been
removed, The accuracy of the coins depends in a certain measure on their all
being the same thickness when they go to the laminating mills so that after the
operation their specific gravities may not vary.
The rollers sent from Bengal
made of Brass were not fit for our hard silver Laminated red-hot, and out
English standard gold. I have prepared cast metal rollers for the Laminating
hot, which upon trial answer perfectly and with an alteration now making in the
size of the rollers, their diameter being increased to 8 inches instead of 4 as
formerly, I expect double the work out of the Mills. In their state as sent
from Bengal they were not adequate to the coinage required from them. I have
prepared steel rollers for finishing the coins but I have not yet used them.
They have required great attention to bring them to perfection. The first pair
are now nearly completed. I expect also when I have got a stack of rollers on
hand to be able to reduce in a small degree the expense of the Laminating Room
for turning Rollers, but I found the utmost difficulty in supplying the Room
with a sufficient number of brass Laminating Rollers they were so soon rendered
useless. One new frame for the rollers has been made and another is nearly
completed for larger rollers.
Two Cutting frames and
tables have been completed, two milling machines have been made to mill the
large and small coins, several cast iron moulds for gold and silver have been
completed which are superior to wrought iron moulds.
The dies are in great
forwardness for milling the large coins with letters and for striking them in a
collar more perfect then they are at present and less liable to suffer by wear.
I have commenced a mill for
grinding by Bullocks all the Crucibles in which silver has been melted, also
the bottoms of the furnace and other particle of sand collected from the
furnaces and for amalgating the silver with Quick Silver. This when completed
will be a considerable saving in labor and will also tend to reduce the loss by
melting. I expect everything will be completed by the end of September. I
submit a state of the expense incurred on these particular accounts per No 2
and also an account of the expense incurred on buildings per No 3.
The bullocks requisite for
the mint are 60, which are now in the mint and also one horse who goes to the
fort with coins and carries copper as required by the mint. Their expense I
reckon for their keep at Pagodas 150 per month at the present rate of Grain,
but I am confident it will not exceed this, on the contrary, come under it,
when the price of grain falls. I do not think they can be kept at a cheaper
rate. I tried contract at first. It would not answer. The bullocks were not in
a condition nor fed so as to be able to go through their work.
The mint is capable of
coining and completing from 70,000 to 80,000 pieces of different coins daily
and more if required, great and small.
If the gold is refined and
ready for coinage, 10,000 pagodas daily can be coined with perfect ease. I
judged it necessary in the commencement to assay every bar of this valuable
metal. This was tedious but it was erring on the safe side and now I only take
the assays from each bar cast from the same pot of metal melted together.
The refining of gold is a
tedious operation, when gold is of so low a standard as Porto Novo pagodas
containing from 54/100 to 64/100 parts of pure gold, and it is this gold that I
have had from the Treasury. It takes 8 days to complete the refining operation,
so that they are fit to be melted into ingots for Assay, Allegation and
Coinage.
In the mint there is no
delay. The gold coin is made extremely accurate in weight. The Honorable the
Governor must from his experience and knowledge of the Bengal Mint be well
acquainted that a regular supply of bullion either silver or gold is requisite
to keep a mint at work and that supply must be in proportion to the quantity
delivered daily. Every coin must be examined separately after it is come from
the cutters and small coins take as much time as large ones. We are also now
particularly in want of a quantity of small silver coins and in my opinion the
whole of the scissell from the Dollars purchased and all the silver received
from the Treasury or purchased as bullion, should invariably be coined into
fanam pieces.
I have found it impossible
to comply with the orders found in the first paragraph of Mt Chief Secretary
Buchan’s letter of the 7th ultimo, directing me to give a calculation
of the amount contingent per mill on each description of coin delivered. I can
only submit what I consider will be the contingent expense for each month on
coinage, and the probable contingent on gold refinage supposing three lac of
Pagodas of Gold to be refined in the month which is contained in No 4. But as I
am directed, I shall use my best endeavours to comply with this order by
forming a statement. The present one is formed under the idea that the coinage
for the next year will not exceed the preceding. If it is less the expense will
be reduced, if it is greater it will be increased.
Revised Establishment of Servants Necessary for the Mint
|
|
Pgs, Fans, Cash |
|
|
Daniel Lamb, Head Calculator, Surveyor, Accountant |
60 |
|
|
Vincataroyloo, Deputy |
40 |
|
|
4 writers @ 15 Pagodas each |
60 |
|
|
1 ditto |
5 |
|
|
1 Moochy |
4 |
|
|
1 Head Peon |
3 |
|
|
9 Peons @ 2 Pagodas each |
18 |
|
|
1 Gollah |
2 |
192 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bullion
Room |
|
|
|
1 Bullion Keeper, Appawsawny |
30 |
|
|
1 Head Shroff, Cullapah Chetty |
40 |
|
|
1 under shroff. Tamboo Chetty |
10 |
|
|
3 shroffs@ 5 Pagodas each |
15 |
|
|
2 Sorters @ 2 Pgs each |
4 |
|
|
2 Conicopolys |
12 |
|
|
3 Head Weighing Men @ 5 Pgs each |
15 |
|
|
5 Weighing men @ 2 Pags each |
10 |
|
|
1 Head Gollah |
3 |
|
|
6 Golahs @ 2 Pags each |
12 |
151 |
|
1 Foreman, L Tonceca |
60 |
|
|
2 Apprentices, John Tonceca & Dennis Stracey @ 10
Pags each |
20 |
|
|
1 Head Maistry Artificer, Irsapah |
6 |
|
|
1 Maty |
4 |
90 |
|
|
|
|
|
Melting
Room |
|
|
|
1 Head Milling Man, Soobaroy |
10 |
|
|
1 Weighing Man |
3 |
|
|
1 Conicopoly |
4 |
|
|
3 Shroff |
15 |
|
|
1 Melting maistry |
3 |
|
|
6 Melters @ 2 ˝ Pags each |
15 |
|
|
12 ditto at 2 Pags each |
24 |
|
|
1 Crucible furnance [looter?] |
2 |
|
|
2 Charcoal Men @ 1 ľ Pags each |
3, 22, 40 |
|
|
2 Woman @ 1 ˝ Pags each |
3 |
|
|
4 Gollah @ 2 ditto |
8 |
90, 22, 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Laminating |
|
|
|
C. M. Angelo |
40 |
|
|
Caithano Fexeira, Assistant Laminator |
10 |
|
|
3 Comicopolys @ 4 Pags each |
12 |
|
|
1 shroff |
5 |
|
|
2 shroffs @ 4 Pags each |
8 |
|
|
5 Mills. Each with 2 men @ 2 Pags each & 1 Boy @ 1
pag |
25 |
|
|
3 Maistrys 1 @ 4 ˝ & 2 @ 4 Pags |
12, 22, 40 |
|
|
1 Adjusting Sorter |
2 |
|
|
10 Cutting tables. Each with 2 men @ 2 Pags & 1 boy @
1 Pag |
50 |
|
|
2 Boys |
2 |
|
|
4 [Auncator?] @ 2 Pags each |
8 |
|
|
4 Shear Cutters @ ditto |
8 |
|
|
2 door keepers @ ditto |
4 |
|
|
4 Spying Peons |
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sorting
Department |
|
|
|
3 Weighing men @ 3 Pags each |
9 |
|
|
1 Head Sorter |
3 |
|
|
16 Sorters @ 2 Pags each |
32 |
|
|
1 Conicopoly & 2 Shroffs |
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Artificers |
|
|
|
1 Poovachary Maistry |
6 |
|
|
5 Filers, 1 @5 & 4 @ 3 Pags each |
17 |
|
|
1 Blacksmith, Tandavachary |
3 |
|
|
2 Hammermen |
4 |
|
|
1 Bellows Boy |
1 |
|
|
3 Turners, 1 @ 4 ˝ & 2 @ 3 ˝ |
11, 22, 40 |
|
|
1 Country born Turner |
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusting
Room |
|
|
|
1 Head Adjusting Man |
5 |
|
|
1 Assistant ditto |
4 |
|
|
1 Conicopoly |
4 |
|
|
1 Shroff |
5 |
|
|
5 Head Matys @ 2 ˝ Pags each |
12, 22, 40 |
|
|
5 Matys @ 2 ditto |
10 |
|
|
30 boys @ 1 ditto |
30 |
|
|
4 men melting and refining |
8 |
|
|
5 men in adjusting the gold |
10 |
390, 22, 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Melting
Room |
|
|
|
1 Conicopoly & 1 Weighing Man |
7 |
|
|
1 Shroff |
5 |
|
|
8 Tables @ 5 Pags each |
40 |
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cleaning
Room |
|
|
|
1 Conicopoly & 1 Shroff @ 4 Pags each |
8 |
|
|
2 Weighing Men@ 3 Pags each |
6 |
|
|
1 Maty |
2, 22, 40 |
|
|
5 Cleaners @ 2 Pags each |
10 |
|
|
2 Woman @ 2 ˝ Pags each |
3 |
29, 22, 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Stamping
Room |
|
|
|
1 Head Man, Peter De Souza |
7 |
|
|
2 Shroffs @ 5 Pags each |
10 |
|
|
3 Weighing Men1 @ 3 & 2 @ 2 ˝ Pags each |
8 |
|
|
12 Stamping Presses @
Pags each Press |
108 |
|
|
4 Gollahs @ 2 Pags each |
8 |
141 |
|
|
|
|
|
Refining
Room |
|
|
|
1 Head Refiner |
10 |
|
|
1 Assistant ditto |
5 |
|
|
1 Conicopoly |
4 |
|
|
1 Maistry |
3 |
|
|
1 Assistant ditto |
2, 22, 40 |
|
|
2 Melters @ 2 Pags each |
4 |
|
|
2 Gollahs |
4 |
|
|
2 Woman @ 1 ˝ ditto |
3 |
35, 22, 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gold
Melting Room |
|
|
|
2 Conicopolys |
7 |
|
|
4 Shroffs @ 5 Pags each |
20 |
|
|
1 Maistry |
3 |
|
|
1 Assistant ditto |
2, 22, 40 |
|
|
4 Melters @ 2 Pags each |
8 |
|
|
2 Woman @ 1 ˝ each |
3 |
|
|
2 Gollahs @ 2 ditto |
4 |
47, 22, 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shear
Cutting Room |
|
|
|
2 Shroffs @ 4 Pags each |
8 |
|
|
3 Conicopolys |
12 |
|
|
1 Maistry & 17 Shear Cutters |
36, 22, 40 |
|
|
1 Woman |
1, 22, 40 |
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
Die
Cutting Room |
|
|
|
! Head Die Cutter, John Kave |
25 |
|
|
2 under ditto |
35 |
|
|
1 Puncher |
6 |
|
|
1 Conicopoly |
4 |
70 |
|
|
|
|
|
Carpenters |
8 |
|
|
1 Sawyer |
3 |
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 European Moulder, George Lees |
6 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Blacksmiths |
|
|
|
1 Maistry |
5 |
|
|
4 […] @ 8 Pags each |
32 |
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
Filers |
|
|
|
5 Filers @ 3 Pags each |
15 |
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
Chickladars |
|
|
|
12 Chickladars @ 2 Pags each |
24 |
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
Braziers |
|
|
|
1 Head Brazier |
4, 22, 40 |
|
|
2 Braziers |
6 |
|
|
Hammerman |
2 |
12, 22, 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Store
Room |
|
|
|
4 Conicopolys |
15 |
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
Lascars |
|
|
|
1 Tandal |
3 |
|
|
23 Lascars |
46 |
49 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 Crucible Maker |
20 |
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 Maistry |
3 |
|
|
Bullock Drivers |
45, 22, 40 |
48, 22, 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bricklayers |
|
|
|
1 Maistry |
4 |
|
|
1 Bricklayer |
3, 22, 40 |
|
|
1 Cooly |
2 |
|
|
2 Boys |
2 |
11, 22, 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated for maintenance of Bullocks |
150 |
150 |
|
3 Charcoal Peons, 3 Water Pondal Boys, 1 Store Gollah, 2
[Totties?], 2 Door Keepers & 3 Sweepers |
23 |
23 |
|
|
|
1770 |
MadPC323. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 4130
Letter from the mint master
to Lord William Bentinck, dated 4h June 1808 (But I think this is
the date when passed to Barlow?)
Agreeable to Your Lordships
commands, I now report the present state of the mint. The machinery, I hope I
shall be excused in making use of the phrase “such as it is” has been [built]
by Mr Da Costa. I shall commence with the laminating mills. These are in Bengal
worked by men from 24 to 36 to each mill. I have applied bullocks to do this
labor. It is obvious that the labor of cattle must be much cheaper then that of
man, but from the construction of the mills and another cause which I shall
hereafter speak of, bullocks are scarcely sufficiently powerful for the work,
altho’ 4 pairs, as many as the space will admit of being applied, have been
yoked to the mill. One cause is the miserable construction of the mill wheels,
one horizontal spur wheel moves another perpendicular spur wheel, a worse mode
certainly than the old cog and trundle, and having much more friction. At
Present [in] mechanic Bevil geer[s] called also contrite wheels, are used for
changing the direction of the motion from perpendicular to horizontal or
angular as is required. This part of the machinery I am rectifying and I trust
a very considerable degree of friction will be saved. I expect a trial of one
mill thus altered in about 14 days. I shall here observe that in Bengal they
only laminate pure silver and pure gold which is a very different substance in
point of hardness with silver alloyed with copper in the proportion of about
1/11 th as Dollar silver is.
The rollers are made of Bell
metal, a substance which answers perfectly well for such ductile metals as pure
gold and silver but which very soon wears with silver, the hardness of Dollars.
So long as the Dollars were put through the mills they required so little
reduction in their thickness that little power was required. The case is
altered when the pieces or what the coiners call scissell is melted into
ingots, to be laminated into straps of the proper size for cutting.
The machinery also for
regulating the rollers is very incomplete and by no means adequate for the
purpose. Neither are the rollers in my opinion properly constructed or
sufficiently accurate. The consequence is that the bars vary very considerably
both in their measure as well as their specific gravity from not being equally
compressed and in this state when cut they vary very considerably from their
[just] weight both above and below.
The cutters sent round from
Bengal were made of the size of the sicca rupee. They were found too small for
Dollars and were therefore obliged to be enlarged. This has been done but the
turning lathes sent round to prepare these cutters were incomplete and the
consequence is that the circles were not true, the male cutter did not fit
perfectly the female and this increased the imperfection of the blanks as
already observed upon, when speaking of the laminating machinery.
The next operation is
adjusting or bringing the rupees to the proper standard weight by filing if too
heavy and driving wedges of silver into the blanks to make them the right
weight when light.
The adjusting department has
gone on very indifferently. The loss by filing is not yet ascertained but the
whole has been ill conducted. I make no doubt Mr Da Costa did it in the best
manner he could, but this I have been obliged to alter and I believe I see my
way to put it on a proper and certain system of moderate expense.
The Cleaning, Milling and
Stamping are the last processes. The milling machinery will immediately be in
complete order, the Stamping process answers and at a very trifling expense,
but the dies require considerable attention in Cutting and hardening. I have
some double rupee dies which have been sunk and rendered useless before they
stamped 15 Rupees.. Very different dies are required to stamp pure silver and
gold, and gold and silver mixed with alloy. The subject is within my compass of
knowledge, I doubt not to be able to render this business complete in a very
limited period. From actual observation and the experience I have already had,
I think I can so far improve upon the laminating and the cutting machinery as
to render the adjusting of silver very moderate, simple and perfect and I can
have no difficulty in executing the gold coin in a more perfect state. To
effect this I must have a more powerful mill with cast metal rollers for
laminating the silver, and steel rollers for finishing them and I must have my
cutters turned mathematically correct for the preparing the former. I want the
aid of Menou, a Frenchman who has been employed these two years in casting the
apparatus for the powder mills and I have got people who can accomplish the
making the cutters accurately. I must have the rollers made of cast steel and I
am taking the necessary measure both to prepare the steel and to cast it for
the purpose
There then follows accounts
of the costs of running the mint up to that point and also the output of coins
from the mint (I think I’ve got this summarised elsewhere)
MadPC324. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 4256
Letter from the mint master
to Madras Government, dated 13h June 1808
I have the honor to enclose
my weekly statements of balance of every description. I have to state to you
that I received in the course of Friday from the Treasury 30,000 Dollars to be
coined into fanams, which shall be immediately commenced upon and coined with
all expedition.
I consider it my duty to
state that whenever silver bullion is sent to the mint it will be six days
before there can be any delivery in quantity. That there must be seven times
the daily quantity expected from the mint lodged in the mint, that the
necessary operations may go on without stoppage in the different departments,
and every preceding operation must be one day ahead of the following. You will
find this is the case in the Calcutta Mint. It is nearly the same case with the
Country Mints and in General in the Old Mint no delivery took place until eight
days after the bullion had been sent to it.
If you have reference to the
Old Mint records, you will see that the balance in the old mint, when a daily
coinage of from 15 to 25,000 rupees was going on, was from 1 ˝ lack to 3 lacks
of rupees in bullion against the mint and that they received a lack and forty
thousand Dollars when a coinage to this extent was going on before a single
rupee of coined silver was delivered.
MadPC325. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/37, p. 4311
Letter from the mint master
to Madras Government, dated 7th May 1808
All about the supposed fraud
at the old mint
MadPC326. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/39, p. 5539 to 5553
Letter from the mint master
to Madras Government, dated 27th July 1808
Assay of Tanjore fanams
MadPC327. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/39, p. 6078
Letter from Madras
Government to the mint master, dated 27th August 1808
I am directed by the Honble
the Governor in Council to transmit to you the enclosed extract of a letter
from the Honble the Court of Directors dated the 6th April 1808, and
to acquaint you that the Governor in Council is desirous of receiving from you
such observations on the points discussed in that letter as may occur to you.
You have been particularly
informed of the instructions which have been given respecting the proposed
reform of the coinage. From the progress that has been made towards to
attainment of that object and from the extensive scale on which the buildings
and apparatus required for an enlarged plan of coinage have been completed, the
Governor in Council would not consider it advisable to incur any delay in the
prosecution of the measures which are now considerably advanced for reforming
the coinage, particularly as the reform on the plan now proposed would not
preclude the adoption of the system in contemplation of the Honble the Court of
Directors if it should be judged expedient ultimately to recur to that system.
It is however the wish of the Governor in Council that a full explanation on a
question of so much importance should be submitted to the Court of Directors conformably
to their desire as also to the Supreme Government, and you will accordingly
state the sentiments which may occur to you on a perusal of the papers
connected with the subject.
The Governor in Council
directs me to draw your particular attention to the observations contained in
the 5th and 6th paragraphs of the enclosed extract, on
the subject of copper coinage, as it will be necessary to limit the coinage of
copper at this Presidency with reference to the supplies of that article which
may be expected from England and the intrinsic value of any further quantity of
copper currency which may be necessary to prepare at this Presidency should be
of course regulated according to the increased price of that article in
England.
Your particular attention will
be of course drawn to the observations of the Honble Court regarding the
“alteration of the standard of the Arcot rupee”, and you will communicate any
further explanation that you may judge necessary on that subject as also with
respect to the observations stated regarding the assays of the Gold and Silver
coins prepared in the mint of Madras.
A similar letter was sent to
the Assay Master.
MadPC328. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/40, p. 6236
Letter from the mint master
to Madras Government, dated 18th June 1808
I have had the honor to
receive Mr Chief Secretary Buchan’s letter of the 11th instant. I
have in consequence to say that in my letter of the 11th May I
submitted to Your Honor in Council that I could not refine more than 3,000
Porto Novo Pagodas daily until another apartment was fitted up for the purpose.
I also hope I shall be excused in adding that that apartment has not yet been
completed. As soon as it is, the refinage can go on to the amount of 10,000
Porto Novo Pagodas daily and if the gold to be refined is not so coarse, a
larger quantity will be refined. From the time of the delivery of the Bank
Gold, I have been refining and delivering the Porto Novo Pagodas and have
delivered to this day, 49,000 Star Pagodas.
The balance remaining in the
mint amounts to 85.785:40:72. The estimate of value which you receive is from
the valuation of the coins as sent down from the country which are valued at
116 and 120 Porto Novo Pagodas the 100 Star Pagodas when in reality they are
only equal to 140 Porto Novo Pagodas to the 100 Star Pagodas. It is this mode
of account, tho’ ordered to adopt, I must be excused in calling your attention
to, because it can never exhibit a real mint statement nor a real balance of
treasure to be appropriated. There is a table of rates in possession of
Government framed by me many years ago which exhibits the intrinsic value of
the coins in circulation and when they are sent to the mint or retained in the
Treasury for recoinage, they ought to be valued at that rate and not an ideal
one. It is the same thing as if coins half gold and half copper were sent to
the mint and charged as if they were pure gold.
It is necessary for me to
state that the refinage of gold and the recoinage are two separate and distinct
processes unconnected with each other. Any process of coarse gold under
refinage requires eight days to complete the operation for delivery to the
mint. No time has been lost on the refining the Porto Novo Pagodas. As many as
I had space for have been constantly in the fire and yet there are still 21,000
Porto Novo Pagodas untouched and which will be commenced upon next Monday. If
Government require their gold coin suddenly, we can have application to other
resources. There are Chitties & Shroffs in the black town who will, I have
no doubt, undertake the refinage, but they will have their profit and the
expense will exceed the mint refinage.
At present the mint can coin
20,000 Pagodas daily and more if the gold is of a proper standard and fit for
coinage or of such fineness as will admit of allegation with other gold fit for
the purpose, hence it is necessary that the mint master should have it in his
power to call for fine gold when in the treasury and necessary for this
operation. The coinage of the Porto Novo Pagodas might have been considerably
increased and hastened by this measure. If they had been refined to about 80
touch it would not have taken above 2/3 rds of the time and they might have
been melted with the gold mohurs pure and fit for coinage.
I met with considerable
difficulty in the commencement of the gold coinage. I refined Gold and
alligated it with other Gold, apparently good and of a proper standard. It
would not stand the operation of coinage. I had some fine gold which I
alligated with copper and silver alloy. It proved the same and it was obliged
to be refined over again. The cause was that there lead in the copper. Any
copper we have here must be purified before it can be used and I shall in
future, adopt this measure. On this subject I can refer to the Mint Master of
His Majesty’s tower and to the Honble Mr Cavendish and whose joint report with
the late Mr Hatcher to the Lords in Council I have perused and studied and I
will take leave to assert that no delay has arisen except from unavoidable
causes and that constant application has been given both to investigate the
subject in all its points and to push it on with all expedition.
I beg leave to observe that
the quantity of copper taken to make pigment of was a Candy & five Maunds,
equal to about 139 Pagodas in value & I consider that about that quantity
of pigment has been produced, I reckon, from the quantity of copper the Pigment
produce will be above two Candies & will, in India, as a paint, produce
above double the price of the copper. I have to express my regret at having
made an experiment of the sort without having applied for the sanction of
Government.
MadPC329. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/40, p. 6242
Letter from the mint master
to Madras Government, dated 1st September 1808
I have the honor to
acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo with the
enclosures accompanying it and beg leave to transcribe the 11th Para
of the Honble the Court of Directors letter in the Public Department dated the
6th April last, Viz:
“It does not appear to us
that either of these expectations will be realized because, in regard to the
first it rather seems from the varied experiments of Mr Hatchett (whose report
to the Lords of the Council was transmitted with our despatch of the 25th
April 1806) that coin of the Dollar standard is more subject to loss from wear
than coin of a finer standard and as this opinion appears the result of much
laborious and accurate investigation, we are disposed to adopt it as the real
matter of fact in preference to the opinion of your Assay Master (as adverted
to by Lord William Bentinck in his minute of the 18th November 1806)
that coins of the Dollar standard wear better than those of the standard of the
Arcot rupee”
As I have not been furnished
with the report of Mr Hatchett referred to in the above paragraph I request you
will be pleased to furnish me with a copy of that report.
Resolved that the mint
master be informed that no copy of the work alluded to in the foregoing letter
has been received from the Honble the Court of Directors.
MadPC330. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/40, p. 6373
Letter from the mint master
(B Roebuck) to Madras Government, dated 17th June 1808
On reference to the
correspondence with the Collector of Malabar I find the revenue in that
province is settled in a local coin called Veroy Gold Fanams, ten of which for
the convenience of accounts are termed Hoons in which accounts are kept.
That the Jummabundy being
converted into Hoons was commuted into Bombay Rupees at the rate of 3˝ Veroy
Fanams to the rupee, that this was necessary because the accounts of Bombay
were kept in Rupees, and that this then was an established rate of exchange
between the local coins and the Bombay Rupees or Government coin that every
other description of specie in circulation in the Province was received at a
fixed rate of exchange according to what was deemed the value of the coin among
which the Star Pagoda was fixed at 3˝ Bombay Rupees each Pagoda.
That upon the transfer it
became necessary to commute the Jumma into Star Pagodas which was accordingly
established at 3˝ Bombay Rupees to a Star Pagoda. In the same Province, I see
the Company’s Arcot rupees are reckoned at the same exchange as the Bombay
Rupee, Viz 3˝ Veroy Fanams to a Rupee and 350 Rupees to the 100 Pagodas.
From this statement it would
appear that the Jummabundy is settled in Hoons, an ideal coin, and in Veroy
Fanams, a real one, and that the Hoons are calculated at 10 Veroy Fanams to the
Hoon, and as the fixed exchange of Veroy Fanams is at 3˝ to the Bombay Rupee
and that the Bombay Rupees are received at that rate in revenue accounts, and
as the Bombay Rupee and the Company’s Arcot rupees are of the same value and
bear the same value to the Star Pagodas, so the whole of the revenue may be received
indiscriminately in any of these coins, that is in New Veroy Fanams, in Bombay
Rupees, Company’s Rupees or Star Pagodas, of which the only debased coin is the
Veroy Fanam, and the only inconvenience is in receiving this coin and issuing
it at such a rate as it is not intrinsically worth. It is now reckoned at
1225the 100 Star Pagodas when their real value by assay has proved 1484. If the
silver alloy, which is estimated at 5 per cent, is deducted, the real value of
the two precious metals in this coin is 1484-75 (not speaking of fractions) or
1409 to the 100 Star Pagodas. This is formed from an account I received from
the Collector dated 9th August last.
The whole circulation of the
Province is estimated at a little below seven lacks of Star Pagodas and the
Veroy Fanams at 97,994 Pagodas, or about 1/7.
The silver fanams in that
Province, which I consider to be the Tellicherry Fanams and I know to be very
base coins, are estimated at 173,452 Pagodas. There is therefore 5/14th
of the circulating medium in these debased coins, forming the principle of the
circulating medium of a small value, and it is to be observed it is a coin not
in reference in the settlement of the revenue accounts.
It appears to me that the
Veroy Fanams as paid into the Collector’s Treasury after the commencement of
the next year should be there kept in deposit to wait the order of Government
and that all the other coins should be fixed accordingly to their intrinsic
values except for the following silver coins: Bombay, Company’s, Sultany and
Surat Rupees. The latter are estimated above their value but for the present, I
would take them at their fixed rate and prohibit any further remittance in that
coin until further ordered.
I would make no alteration
in the silver fanams in currency at present. After a stated period I would take
up this coin by degrees, substituting Madras fanams in their room, but I would
not attempt this measure until the New Veroy Fanams were all called in.
I have to observe that in
the statement sent to me in August last by the Collector, there is no mention
of Chalawany and Sandavady Rupees as constituting part of the circulating
medium but the Chelawany is mentioned in his letter of 9th August
last and that the whole amount of Surat rupees stated to be in circulation in
the Province was estimated at Pagodas 47,141. The silver fanams now in the
Treasury I should advise to be returned to Malabar by the next escort and to be
prohibited being sent until further orders.
I have the honor to enclose
a table of rates of the coins now in circulation in Malabar. I have taken the
coins from the statement sent to me by the Collector. I also enclose copy of
his letter relative to the mode in which the Jumma is settles. I have no
hesitation in giving it as my opinion that the circulation in Malabar may be
changed without affecting the revenue equally the same as it has been done in
Tanjore.
The Collector of Malabar in
the 7th paragraph of his letter to the Accountant General dated 6th
May last observed that if the Treasury rates of the adjoining provinces of
Kanara are unobjectionable it would be found more prudent to assume them at an
eligible standard.
On reference to the coins on
circulation in Kanara it will be found that the Bahadry pagodas constitute 8/12th
of the circulating medium and there is scarcely any of these coins in
circulation in Malabar. The jumma in Kanara is settled in Bahadry or Sultany
pagodas equivalent throughout the province to 4 Surat Company’s or Arcot rupees
and he states that he has so far reference to these coins that the broken sums
are collected in them. This being the case I presume there can be no difficulty
in settling the jumma so that it may be paid in gold or silver at the above
specified rates and when government are prepared they can substitute a silver
currency of currency rupees in the room of the gold when paid into the treasury
and a change may take place imperceptibly without any cause of complaint, and
it is my opinion that the only gold coin received at the present rate at the
revenue treasury should be the Bahadry, Ammudy, Sheddikies and star pagoda,
that all other coins which are not numerous should be received at their present
rates until a given period when they should be only received at their fixed
rates of exchange. The given period in my opinion should not exceed two months
after the proclamation. The loss upon the others cannot be very much as there
is very little above one lack of pagodas said to be in circulation.
I would confine the silver
in circulation as coin to the Bombay and Arcot rupee and to the small coins
called Billy fanams, which are very base. I understand they have been issued by
government while these provinces were under Bombay and I presume government
must bear the loss of calling the in. They are of small value in amount as will
be seen by the statement. All other silver coins, like the gold, should be
received after a given period by a table of rates.
The Bahadry pagodas in
circulation are said to be eight lacks or thereabouts and are two thirds of the
circulating medium. In the calling in of these coins there must be a loss of 7Ľ
per cent, the whole loss on this coin called in, will be under 59,000 pagodas.
Referring to the fixed
exchange at Kanara it will be found that the exchange of the star pagodas is
reckoned at 350 Arcot rupees but the Bahadry pagodas is over reckoned when it
is stated to be at 100 to 114 star pagodas 12 fanams. The real exchange between
these sums according to the gold they contain being only about 100 to 106 2/3
star pagodas. The exchange between the star pagoda and the rupee, or the silver
and gold, is the bullion price, that is, it is about the regular rate of
bullion exchange between the two precious metals throughout the peninsular. But
the exchange of the Bahadry pagoda is governed by the caprice or the interest
of the shroffs, for in proportion to the quantity of gold it really contains,
compared with the star pagoda it should only be exchanged at about 373 1/3
rupees the 100 Bahadry pagodas.
From the above it is evident
that the real quantity of gold which is the measure of the revenue in Kanara is
not received and that in fact it is an ideal revenue and overestimated when
sent out of the province, altho if government consumed the whole of the revenue
in the province it would be productive in proportion as it reduced the pay and
disbursements in the proportion in which the coins are over-rated.
If the system I have
proposed in the above paragraph is adopted and a circulation is sent to the
province in silver adequate to the purposes of exchange, and the gold taken out
from thence, the real revenue will equal what the apparent does at present. But
the continuance of this revenue must depend on two causes. The first and
principal one the internal consumption of the province itself among the
inhabitants and among the civil and military who disburse their pay in the
province. The second cause is on the exportation of its produce, for which it
would appear it receives the coins of other districts and chiefly Bombay. If
the exporters do not get so much commodities for the gold and silver they
import which they have been accustomed to they will look to other markets which
are cheaper, or give more produce for their precious metals. But if the whole
districts are on a similar footing there can be no preference, and so long as
the commodities are wanted, so long will the traffic continue and regulate its
own price.
The Collector mentions a new
coinage of Surat rupees at Bombay and the great influx of this coin into
Kanara. I cannot say what it is, but if it should prove a base and over-rated
coin, I would fix the exchange in a short period at its fair and intrinsic
value and not at any ideal rate which might be set on it.
The Immany and Pondicherry
rupees are over-rated nearly 2 per cent. The Bengal rupees, if they are sicca
rupees, are under-rated above 5 per cent. Bombay rupees and the Madras rupees
are about their value and this I should take as the standard rupee to the
Bahadry pagodas.
I have near completed this
paper when I received your commands in the minutes of consultation dated the 7th,
which reached me on the 11th inst. And to which I have above
replied. I see no other alternative at present but putting up with the loss on
those coins which it shall be advisable to recoin unless your finance may at
present require some of them to be circulated in the provinces above the
Ghauts.
MadPC331. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/40, p. 6385
Letter from F warden
(P.C.M.) to B Roebuck, dated 30th April 1807
I have now the pleasure to
communicate the information called for in your circular letter of the 11th
instant.
The jammabundy of this
province was originally settles with the inhabitants in a local coin called the
new Veroy gold fanam, ten of which for the convenience of accounts were termed
a Veroy Hoon, though no coin of that denomination exists.
The jammabundy being thus
rendered into Hoons was commuted into Bombay rupees at the rate of 3˝ Veroy
fanams to the rupee. It was necessary to commute the jumma into rupees because
the accounts of the Presidency of Bombay are kept in rupees. Having thus
established the rate of exchange between the local coin and the Bombay rupees
or government coin, every other description of specie known in circulation in
the province and received in payment of the public revenue at the fixed rate of
exchange established by government according to what was deemed to be the value
of each coin relatively with the Bombay rupee, among which the exchange of the
Star Pagoda was fixed at 3˝ Bombay rupees to 1 Star Pagoda.
Upon the transfer of Malabar
to the Presidency of Fort St George, it became necessary to commute the jumma
into the currency of that government, viz the Star Pagoda, which was
accordingly done at the established rate of 3˝ Bombay rupees to the Star
Pagoda.
The commutation of the Jumma
into Star Pagodas made no alteration whatever to the rates of exchange
originally established for Malabar. The revenues therefore continue to be
collected agreeably to that fixed exchange, are brought to account as received
and the disbursements of the province issued in the same way under this uniform
system of receiving, crediting and disbursing. Nothing remains to be accounted
for under the head of profit and loss.
A list of the rates of
exchange as obtaining in Malabar, I have already had the honor of transmitting
to you.
List of coins current in
Malabar
|
|
Number of each in 100 Star Pagodas |
|
Ikaree pagodas |
84 56/66 |
|
Bahaderie ditto |
|
|
Sultanee ditto |
|
|
Ahamadi ditto |
211 156/264 |
|
Porto Novo ditto |
116 32/48 |
|
Star pagodas |
100 |
|
Venetians |
70 |
|
Headed ditto |
73 52/76 |
|
New Veroy fanams |
1225 |
|
Old ditto |
1400 |
|
Old Bombay gold mohurs |
21 224/256 |
|
New ditto |
23 80/240 |
|
Old one third ditto |
65 160/256 |
|
New ditto ditto |
70 |
|
New one fifteenth |
350 |
|
Moidores or Gold Patacks |
18 272/296 |
|
Mahomad Shaw’s mohurs |
26 192/208 |
|
Anundray |
100 |
|
|
|
|
Spanish dollars |
164 24/34 |
|
Company’s rupees |
350 |
|
Pondicherry ditto |
|
|
Sultanee ditto |
|
|
Chillamany ditto |
|
|
Arcot ditto |
|
|
Madras double fanams |
2100 |
|
Madras single fanams |
4200 |
|
Silver fanams |
1750 |
|
|
|
|
Bombay copper pices |
1750 |
|
Paulghaut ditto cash |
49000 |
NB the Porto Novo pagoda was
altered to the exchange noticed in this list only in the current month, it
having before bore the exchange of three rupees& a quarter of a rupee to
the Star Pagoda.
MadPC332. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/40, p. 6387
Letter from the Collector of
Canara (Alexander Read) to B Roebuck, dated 15th July 1807
I am favoured with your
letter of the 6th instant, my reply to which will not I fear, prove
satisfactory but I will endeavour to show wherein the difficulty consists,
either in answering or complying with your request, in the province.
You desire to know in what
time I would be able to receive into my treasury certain gold and silver coins
specified and now in circulation. Of the gold coins I conceive even strict
orders issued and much pains taken by the district servants that in the course
of twelve months they might be brought into the treasury, at least what remains
abroad after that period would be extremely few, but then it is to be expected
that those coins so much sought after would soon attract the notice of the
shroffs and inhabitants who would raise their value above what they now pass
for and thereby prevent the speedy collection of them by the Company’s
servants. Without the offer of a premium the granting any such power to the
revenue servants would be productive of much peculation and dishonesty in
various classes of the people. The Government of Goa must likewise put a stop
to the coinage of such of the gold coins as come from there.
The foregoing are the chief
obstacles to the collection of the gold coins specified by you, for their
number is [not] that great, and are such as the country could do without so
long as all the other coins abound in circulation.
Of the silver coins
specified by you, the Surat and Malarshie rupees it is perfectly impossible for
me even to conjecture when these could be entirely collected into the treasury,
for their number is enormous, their importation constant during the fair
season, and without a sufficient proportion of them in circulation the
inhabitants would be greatly distressed in all their dealings. They would also
rise in their value and being more easily counterfeited than other coins it is
to be apprehended that many base rupees would be found in circulation.
Presuming from your letter that it is the wish of government to call in certain
coins while others are allowed to circulate it seems to me that the most
natural mode of effecting this would be to reduce the number of each but at the
same time to allow a sufficiency of both gold and silver to circulate at all
times. Now, were the Surat and Malarshie rupee to be called in at the same
time, the inhabitants would have no other silver coin but the Billi fanam, the
number of which are by no means sufficient to supply the place of all the other
silver coins. They are besides of a base coinage and pass with the utmost
difficulty above the ghauts and could be more easily counterfeited and
circulated among the poor than rupees.
It is probable that you may
not be acquainted with the new coinage of Surat rupees now carrying on in
Bombay, which occasioned an unusual quantity to be imported into Canara during
that late fair season. Unless this coinage is put a stop to, the attempts to
collect all the Surat rupees into the Company’s treasury would be in vain.
Indeed it appears at once evident that unless the Bombay government act in
concert with that of Madras it will be utterly impossible to call in the Surat
rupees or any other, for a large proportion of the coins in Canara come from
Bombay.
Under these circumstances,
if it is still required to lessen the number of Surat rupees in circulation,
five or six lacs might easily be reserved for transmission to Madras annually,
or if it is wished to call in the Malarshie rupee only their total collection
would not be so difficult. At the same time as they are coined in the Mahratta
Country it would be impossible to prevent their annual importation. In short,
unless all those powers entitled to coin money are brought to act in unison,
the coins specified by you can never be entirely collected.
MadPC333. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/40, p. 6393
Letter from Francis Warden
(Principal Collector Malabar) to B Roebuck, dated 9th August 1807
A fairly short letter
followed by a table which inclues an estimate of the number of coins in
circulation.
Estimate of the Probable
amount of each coin in circulation in the Province of Malabar
|
|
Number in Circulation |
|
Ikaree pagodas |
20,000 |
|
Bahaderie ditto |
17,000 |
|
Sultanee ditto |
31,443 |
|
Anandary ditto |
17 |
|
Porto Novo ditto |
10,194 |
|
Star pagodas |
3000 |
|
Anandarayen |
302 |
|
Venetians |
58,361 |
|
Headed ditto |
2,000 |
|
New Veroy fanams |
1,200,437 |
|
Old ditto |
400,405 |
|
Sultanee and Canteray fanams |
21 |
|
Old Bombay gold mohurs |
8000 |
|
New ditto |
12486 |
|
Old one third ditto |
5000 |
|
New ditto ditto |
8000 |
|
New one fifteenth |
20,112 |
|
Moidores or Gold Patacks |
3000 |
|
Mahomad Shaw’s mohurs |
100 |
|
|
|
|
Bombay Rupees |
1000 |
|
Dollars |
15,000 |
|
Spanish Dollars |
726 |
|
Company’s Rupees |
20,147 |
|
Surat ditto |
164,996 |
|
Sultanee ditto |
9000 |
|
Silver fanams |
3,035,410 |
|
Madras double fanams |
1518 |
|
Madras single fanams |
15,000 |
|
Pondicherry Rupees |
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
Bombay copper pices |
2,008,110 |
|
Paulghaut ditto cash |
250,000 |
MadPC334. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/46, p. 349
Letter from the Mint
Committee to Madras Government, dated 7th January 1809
In our letter of the 6th
ultimo we had the honor to recommend the appointment of some person to assist
the mint master in conducting that important department and a similar
appointment in the office of assay in order to obviate the injury or delay
which might otherwise be sustained in the event of accident to either of the
heads of those offices or their temporary indisposition.
We have much regret in
reporting that both the mint master and assay master are indisposed and that
the mint is consequently in all its departments uncontrolled by the presence of
a covenanted servant.
We therefore beg leave to
suggest the expediency of appointing a covenanted servant to each of these
offices for the immediate custody of the bullion and superintendence of the
transfer of it from one department to the other.
The President recommended
the appointment of Mr Robert Maconochie to be deputy under the mint master and
that his allowance may be for the present fixed at 100 pagodas per month.
MadPC335. Madras
Public Consultations. P/243/46, p. 359
Letter from Government to
Mint Committee, dated 11th January 1809
I am directed to acquaint
you that the Honorable the Governor in Council, has been pleased to appoint Mr
Robert Maconochie to be deputy mint master with an allowance of 100 pagodas per
month.
Plenty of detail to
be copied when time allows:
P/243/48
MadPC336. P/243/48 1359, estimate for costs of changes to the mint.
This is to build a veranda in front of the apartment allotted as an office to
the mint committee and constructing a small room for writers. The Board
approved this
MadPC337. P/243/48 1387, approval of GG for the employment of an
accountant on a salary of 12 pagodas per month from December 1808.
MadPC338. P/243/48 1492, Letter to Robert Alexander appointing him to
the Mint Committee.
Letter
to the mint committee from Madras Government, dated 8th February
1808
The Honorable
the Governor in Council having considered it proper to appoint Mr Benjamin
Roebuck to a different station, I am directed to acquaint you that a Mr J.H.D
Ogilvie has been appointed to take charge of the mint.
I am
directed to take this occasion of acquainting you that Mr Robert Alexander has
been appointed a member of the mint committee agreeably to the intention
formerly stated.
MadPC339. P/243/481569, opinion of Calcutta on the cost and state of
the mint machinery at Madras. Referred to the Mint committee
Covering
letter from Calcutta Government (Lord Minto) to Fort St George dated 6th
January 1809.
The
several documents received with your letter of 27th July last,
having been referred to the mint committee at this Presidency, I am directed by
the Right Honorable the Governor General in Council, to transmit to you for the
purpose of being submitted to the Honorable the Governor in Council for his
consideration, the accompanying copies of letters from the committee and from
the mint master on the subject of your reference.
Letter
to Lord Minto from the Calcutta mint committee, dated 4th November
1808
We
have the honor to submit for the information of your Lordship in Council the
mint master’s reply to the several papers transmitted from Fort St George on
the state of the machinery sent from hence, together with his opinion of the
proposed establishment for the mint at Madras which we were directed to require
by Mr Secretary Dowdeswell’s letter of 12th September last.
The
mint master at Madras has objected to the principle of the machinery
constructed for Fort St George, but similar machinery has been found capable of
carrying on a very large coinage in the Calcutta for a considerable number of
years and with a very inconsiderable expense for repairs during that period.
We
can form no opinion on the necessity of the alleged repairs to the machinery at
Fort St George. There frequently is no specification of the materials used, the
mere item of repairs and the amount of the charge only, being stated. We beg
leave to remark that it is usual in Bengal to require a detailed estimate of
any extraordinary expense to be incurred in the mint.
In
the machinery of the Calcutta mint, rollers of bell metal have been constantly
used in laminating and coining copper and have been found to answer the purpose
extremely well.
The
working the machines by cattle we consider an improvement and the alteration of
the machinery in consequence could not be attended with much expense.
We
concur general in the sentiment expressed by the mint master at Calcutta and
are of opinion that the reductions, which he has proposed to be made in the
establishment submitted by the mint master at Fort St George for conducting the
duties of the mint at that Presidency, are very moderate and that ample
allowance is made for the inexperience of the workmen.
The
coin at Fort St George may perhaps be not much inferior in point of workmanship
to that in Bengal, but the expense of coinage in the mint at Fort St George
appears, from the papers received from the mint master at that Presidency, to
be considerably greater than the expenses incurred at this Presidency.
Letter
to the mint committee at Calcutta from the mint master (Forster), dated 13th
October 1808
In
reply to your letter of the 15th September giving cover to several
papers received from the Government of Fort St George and calling upon me to
submit my statements upon the establishment proposed to be entertained for the
conduct of the duties of the mint there, and to give an explanation of the very
defective state of the machinery prepared at Calcutta and sent to Madras.
I
beg leave to observe that the above mentioned papers do not furnish the whole
of the information which I deem requisite to give my decisive opinion on all
the subjects to which they relate. However, as far as they go is what I shall
now attempt. It appears from the mint master’s letter of 9th June
1808 (of which I shall hereafter take further notice) that Government supposes
him to have reported the mint complete in May 1807, but as he denies the
circumstance, I will not dispute it, but certainly something like it may be
strongly inferred from his letter to the chief secretary to Government, dated 4th
May 1807, on which he says, The mint in this place is in that situation that it
can dispense with his (Mr DaCosta’s) assistance and then bears testimony to his
ability and adds “has instructed people here in regulating the machinery and
performing the other branches of business and hoped therefore, the Right
Honorable the Governor in Council will be pleased to take such notice of his
application as he may think it merits and to recommend his good conduct, in
favourable terms to the Honorable the Governor General in Council”. This
clearly ascertained two points. First, that the machinery had been erected and
second that it had been worked on [by] the 4th May. I will not
therefore contest the points whether the mint was complete, but surely the
above letter throws some discredit on his report dated on 4th June
1807, a month subsequent, and it is to be presumed that if the machinery had
been so defective in its execution as to come under the denomination “such as
it is”, that he would not have stated the mint to be in that situation that it
could dispense with Mr DaCosta’s further assistance. Besides, it must be
obvious that if the machinery was so defective on the 4th June in
its construction, that it must have been equally so on the 4th May
and as he had even then been using it more than a month, it must have been
known to him and ought to have been noticed to Mr DaCosta, whilst on the spot,
instead of being suppressed till nine days after his quitting that Presidency.
But
it is evident from the report of the state of the mint, dated the 4th
June 1807, that it is not the execution but the principles, on which the
machinery was constructed, that is principally condemned and the alteration of
which has put Government to so heavy and unreasonable a charge of above fifty
per cent on the prime cost, in the first year, under the fictitious heading of
repairs. It must be unnecessary here to remark that the orders of Government to
me were to prepare the same kind of machinery for the mint at Fort St George as
was employed in the mint of Calcutta. Therefore this objection can be answered
by Government alone and this they may well do by a reference to their accounts
where they will find no charges for repairs, or so trifling as to well justify
their having ordered the same to be adopted at Fort St George after an
experience of the durability for eighteen years. For in the year 1790 two
laminating were put up and continued to be worked ‘till1793, when the business
was carried on by duraps. In June 1800 the above two mills were removed to the
present room and three more were added to the number. They had been
uninterruptedly worked from 1801 to the present day and produced many millions
of Gold, silver and even copper coin, without requiring any than the changing
of a few cogs and this under the disadvantage of several of the buildings
giving way and which are now under repair.
In
this paragraph the mint master’s objection against bell metal rollers is not
altogether ill founded. However, it must have been made by anticipation as he
could not, at the time of making this report, have experienced any
inconvenience from them, for the same kind of rollers stand much longer in this
mint in laminating even copper, than they appear to have done in laminating
silver of dollar standard. The mint master might have added in support of his
objection that two of the rollers had been even broke. But it would have been
sufficient to reply to this that they broke in consequence of the people
employed to work the mills having compressed them too much.
To
the mint master’s objection in this paragraph that the machinery for regulating
the rollers is very incomplete and by no means adequate for the purpose and
that in his opinion “the rollers are neither properly constructed nor
sufficiently accurate”, the best answer that can be offered is experience, and
from this I am free to assert that the machinery for regulating the rollers
have ever proved perfectly adequate to its object in this mint, and those sent
round to Fort St George were on the same construction. It is indeed true when
the two rollers broke, as mentioned in the above paragraph, the cogs of two of
the wheels of the regulators also were bent, so they would of the most perfect
machine if improperly used. I can vouch for that as not a pair was packed up
before they had been tried and adjusted by the same pair of compass and level
we use for adjusting those in this mint. Many other circumstances besides the
inaccuracy of the rollers may render the blanks cut from the same bar of
unequal weight.
The
mint master observes “that the cutters sent round from Bengal were made of the
size of the sicca rupee but they were found too small for dollars and were
therefore obliged to be enlarged and that the turning lathes sent round to
prepare these cutters were incomplete and the consequence is that the circles
were not true, the male cutters did not perfectly fit the female and this
increases the imperfection of the blanks”. As already observed upon, when
speaking of the laminating machinery, I hope it will not be deemed improper to
complain of the want of candour in this paragraph. It is an evident attempt to
impute blame to others for his own want of forethought. The cutters were formed
to answer muster blanks of the intended size of the new coinage sent round to
me by the Honorable Lord William Bentinck. These blank musters were of the
Arcot rupee standard and, of course, could not be calculated to cut out blanks
of a proper weight from metal of any other standard unless the bullion were
thicker or thinner, for if finer they would be too heavy, if inferior, too
light. The mint master’s oversight in expecting they would cut blanks of the
value of Arcot rupees, out of dollar silver, can be therefore no way chargeable
to any other person than himself. His next observation, that they were therefore
obliged to be enlarged, is an equally unfortunate oversight or mis-statement.
The cutters in general are incapable of being enlarged, as the cutting edges
and the broadest part of the instrument, when worn, may be new turned for
cutters for smaller coins, as is the practice in this mint. The charges,
therefore, for these repairs, or alterations, in the mint master’s accounts
must be transferred to the head of new machinery. Many of the cutters, during
the time Mr DaCosta was there, after being properly set by him, were broke by
the awkwardness of the men working the machine, passing the straps over instead
of lodging them against the guide, which necessarily occasions the edge of the
cutter to snap, and many more were broke by the inexperienced people attempting
to set them themselves when the superintendent was engaged in other parts of
the mint, for if the male be not immediately over the female, the male, or
cutter, must come in contact with the side of the female and of course give
way. The remark regarding the turning lathes is so directly a mis-statement
that I am persuaded it can have proceeded from nothing but want of
recollection. They were put up here and turned several pairs of rollers and
cutters for the use of the Calcutta mint before they were shipped for Fort St
George. This observation applies also to the laminating mills, cutting and
stamping machines and on trial all were found perfectly correct. In further
explanation of the lathe being incomplete, it must be observed that a part of it
had been lost at Madras and Mr DaCosta mentioned the circumstances to the mint
master, who questioned the Conicopoly or Sircar, in charge of the machinery,
about it and he replied he was afraid it had been stolen, with some other
missing articles, which had also been reported by Mr DaCosta to the mint
master. It still remains for the mint master to explain why, in consequence of
part of the turning lathe being lost, the circles were not true, if the part
made there, to supply its place, was made correctly. The fact is, that without
the part that was lost, the lathe could not turn any circle and I now leave it
to him to name the lost part in confirmation of this remark.
The
mode of adjusting is as described by the mint master in the 6th
paragraph. A bungling process certainly, but I must confess if he has found a
better method, consistent with the use of the machinery, he has succeeded
better than I have, or expect to do. However, with respect to the loss by
filing it should, as it easily might have been, ascertained before the date of
the report, as the system had been then introduced, two months, and two or
three days work would have been sufficient for the purpose. That the whole may
have been ill considered without any imputation on Mr DaCosta, is very possible,
and I understand from him the mode he adopted was the same as is followed here
and was practiced by Spalding and Hughes, men of no mean abilities, with
success before he was foreman. Our loss is not quite 1600 or one anna per cent.
I hope the mint master may be requested to communicate whether he has succeeded
in putting it on a proper and more certain system of moderate expense than the
above, in order that the same may be adopted here. This paragraph requires no
reply, nor any further remark than that the milling machines were worked and
found correct before Mr DaCosta left Madras and that no double rupee dies were
sent from this, so that if any were rendered useless before they stamped 15
rupees, they were certainly very indifferent ones indeed, tho’ made by the mint
master of Fort St George himself. Our dies here stand the stamping of copper
itself very well, a metal much harder than Arcot standard silver.
I
shall now proceed to offer a few remarks on the mint master’s letter dated 9th
June 1808: Two stamping presses are stated to have broke and that 9 out of 14
screws for the stamping presses sent from Bengal have entirely given way, that
they were neither well forged, nor of a sufficient size, nor true, of the
remaining, one only is a good perfect screw. With respect to the stamping
presses, the mint here is not answerable. They were cut in the arsenal of Fort
William by the orders of Government and after being surveyed, setup and tried,
such as were found the least defective were rejected and the others received [I
think there must be a mistake here]. But to have enabled Government to judge
where the fault lay the mint master in fairness and [full] candour ought to
have stated how they have been used, for they have been set up at the beginning
of 1807 and worked till the end of May without any fault being found with them
or the screws, and that the latter were not defective or untrue, is warrantly
inferable from the mint master’s silence on this head in his above report.
Work,
if untrue, particularly the screws are more so when new then after some use,
and the friction is greater. The screws in the mint here have been worked from
8 to 10 years and are still serviceable. That the frames of the stamping
presses should have given way is not at all surprising considering the flies
were double loaded and the same stroke which could break the frames of the
presses, might well be expected to break and spoil the screws. In fact, the
same mis-management, for certainly overloading the flies is such, will account
for the destruction made in the machinery. I do not find it necessary to double
load the flies for stamping the copper coin.
These
two paragraphs have been replied to fully in the 3rd and 5th
paragraphs of this letter and I am ready to acknowledge that no part of the
apparatus from Bengal has been useful except the mere skeleton of the
machinery, but I trust and hope Government will do me the justice to ascertain
in a more satisfactory manner than the mint master at Fort St George has
enabled them to do, either by his report of 4th June 1807 or his
letter of 9th June 1808, whether the heavy expenses he has incurred
and charges under the head of repairs, ought or ought not to be charged to unnecessary
alterations and supposed improvements. If the latter be
the case, no blame can be attributed to me and if it be found that the work was
properly executed in the first instance, the alterations were evidently
unnecessary, as not the twentieth part of the expense has been incurred here in
keeping old machinery in order, which has, in the same period of time, executed
a much larger quantity of gold and silver coinage, exclusive of 6,000,000
pieces of copper coin which alone may be set against all the coinage at Fort St
George of much softer metals.
The
charge in this paragraph if well founded, should and might have been contained
in his report of 4th June. The iron moulds had at that time, been
two months in use and no defect was discovered, but Government will perceive
that other machinery of a different dimension had not then been introduced and
they will not be at a loss to account for the lateness of this discovery that
the moulds were made very “imperfect”, but surely they will be surprised that
the mint master should apply to this mint for a new set of moulds of double the
size of the former ones, without noticing the very imperfect make of the former
ones.
The
mint master in this paragraph again adverts to the hardness of his silver metal
and observes, in contradiction to what he had hitherto allowed, that the
rollers sent from Bengal were made of bell metal and now asserts they were
brass. No doubt this late discovery was urged with an intention to justify the
supposed necessity of making fresh ones of a different metal, whilst the real
motive for making new ones was for the sake of making the experiments with
rollers of a large dimension, totally overlooking the necessity this would
occasion of altering the size and plan of the regulators to correspond with
them. All the charges therefore to which Government have been subject will
scarcely be compensated by the advantage they will derive from the expected
“double work” which they are to perform. I can readily conceive that neither
his pretended brass nor real bell metal rollers would stand laminating silver
red-hot, a practice I am fully persuaded Mr Dacosta understood his business too
well to introduce at Madras. Neither silver nor gold of any standard and more
particularly if hard with copper alloy works well either in forging or under
the pressure of rollers, in a state of red heat, independent of the damage they
must occasion to the rollers themselves. This is a point I willingly leave to
the decision of any practical worker in these metals, whether natives or
Europeans.
These
three paragraphs relate to machinery of a different construction and of course,
have no reference to that prepared here and sent to Madras, and consequently
the expense attending them should not have been included under the head of
repairs.
These
paragraphs do not relate to matters that come within my knowledge nor do they
require any remarks from me except perhaps the 11th May, when I come
to receive the proposed revised establishment.
I
hope the above explanation and remarks will prove satisfactory as I again vouch
that every article of the machinery sent from hence to Madras was tried before
it was shipped and found equally correct and perfect with the same articles
used in this mint, on the repairs of which, tho’ old, and the coinage it has
executed in the same period is fourfold, the expense has been too trifling to
notice as will appear from the monthly accounts.
He
then goes on to explore the accounts of the Madras mint master in a critical
fashion.
1616, Roebuck proposes
clearing up the mint ready for Ogilvy
1620, More about clearing up
the mint and selling the dross
1736, brief letter saying
stuff from Calcutta about the mint is to be forwarded (but nothing there)
1862, letter from mint
committee saying they have heard from Roebuck and told him that he needed to
authenticate reports of bullion and give them to the new mint master
P/243/49
1943, GG approves actions
reported in letter of 11th Feb
1993, contingent bill for
January 1809, from Roebuck
1996, agreed by Mint
Committee
2022, approved by GG
2127, Letter returning
assays of gold and silver coins from England
START HERE
z/p/2474 c1807
Index
P/243/14
Index
for 1809 z/p/2475
411, 512, 4786 mint at
Masulipatam; refusal to rent it to certain people; transfer to commercial
resident
1401 alterations to the mint
1430 deputy assay master
applies to draw assay masters salary
370, 381-389 assistants to
mint and assay master
416, 514, 1467 state of
machinery
1530, 2701 Alexander to join
mint C. Ogilvie as mint master
1551, 1555 McDouall
assistant assay master
1889, 1975 between roebuck
and mint committee
1608, 1775 comments from
Bengal
1658 Ogilvie to start
immediately. Roebuck to leave
2028, 2061 mint
establishment costs. Letter from mint committee to assay master
2170 Specimens of new
coinage and letter from Mint C
2657, 2710 Roebuck given
time to adjust his accounts
3200 salary of assay master
3787 Getting copper coins
into circulation & writing of loss on copper returned by the mint
5213 payment to landholder
of the site of the new mint
5983 Getting copper coins
into circulation & writing of loss on copper returned by the mint
5970-5983 copper coins
received from England
6066 Accountant General
about getting copper coins into circulation
6291 Costs of investigating
the old mint
Index
for 1810 z/p/2475
4472-91 Instructions from
Court of Directors
5070, 5665 Ryder appointed
assay master
6790 reduction in
establishment
P/243/65. Madras
Public Consultations. p. 4553
Letter from Madras
Government to the Madras mint committee dated 7th September 1810
I am directed by the
Honorable the Governor in Council to desire that you will issue immediate
instructions to the officers of the mint to proceed without delay to the
refinage of gold and silver bullion to the standard of the Bombay currency and
to the extent of seven lacs of pagodas and directing that they will confine
their operations to this immediate duty until it be completely executed.
Of this amount, 300,000
pagodas are to consist of gold bullion and the remainder, four lacs of silver.
As this gold and silver bullion may be refined, and cast into ingots, it is the
desire of the Honorable the Governor in Council that it be forwarded to the
general treasury accompanied by the report of the assay master as to the
standard of each remittance.
It being probable that a
portion of the balance of the bullion in the mint may consist of dollars, it
may not perhaps be necessary to proceed to the melting and refining of these
coins, as they may be returned to the general treasury in their present state.
It is desirable that no time be lost in carrying into effect the resolution of
the Governor in Council.
As the mint master will in
consequence of these arrangements be relieved of a great portion of the bullion
which was intended for coinage, the Governor in Council imagines that the large
establishment now maintained in that department will admit of reduction, and
you are accordingly directed to take early measures for ascertaining to what
extent this reduction may be practicable.
Index for 1811 z/p/2475
P/244/1
P/244/2
P/244/3
P/244/4
– Commercial & Law Diaries – probably ordered the wrong thing!
P/244/5
P/244/6
P/244/7
Madopolam - 2217
2753 reduction of
establishment of mint
3782 same for assay office
4159 abolition of deputy
mint master
Copper coins sent to the northern
circars
Index for 1812. P/244/8
1813.
z/p/2477
Nothing of interest found
1814.
z/p/2478
P/244/39, p. 4238
Letter from Madras
Government to Mr William Wayte, dated 16th August 1814
Letter agreeing the Mr Wayte
need to longer be a member of the mint committee
1815.
z/p/2479, P/244/47, 48
P/244/46. July, p. 1965.
From the mint committee (
Murray, Garrow & Cochrane) to Madras Government, dated 22nd June
1815
Covering letter enclosing:
1.
A statement showing the quantity and value of gold and
silver local coins melted and received from the year 1807/8 to the year
1812/13.
2.
A statement showing the quantity and value of the gold and
silver regular coins sent into circulation during the same period
3.
An abstract statement showing the different coins and their
amount in Star Pagodas, received into the treasuries of the several collectors
during the late Fusly 1223.
From the mint committee (
Murray, Garrow & Cochrane) to Madras Government, dated 14th July
1815
…The coinage of Double
Rupees, Half and Quarter Pagodas and Five, Two, and One Fanam pieces having
ceased in the year 1812, The Double and Single Pagoda, the Rupee, Half and
Quarter Rupee and Two anna piece are the only coins which have, since that
period, been issued from the mint…
P/244/46. October, p. 2662.
Letters about the fact that
the assay master (Mr Ryder) had invented a method of producing glass and aqua
Fortis, which was required for assays. He asks to be remunerated for his
efforts and the costs he has incurred. Madras Government was waiting to hear
from London but in the meantime agreed that Mr Ryder should be paid the amount
it would have cost to get the required items from England.
P/244/48. December, p. 3241.
From the mint committee to
Madras Council, dated 27th November 1815
We have the honor to submit
copy of a letter received from the Mint Master with a copy of the assay report
of a number of counterfeit gold Double Pagodas which have been detected at the
Government Bank and forwarded to the Mint Master for examination.
We understand that these
counterfeit coins were part of an issue from the General Treasury at the
beginning of the present [month?] in discharge of the salary of the past month.
It is not practicable for us
to conjecture with any degree of certainty the extent to which such issues may
have been made, but we think it expedient that in the first instance the
sub-treasurer be immediately directed to discontinue the issue of any gold
currency until an examination shall have taken place of the balance that may
now remain in the treasury and that the Mint Master be authorised to attend for
the purpose of examining the balance of the gold currency.
We also beg leave to suggest
that the sub-treasurer be called upon to report the means by which he thinks
these counterfeit coins found their way into the General Treasury and the
manner he proceeds upon the receipt of remittance from the Collectors; as also
whether he can state from what Collector they were received. We also beg leave
to submit the Mint Master’s proposition on the 5th paragraph of his
letter and also that immediate notice be given to Collectors that they may be
on their guard against the reception of these counterfeits.
From the mint master
(Ogilvie) to the mint committee, dated 23rd November 1815
I am concerned to report to
you that a number of counterfeit gold Double Pagodas have been detected at the
Bank, twenty of which have been forwarded to me for examination.
By the assay report, copy of
which is herewith enclosed, they appear for the most part to be greatly
deficient in fineness.
Fifteen of them vary from
nine to seventeen touch below standard. Consequently, a forgery of this
description, carried to any extent, must be of a serious nature.
Five of these coins are within
the remedy of standard fineness, so that, from these, the three per cent custom
on coinage is all the advantage that could be derived. It is not therefore
impossible that these may have been coined here at an early period of this
establishment, but the Committee are aware that the means have been established
of ascertaining that they are not issued of late from the mint. I should have
conjectured that twenty-five per cent of these have been mixed to render the
deception more imposing and to divert suspicions from the others but the
workmanship besides being very incorrect, is so ununiform that there can be
little doubt of them having been fabricated by different hands, in which case,
as the district from which they came can be ascertained, I conceive it would
not be difficult to discover the persons who committed the forgery.
I should hope that the law
for the prevention of this evil having been recently made explicit, will now
become effectual. If the provisions made in the CXVI and CXVII clauses of the
new charter were translated into all the native languages and published at the
outstations, and a reward offered proportioned to the extent of such forgeries
as may be traced to conviction, it would at least check the progress of this
offence, so pernicious in its consequences and so prevalent of late from having
been suffered to escape with impunity.
I have proposed to the
Police Master that the machinery and instruments of coinage be shown to some
intelligent people of his establishment, with a view to the detection, if this
practice should obtain amongst the gold and silver smiths or others at the
Presidency.
P/244/48. December, p. 3420
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 22nd December 1815
With reference to your
letter of 27th ult., I am directed to state that the Governor in
Council is averse to issue any public or circular notification concerning the
fraud that has been discovered in the gold currency until you have ascertained
whether it has been carried to any considerable extent, and whether its further
extension may not have already been prevented in its source. This feeling
arises from the apprehension that the currency might be unnecessarily
depreciated by such a notification. You will therefore be pleased to submit a report
on those two points at as early a period as may be practicable.
I annex a copy of a letter
from the sub-Treasurer stating that the issue of gold from the General Treasury
has, for the present time, been suspended.
1816
z/p/2480
P/244/51. p. 556
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 23rd January 1816
Account of the coinage at
Madras during 1815 to be forwarded to the Court of Directors. They included 15
gold double pagodas, 10 single gold pagodas, 20 rupees, 20 half rupees , 10
quarter rupees and 1 eighth rupee.
P/244/53. p. 2301-4
Letter from the mint master
to the mint committee, dated 25th May 1816
He asks that he be allowed
to make repairs to the mint buildings with as little interruption to work as
possible
Letter from the mint Committee
to Madras Government, dated 31st May 1816
We have the honor to request
that you will lay before the Right Honorable the Governor in Council the
enclosed copy of a letter from the Mint Master and to submit that he may be
authorized according to his suggestion and for the reasons stated, to rebuild
three tiled go-downs and to remove and repair the brick floors of the melting
rooms at the mint.
P/244/56. p. 3607-10
Letter from the mint
committee to Madras Government, dated 6th September 1816
We have the honor to request
that you will lay before the Right Honorable the Governor in Council the
enclosed copy of a letter from the Mint Master, dated 31st ultimo,
reporting that a guard of invalid sepoys, which was placed over a stock of
straw for the mint bullocks, have been withdrawn without it having been
intimated to him that the measure was in contemplation, and we beg leave to
submit that the authorities to whom the power may be delegated, be instructed
to communicate with the Mint Master, previously to the removal of any of the
guards from the stations to which they may have been appointed at the mint,
such communication being necessary to enable the Mint Master to substitute
other means of protection to property belonging to the Honorable Company under
charge of that officer to a very large extent, as well as to the department.
Letter from the mint master
to the mint committee, dated 31st August 1816
A guard of invalid sepoys
has always been employed to watch the year’s stock of straw for the mint &
bullocks on the outside of the Black Town wall. On sending for the usual daily
supply of straw, it was found without any guard or other protection nor has any
intimation been made to me of the guard having been withdrawn. I have placed
four Gollahs in charge of it but I think it necessary to report the
circumstance least I should hereafter find some of the Honorable Company’s more
valuable property exposed to be plundered, which is now considered secure under
the charge of sepoys.
The Town Major was ordered
to inform the mint master if any change was to be made to the sepoy guards.
P/244/56. p. 3727-9
From the mint master
(Ogilvie) to the Mint Committee, dated 25th September 1816
Understanding from the
Superintendent of the Powder Mills that his bullocks have little or no
employment at this season, it would afford me much convenience and assistance
if you would procure for the mint, as on a former occasion, the use of about a
dozen pair for the short time I may require them. It will prevent the necessity
of purchasing, and the inconvenience of keeping, more bullocks than I now have
in the mint, particularly as four of my number have died from old age within
the last six months and several more are almost unserviceable from the same
cause.
The mint committee wrote to
the Madras Government asking for the bullocks. Madras Government then wrote to
the Military Board instructing them to release the bullocks if they could be
spared.
P/244/58. p. 4634-37
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 12th November 1816
As I am given to understand
that I shall not long be able to employ the bullocks which are at present
spared from the Powder Mills, it will be necessary before the end of the year,
that I should supply the places in my own establishment of fifteen bullocks
which have died during the last five years, and of twenty which have become
quite unserviceable out of seventy-five, which is the smallest number with
which I have found it possible to carry on the business of the mint, instead of
one hundred, which was the number formerly kept up. To work the laminating
mills, bullocks of great size and strength are required and as I find great
difficulty in procuring even one or two pairs equal to these purposes at this place,
I beg leave to suggest that I may be permitted that I may be permitted to
indent for thirty-five bullocks of the description I require, on the
Commissariat Department and it would afford me much convenience if I were
permitted also to indent upon that department for the gram and straw, in as
much as that I could be furnished with it at three or four stated periods in
the year, which would allow me to appropriate to more important uses, the space
now required for storing at once the whole year’s supply of articles required
for subsisting the bullocks.
The mint committee passed
the request on to the Madras Government, who sent a letter to the Commissariat
asking if this could be done.
1817
z/p/2481
P/244/62. p. 1368-71
Entries about the French
re-establishing a mint in Pondicherry. Fort William opines that they cannot
object but that any coins struck can only be received as bullion.
P/244/62. p. 1657
May 1817. The Military Board
was not happy about providing/sharing bullocks and straw between the powder mill
and the mint. It was suggested that two separate piles of straw be kept in the
powder mills, one for the use of each and that bullocks could be used by the
mint when not in use by the Powder Mills.
P/244/62. p. 1835
More about the mint at
Pondicherry and the rupees produced there having the same inscription as that
on the EIC coins. Should they be accepted in payment of taxes?
P/244/63. p. 1931
Coins from the new mint at
Pondicherry forwarded to the mint committee
P/244/64. p. 2481
The mint committee state to
Madras Government that the new Madras coinage should comply with the orders
from the Court of Directors and they believe that the gold to silver ration
should be 1:15. The Accountant General also thinks this ratio is the right one.
P/244/64. p. 2509
19th August 1817
Madras Government told mint committee that the new coinage should be as stated
by the Court of Directors and should be started ASAP
P/244/64. p. 2751/55
Information about the rate
that the new Pondicherry rupees would be received. However they vary greatly in
weight and fineness.
P/244/65. p. 3138
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 30th September 1817
With reference to the
extract from the minutes of consultation under date the 16th instant
already furnished to you, I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in
Council to desire that the new silver coinage may not be deferred on account of
the impression which it may finally be determined that the new coin shall bear,
but that for the present they may bear the same impression as the rupee now
current and may be struck off with all practicable expedition.
P/244/65. p. 3188/200
Long account of the mint
accounts for May 1813 to July 1816 but no record of numbers of coins minted.
P/244/62. p.3665/7
From the mint master and
assay master to the mint committee, dated 3rd November 1817
We beg to acknowledge
receipt of your secretary’s letter of the 3rd ultimo and have in
consequence directed the workmen to prepare dies for the impression which we
think best calculated to meet the wishes of the Honorable the Court of
Directors and the Right Honorable the Governor in Council.
The preparation for the
model required by Government will occupy one month, as they involve making a
number of tempered steel instruments by three only of our workmen to whom, for
obvious reasons, this department is confined, and none other are to be
immediately procured. The supply of dies necessary for us to commence a gold
and silver coinage without fear of interruption would occupy these workmen
about 3 months more.
Under these circumstances,
of which the Committee are not perhaps aware, it will be for you to judge how
far it is expedient to make any change with regard to the impression during the
present urgent demand for coins.
The mint committee passed
this to the Madras Government who responded on 25th November
I am directed to acknowledge
receipt of your secretary’s letter of the 7th instant and to desire
that the preparation for a new impression for the new coinage may not be
allowed to interfere with the coinage of both silver and gold with the
impression of the rupee now current, until the new impression be prepared and
sanctioned.
P/244/62. p. 3872-4
Discussion about the
manufacture of gold fanams in Mysore and the clandestine transfer into Malabar.
This needed to be investigated.
1818
z/p/2483
p/244/68. p. 21-70
Lots of discussion about the
new coinage for Madras. p. 60 has a proclamation dated 7th January
1818
The Right Honorable the
Governor in Council hereby gives notice that, in obedience to the orders of the
Honorable the Court of Directors, The silver rupee is in future to constitute
the standard coin of this Presidency.
The public accounts will
accordingly be converted from the star pagoda into the Madras rupee at the
present exchange of 350 rupees per 100 pagodas, and all engagements of the
Government will in future be concluded in rupees and the pay and allowance of
all their servants, Civil and Military, will be fixed in the same coin.
The new coinage of silver
will consist of the following coins Viz:
Rupee containing 165 grains
of pure silver and 15 grains of alloy and weighing 180 grains
Half Rupee containing 82˝
grains of pure silver and 7˝ grains of alloy and weighing 90 grains
Quarter Rupee containing 41Ľ
grains of pure silver and 3ľ grains of alloy and weighing 45 grains.
Double anna containing 20
5/8 grains of pure silver and 1 7/8 grains of alloy and weighing 22˝ grains
Anna containing 10 5/16
grains of pure silver and 15/16 of a grain of alloy and weighing 11Ľ grains
The coinage of the pagoda
will be discontinued but, for the convenience of the public, a coinage of gold
rupees will be issued and will be paid and received by all public officers at
such rate as may be determined by proclamation of Government. The present rate
until altered by proclamation, will be that of one gold rupee for fifteen
silver rupees.
The new coinage of gold will
consist of coins viz:
Rupee containing 165 grains
of pure gold and 15 grains of alloy and weighing 180 grains
Half rupee containing 82˝
grains of pure gold and 7˝ grains of alloy and weighing 90 grains
Quarter rupee containing 4Ľ
grains of pure gold and 3ľ grains of alloy and weighing 45 grains.
A copper coinage of pice at
the rate of 12 pice for 1 anna will also be issued.
While the present coinage of
pagodas, fanams and cash remains in circulation, those coins will continue to
be received and issued at the same rate as heretofore in relation to the rupee.
P/244/69. p. 1002/3
From the mint master
(Ogilvie) to the mint committee, dated 21st March 1818
I beg leave to state to the
committee that within the last two years fourteen of the mint bullocks have
died and twenty seven of the others are now old and unserviceable. In order to
save the expense of keeping them, I request permission to sell them by public
auction. There will then remain seventy five bullocks which are sufficient for
the purpose of the mint.
The mint committee passed
this to the Madras Government who agreed with the proposal.
P/244/69. p. 1052
From the mint master
(Ogilvie) to the mint committee, dated 19th March 1818
I have to acknowledge
receipt of your secretary’s letter of yesterday’s date and I beg leave in reply
to say that in communication with the Assay Master. A remedy more confined than
that ordered by the regulation and called by us, in imitation of the King’s
mint a “working remedy” has for some time past been established; The object of
this is to keep the coins more effectually within the remedy prescribed by the
regulation for it might happen that bullion which I have passed for coinage at
the extent of the regulation remedy may, after all the different processes have
been completed, prove beyond it. By adopting the working remedy it is obvious
that, no bullion being passed for coinage beyond the working remedy, the
probability of any coin ultimately exceeding the working remedy must be much
diminished.
The regulation remedy is,
under the circumstances of this mint, by no means too large and if the
Committee conceive that it would be better to dispense with the working remedy
to prevent the necessity for so many re-alligations and so much delay during
the present urgent demand for money, I shall confine myself only to the
regulation remedy.. I, however, wish it to be understood that if without
inconvenience to the public finances, sufficient time could be allowed for
repeated meltings, I consider the working remedy as a most salutary precaution,
which must tend more than anything else to the necessary precision, and I doubt
not that when the business of the mint can be conducted without such excessive
limitation in respect to time, which is not the case in the King’s mint, that,
even with the native workmen and under the many disadvantages peculiar to the
country, I shall attain very nearly to that degree of precision observed in the
mint of London.
With reference to the 4th
paragraph of your secretary’s letter, I admit that the mint balance at the
present time is very considerable and I am also fully aware of the present
emergency. No exertion of mine has been, or shall be wanting in order to meet
the pressing demand for specie. But I must draw your attention to the
circumstances in which my department is at present placed. The mint was nearly
cleared of all its bullion only two months ago, since which time gold bullion
has been tendered to a very large extent, and the remittance from Bengal, added
to the late importation of Dollars, have, with the General Treasury
remittances, suddenly swollen the balance to its present amount, composed as it
is of metals of such different fineness. Disappointed in the alligations of the
Calcutta silver as well as of gold to a considerable amount, tho’ within the
regulation remedy, and compelled to refine a very large quantity of gold still,
by the old tedious process, I have nevertheless since that time remitted in
value Pagodas 222,570. Every hand in the mint is employed in expediting the
coinage of the remainder and I have no apprehension but that the whole will be
completed within a time creditable to my means. Urged on the one hand to
extreme accuracy by the letters of the Honourable Court and towards a degree of
dispatch utterly incompatible with it, I feel greatly embarrassed. I therefore
finally submit to the Committee whether I shall coin to the full extent of the
regulated remedy during the present demand for coin and, when circumstances may
admit resume the practice which I have lately thought fit to adopt.
Madras Government agreed
that the mint master to stick to the regulation remedy and return to the
working remedy only when the emergency was passed.
P/244/69. p. 1325
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 24th April 1818
In obedience to the orders
of the Honorable the Court of Directors that no bullion be delivered for
coinage at the commencement of the official year ’til the mint is cleared and
the accounts adjusted for the past year, I should have applied for permission
to stop the coinage at the end of the present month, but having received a
letter from the Accountant General, of which I beg leave to enclose a copy,
intimating that the present state of the finances will not admit of any
suspension in the operation of the mint at the present period, I presume the
Committee will approve of my continuing the coinage until I may receive further
orders.
This was passed to the
Madras Government who approved of the action in a letter of the 8th
May 1818 and went on:
I am directed to desire that
you will call upon the mint master as soon as he can conveniently, to submit
for sanction a new impression for the gold rupee. The Governor in Council has
been given to understand that it would be attended with convenience and
advantage if the impression of the gold differed from that of the silver rupee.
P/244/71. p. 1699
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 4th June 1818
I beg leave to state that
the lower part of the shed in which the bullocks are kept was, by the last
monsoon, rendered almost unfit for the purpose, and that the present season
will admit of the bullocks being kept out as long as may be required, I have to
request you will be pleased to take the necessary measures for its being
substantially repaired.
This was passed to Madras
Government who instructed the superintending engineer to make the necessary
repairs.
P/244/71. p. 1818/78
From the mint master
(Ogilvie) and the Assay Master (Ryder) to the mint committee, undated but
sometime in June 1818.
Very long letter responding
to criticisms from the Court of Directors in London
p.1857 has a letter from
Benjamin Roebuck to the mint committee, dated 20th December 1808
I have now he honor to
enclose a list of the machinery received from Bengal and used, with my
observation and a detailed report of their failure. There has been no
particular account kept of the repairs made to each article of the machinery
when it gone away (?) as I never considered one would have been required. The
expenses attending the repairs and alterations made to the machinery were all
charged in my contingent bill monthly, to which I can only refer. It is
impossible for me to form any perfect statement of such articles.
…we received 131˝ pair of
Bengal dies out of which the rupees, the half rupees and the quarter rupees
were of use, but double and single pagoda dies were of no use and we defaced
them and made new dies for double rupees, half and quarter pagodas, five
fanams, double and single fanams and double and single pagoda. We had at first
much trouble in getting the dies to stand, they sunk very fast until I hit upon
a method of improving the steel
There is a whole list of
dies (total 412) and a list of punches for making dies (1584)
P/244/72. p. 2256
List of coins found in the
Southern Mahratta country
P/244/74. p. 3122
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 27th October 1818
I am concerned to state that
the absence of great numbers of workmen from sickness occasioned by the state
of the weather as well as from the late prevailing disorder, has considerably
interrupted my progress in preparing the quantity which I expected to be able
to coin by the end December and the storm has at present occasioned an entire
stop to the operations of the mint as none of the people could be collected
until today and even now I cannot venture to work the laminating mills until
the walls become dry lest it should endanger the whole building and the lives
of the people, which, from many cracks appearing, I am apprehensive would be
the case. As the state of the finances render it of consequence that no time be
lost, I request that application may be made for an engineer officer to come,
if possible tomorrow, to the mint to give orders for such repairs as may be
immediately required and to examine the state of the laminating room, some part
of which before required to be propped up and will require to be further
strengthened to enable me to proceed with safety in that department.
P/244/74. p. 3579
From the mint and assay
masters to the mint committee, dated 7th August 1818
We have the honor to submit
specimens of the new gold coins agreeably to your secretary’s letter of the 3rd
October last, which we think calculated to merit the approbation of Government
and the Honorable Court of Directors. There are yet two points for
consideration Viz: the milling and the date. With regard to the first of these
we could wish the Committee would decide whether they should be left plain or
be milled. With regards to the date we find it to be the wish of the Honorable
the Court expressed in its letter of the 25th April 1806 that they
should bear the date of the year in which they were coined.
The mint committee forwarded
this to Government with the recommendation that the coins should be milled and
bear the date of manufacture.
1819
z/p/2484,
P/244/77. p. 274
From the sub-treasurer to
Madras Government, dated 6th January 1819
I have had the honor of
receiving Mr Secretary Hill’s letter of the 29th ultimo, directing the
issue of as many half and quarter gold rupees as possible among the gold specie
to be applied to the payments at the General Treasury for this month. In reply
I have the honor to state that very few half and quarter gold rupees are
remitted to the Treasury from the mint, on which account they are disbursed
soon after their receipt. At present there are only 2000 half rupees on hand. I
am given to understand that these smaller gold coins are in great demand, and
that the issue of a larger proportion of them [than] has hitherto been coined,
would be very satisfactory to the public.
P/244/77. p. 275
From the Madras Government
to the mint committee, dated 13th January 1819
I am directed by the Right
Honorable the Governor in Council to state to you that as soon as the amount of
funds in the Treasury will admit of any delay in bringing into circulation the
bullion in the mint, it will be desirable that the smaller gold coins should be
coined in preference to the gold rupee. You will instruct the Mint Master accordingly.
P/244/77. p. 458-9
Long letter from the mint
master and assay master discussing their attempts to add copper to silver to
obtain the correct fineness and the problems they encountered.
P/244/77. p. 480-1
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 8th January 1819
We have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of Mr Secretary Hill’s letter of the 2nd
ultimo and to state that it does not appear from our records that any
inconvenience has arisen from the gold and silver rupees being the same in
form, impression and weight. We are however of opinion that great facility of
fraud is afforded by the gold and silver coinage being the same in those
respects and, adverting to the orders of the Honorable the Court of Directors
upon the subject, we beg leave to recommend that the gold coins should be
stamped according to the specimens which we have had the honor under date 11th
August to transmit, and that they should also be milled and bear the date of
the year in which they may be coined.
With a view to prevent the
present inconvenience we submit that the gold coins now in the Treasury should
be returned to the mint in order to receive a different milling from the silver
coins.
The dies for stamping the
new impression have been already prepared and the coinage can be commenced upon
so soon as the Government gives orders to that effect.
P/244/77. p. 481-2
From the Directors of the
Government Bank to Madras Government, dated 20th December 1818
We have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt, yesterday only, of Mr Secretary Hill’s letter of the 2nd
instant conveying to us the desire of Your Honor in Council that we should
state our opinion “whether any inconvenience has arisen from the new gold and
silver rupees being the same in form, impression and weight and particularly
whether any danger of fraud is to be apprehended from the halves and quarters
being also the same in these respects”.
We cannot from our own
knowledge that is from any attempts to pass the silver rupee under disguise as
a gold rupee at the bank, say that any inconvenience has been experienced and
likely to be experienced. It would appear, certainly, that the silver rupee
being of the same size in the diameter and having the same impression affords a
facility to persons disposed to commit such frauds, but with an attention on
the part of the shroffs it will prove a difficulty to impose on the public or
any who pay attention to what they receive, for although of the same diameter
and impression, there is a considerable difference between them in their
thickness and, as for the impression, we believe that it is never referred to.
P/244/77. p. 482-3
To the mint committee from
Madras Government, dated 26th January 1819
I am directed to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant and to inform you that
the Right Honorable the Governor in Council concurs in your opinion that it is
desirable to make a difference between the impression of the gold and silver
rupees and also to alter the Persian inscription which those coins bear. The Governor
in Council accordingly sanctions the specimens of gold coins submitted with
your letter of the 10th August except the English denominations
under the Company’s arms, which ought to be omitted. The Governor in Council
desires that the coins may be milled but not dated as the shroffs might take
advantage of the dates to impose a batta on the coinage of particular years.
You will state your opinion
whether it may be necessary to give notice by proclamation of the change in the
impression of the established currency.
Instructions
will be furnished to the Accountant General Sub-Treasurer for re-coining the
present gold rupees when the state of the finances may admit of their being
taken for a time out of circulation.
P/244/78. p. 900
The mint committee submit a
report of their proceedings for 1818, dated 2nd February 1819
P/244/78. p. 1007
Correspondence regarding the
disposal of dross and charcoal from the mint
P/245/1. p. 1104/1007
16th July 1819,
Maconochie asks to be allowed to purchase more bullocks to replace ones that
have died or are now useless. Interestingly he does not think that 75 are
sufficient. He is given authority to go ahead.
P/245/1. p. 1378
From mint committee to the
mint master, dated 9th February 1819
I am directed by the mint
committee to transmit to you the annex extract from a letter from the secretary
to Government dated the 26th ultimo and desire that you will prepare
and submit further specimens of the gold coins according the instructions which
it contains. You will however place the word ENGLISH in lieu of the
denominations which are to be omitted.
I have herewith the honor to
return the models which accompanied your predecessor’s letter of the 7th
of August.
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 22nd February 1819
In compliance with your
secretary’s letter of the 9th instant I transmit herewith four gold
mohurs having the word ENGLISH substituted as you direct and in other respect
corresponding with the orders of the Governor in Council.
I beg to call your attention
to the milling, which is executed by a new process and in a way that does great
credit to the die cutter.
As the accompanying muster
coins have received the approbation of the Governor, I do not anticipate any
further alteration in the impressions and, as much time is required in sinking
the dies, I have directed several sets to be prepared with as much expedition
as possible.
The dies for the half and
quarter gold mohurs are not yet ready but they will of course be just like those
formerly submitted by Mr Ogilvie, only without the denomination of the coins
and with the words ENGLISH EAST INDIA COMPANY as in the gold mohur transmitted
herewith.
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 3rd March 1819
With reference to my letter
under date the 22nd ultimo, I beg to transmit herewith two half and
two quarter gold mohurs and, as a considerable quantity of gold has been
received into the mint from private merchants, I have to submit the propriety
of the coinage being recommenced as speedily as possible.
This was passed to the
Madras Government and all approved.
P/245/1. p. 1450/1
Lots about levying a duty on
the export of bullion
P/245/1. p. 1535
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 9th March 1819
They stated that they
thought a proclamation should be issued about the new gold coins. They issued a
draft:
The Right Honorable the
Governor in Council has been pleased to resolve that the impressions on the
gold rupee, the gold half rupee and the gold quarter rupee shall be different
from those on the silver rupee, silver half rupee and silver quarter rupee, and
has accordingly directed that the gold rupee shall in future be impressed on
the face with the Honorable Company’s arms and the words English East India
Company and on the reverse with the words English Company’s rupee in the
Persian character, that the gold half rupee shall bear the Company’s crest and
the words English East India Company on the face and the words English
Company’s half rupee in the Persian character on the reverse; that the gold
quarter rupee shall bear the Company’s crest and the words English East India
Company on the face and the words English Company’s Quarter Rupee in the
Persian character on the reverse.
The above coins will be of
the standard and weight specified in the proclamation of the 7th
January 1818 and will be received and issued at the rate therein stated. The
gold coins issued under that proclamation will continue to be received as usual
P/245/2. p. 1636/45
Request that the new mint
master (Maconochie) should be allowed more staff to clear the dross etc from
the mint
P/245/2. p. 2034/40
Request, together with a
petition, for an increase in the pay of the bullock drivers (dated 26th
April 1819). This is sanctioned.
P/245/3. p. 2807
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 14th May 1819
They report the final
accounts for the ‘late’ mint master.
P/245/3. p. 2814/2848
Reports showing the amount
of gold and silver from private individuals assayed during 1816-end 1818
Aug/Sep quite a bit of
winging about the assay master’s behaviour se eg 4066/7
1820
z/p/2485
P/245/9. p. 60/63
Letter from the mint master
(R Maconochie) to the mint committee, dated 9th December 1819.
He requests that the
activities of the mint be stopped so that he can prepare his accounts.
The Accountant General
states that there is still bullion needing to be coined and more on the way
from Bengal, so he should not be allowed to stop.
This latter is endorsed by
Government.
P/245/10. p. 685/689
Letter from Madras
Government to the mint committee, dated 17th February 1820
Mr Bannister to be appointed
as the mint master’s assayer and to perfect the method of manufacturing nitric
acid which was first introduced at Madras by Mr Ryder but he has kept part of
the process secret. The nitric acid is then to be used in the refining of gold.
P/245/11. p.
1487/1491
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 8th March 1820
We request that you will
bring to the notice of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council the
following remarks concerning the present fractional parts of the gold rupee,
together with our recommendation that a different division of that coin may be
sanctioned by the Government.
The principle of the new
gold and silver currency as established under the orders of the Honorable the
Court of Directors, is that the rupees of the two metals shall be of the same
weight and fineness so that their relative value may be regulated entirely by
the relative value of gold and silver, under the discretion, which the
Honorable Court reposed in the Government. That relative value has for the
present been fixed at fifteen silver rupees for one gold rupee, being the ratio
between the two metals which at present subsists generally over the world. The
silver rupee (declared to be the standard of value) is divided into halves,
quarters and eighths or into pieces of eight, four and two annas, the
fractional part of a rupee in each instance corresponding to a certain number
of annas, the coin next inferior in denomination to the rupee. The gold rupee
has also been divided into halves and quarters. As however, that coin is equal
in value to fifteen silver rupees, the half is equal to seven rupees and a
half, and the quarter to three rupees and three quarters. These fractional
parts of the gold rupee therefore do not correspond to any exact number of the
coins next inferior in denomination, and are of a value so inconvenient as to
prevent their ever being much in use. But for that untowardness it is evident
that the fractional parts of the gold rupee would, for payments of their value,
be more in request than silver. The two bad consequences of the circumstances
we have explained are: that the public are deprived of the convenience of a small
gold currency; and that the gold coins on that account are not able to keep
themselves in circulation on a level with the silver. We consider it to be
fortunate that this last consequence was not seriously felt on the occasion of
raising the current value of gold as was done when the present coinage of gold
and silver took place, but we are opinion that it is necessary to guard against
it.
With that view we would
recommend that the gold rupee should be divided into thirds instead of halves
and quarters. The third would be of the value of five rupees, which is a most
convenient sum for computation. A coin of that value, we have no doubt, would be in great request and thus would both
contribute to the convenience of the public and, by promoting the circulation
of gold, would maintain its relative value to the standard coin of the
Government.
The slight deviation from
the orders of the Court of Directors we view in the same light as that of
altering the impression of the gold rupee, which was adopted, as this would be,
for the purpose of giving better effect to the monetary system established
under the Honorable Court’s instructions. The fundamental principles of the
system would not be affected and its success would, we think, be promoted by
the measure, which we recommend.
This division of the gold
rupee into thirds would continue as long as the gold rupee continued equal in
value to fifteen silver rupees and there is not at present any reason to expect
that that ratio will require to be altered. The halves and quarters should be
withdrawn from circulation.
We have given instructions
to the Mint Master to prepare a specimen of a third to be submitted eventually
for the sanction of the Governor in Council.
P/245/11. p. 1491
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 28th March 1820
I am directed to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant and to state that the
Governor in Council entirely concurs in your opinion as to the expediency of
dividing the gold rupee into thirds instead of halves and quarters and grants
you authority for issuing the new coin without delay and for withdrawing from
circulation the halves and quarters for which it is to be substituted.
P/245/12. p. 1702/6
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 4th April 1820
We have the honor to forward
copies of two letters from the mint master requesting permission to take the
necessary measures for closing his accounts on 30th April
preparatory to his return to Europe.
We see no objection to a
compliance with Mr Maconochie’s proposition but as there will be a very large
balance of uncurrent coins in the General Treasury at the close of the official
year, should his suggestion be approved of by the Right Honorable the Governor
in Council, in order that the coinage may not receive any interruption, it will
be very desirable that some person should be appointed at the earliest period
to receive charge from him and to proceed with the operations of the mint.
P/245/12. p. 1826
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 25th April 1820
With reference to Mr
Secretary Hill’s letter of the 28th March, we have the honor to
submit the draft of a proclamation which we beg leave to suggest should be
published, on the issue of the new one third gold rupee pieces.
Proclamation
With a view to great public
convenience, the Right Honorable the Governor in Council having directed the
coinage of a five rupee piece or one third gold rupee, the same will bear the
impression of the Honorable Company’s crest and shield and the words English
East India Company on the face, and on the reverse the words Honorable English
Company’s five Rupees in the Persian character.
The above mentioned coin
will be of the standard specified in the proclamation of the 7th
January 1818 and of the weight of 60 grains Viz:
Pure Gold Alloy Total
55 grains 5 grains 60grains
And until further orders
will be received and issued at the rate of five silver rupees.
The gold half and quarter
rupees issued under the proclamation of 7th January 1818 will continue
to be received as heretofore.
Ordered that the
proclamation be published.
P/245/14. p. 2866
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 19th July 1820
They submit Mr Maconochie’s
final accounts.
1821
z/p/2487
P/245/19. p. 121
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 9th January 1821
I am directed to acknowledge
receipt of your secretary’s letter of the 5th instant and to state
that the Honorable the Governor in Council sanctions the expense of repairing
certain damages at the mint occasioned by the storm in the month of May last,
amounting to RS 293-15-1
P/245/19. p. 255
From the mint master
(McKerrell) to the mint committee, dated 4th December 1820
I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your secretary’s letter under date the 8th
ultimo and now transmit specimens of the different kinds of cast iron
laminating rollers required at the mint.
It appears to me desirable
that four pairs of rollers for mill No. 1 should be procured; and sixteen pairs
of the second specimen, that is to say four pairs for each of the mills Nos. 2,
3, 4 & 5; eight pairs of side rollers are also required. That is to say
eight rollers of each of the specimens now sent. The above mentioned number
will I think, last for about 12 months, so that the same quantity should be
sent out yearly.
I send also a list of
scales, tiles etc which are required and which may be obtained much cheaper by
having them sent from England then by purchasing them in India.
P/245/19. p. p.
506
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated sometime before 9th February
Very, very long article
about the manufacture of nitric acid to be used in refining gold
P/245/21. p. 1093
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 20th March 1821
It being a matter of much
convenience to some of the public establishments as well as to the community at
large that there should be an ample supply of small coins in circulation, I am
directed by the Honorable the Governor in Council to desire that the coinage of
single and double annas should proceed ‘till that object be effected and that
afterwards a certain proportion of those coins should uniformly be coined.
I am also directed to draw
your attention to the importance of coining gold and silver proportionally, so
that the proper ration between them may not be disturbed by any temporary
deficiency in the supply of either description of coin.
P/245/21. p. 1102
From the mint master
(McKerrell) to Madras Government, dated 10th March 1821
Very long letter complaining
that the mint committee had made him subordinate to the assay master
Madras Government agrees
that the two roles are distinct and the mint committee will be informed.
P/245/21. p. 1368-70
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 3rd April 1821
I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of Mr Secretary Hill’s letter of the 20th
ultimo directing our attention to the coinage of single and double annas until
an ample supply shall have been furnished for general circulation. In reply we
have the honor to forward enclosed copy of a statement of single and double
annas and quarter rupees coined in the last twelve months from which the
Honorable the Governor in Council will observe that we had not been unmindful
of the public convenience.
In reply to the second
paragraph of this letter, we beg leave to observe that the ratio between gold
and silver will be better preserved by regulating the issues of them than by
any arrangement for limiting the coinage of either metal.
From 1st March
1820 to 28th February 1821
423,000 quarter rupees
814,000 double annas
32,000 single annas
P/245/23. p. 2627
The mint committee want to
have a room in the mint but the rooms they used to have are now occupied by the
mint master’s assayer. They want their rooms back and contact Madras Government
about it all. They are told to sort it out with the mint master.
P/245/24. p. 2652/4
From the mint master
(McKerrell) to the mint committee, dated 3rd July 1821
The laminating mills need
repairing and he wants to add a new mill. He has a quote from a Major de
Havilland for just over Rs 27,700 and another from Mr Bannister for Rs 10,500
This was passed to Madras
Government who agreed to Mr Bannister’s plan
P/245/24. p. 2829/30
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 3rd August 1821
They want to know if the
building of new laminating mill will be overseen by Mr Bannister or the civil
architect.
Madras Government replied
that they wanted to see a plan of the work proposed by Mr Bannister before any
money was spent.
P/245/24. p. 3088/93/94
Mr Bannister submitted his
plan (29th August 1821) and it was accepted by Madras Government (14th
September 1821)
P/245/25. p. 3576
From the mint master
(McKerrel) to the mint committee, dated 27th September 1821
The officers of the guard
having frequently complained to me of the state of the guard room floor on
which the sepoys sleep and which is much out of repair, I have the honor to
request that instructions may be sent to the Civil Architect to have it
repaired as early as may be practicable.
The Civil Architect was
asked to prepare an estimate for the repairs.
P/245/26. p. 3616
To the mint committee from
government, dated 6th November 1821
Asking if any of the
allegations made against the mint master (Ogilvie) by the assay master (Ryder)
can be substantiated. This matter needs to be cleared up because Ogilvie is
going on sick leave.
To the mint master from
Madras Government, Dated 6th November 1821.
I am directed by the Honble the
Governor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letters dated the 3rd
and 5th instants and to state that you are permitted to proceed to
the Cape of Good Hope with twelve months leave of absence from the date of your
embarkation…
P/245/26. p. 3947
From McKerrel (mint master)
to Madras Government, dared 28th November 1821
Very long letter stating
that Mr Adam Balfour, the superintendent of the laminating room, had been
suspended and recommending his dismissal and replacement by a Mr Edwards.
Madras Government states
that it is up to the mint master to decide how to manage his employees but that
he should stop sending letters direct to Government but in future should send
them through the Mint Committee.
1822
z/p/2488
P/245/29. p. 822 to
about 900
Various letters dated
February 1822
Very long letter. The rules
of managing the mint and assay functions are spelt out. Some are not agreed by
everyone
P/245/31. p. 1625
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 8th April 1822
Replying to a complaint by
the Superintendent of Police that there were many drilled rupees in
circulation. They state that there is little they can do about it.
P/245/37. p. 4588
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 19th November 1822
…to state that the Honble
the Governor in Council is pleased to permit Mr Ryder to return to England
according to his request…
P/245/37. p. 4821
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 10th December 1822
I am directed to acknowledge
receipt of your letter of the 5th instant with its enclosure and to
state that the Honorable the Governor in Council authorises the purchase of the
ground situated to the westward of the mint, to the extent of 12 grounds, at an
expense of 100 pagodas the ground.
The mint master will cause
the spot to be enclosed with a wall and will proceed to raise it [ie the
ground] as he has proposed, the cost of which improvements, when added to the
original price of the ground will, it is estimated, cause an expenditure of Pagodas
2400, which is accordingly sanctioned.
1823
z/p/2489, p/245/46
P/245/39. p. 50
7th January 1823
Rules for the mint and assay
master’s to follow.
P/245/40. p. 817
From James Aitkin (Assistant
Assay Master) to the mint committee, dated 4th March 1823
I have to report to you for
the information of the Honble the Governor in Council that Mr Ryder has this
day delivered over the Assay Balance, together with all public property
belonging to this office.
I shall continue to
discharge the duties in the usual manner until the Honble the Governor in
Council is pleased to nominate a successor to Mr Ryder.
P/245/41. p. 1442
From Madras Government to Mr
George Hyne, dated 18th April 1823
I am directed to inform you
that the Honorable the Governor in Council has been pleased to appoint you to
be assistant to the Assay Master.
P/245/42. p. 1922
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 27th May 1823
I am directed to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant & to state that
the Honble the Governor in Council has perused with much satisfaction the
report it communicates of the success which has been found hitherto to attend
the improvements introducing into the mint.
The new machinery which has
been constructed being about to be brought into general operation, the Governor
in Council considers it necessary in order to ensure to every part of it a
probable chance of success that the mint master should be advised to be
exceedingly cautious not to be too precipitate in bringing it into works.
In introducing operations so
different in their nature to those which the native establishment of the mint
have been hitherto accustomed to perform, it is to be expected that there
should be some individuals among the servants whom prejudice & a dislike of
innovation should induce to offer all the opposition, which might lie in their
power, to their success. To counteract these feelings & to allow the
servants to become thoroughly acquainted with the different processes, it is
necessary that the machinery should be brought very gradually into play.
As it was originally
proposed that the laminating machinery should be worked by horses, according to
which the wheels must of course have been constructed, it was not to be
expected that success should attend the experiment reported to have been made
of working them with bullocks.
The Governor in Council
authorises the Mint Master to provide himself with a sufficient number of
horses adapted to the work in question. Upon this subject however he will
communicate with the Commissary General who will be instructed to afford him
all the assistance in his power, either by making over to him a number of
horses cast from the horse artillery or cavalry, or by causing a number of
horses calculated for the work to be purchased and delivered to him. The
expenses which may be incurred on this account will of course hereafter obtain
sanction.
You will however instruct
the mint master to commence operations with the smallest number of horses possible,
increasing it afterwards as may be found convenient.
As it is not to be expected
that the new system of coinage should be fairly established without the
occurrence of accidents, it is considered to be desirable that the system which
at present obtains should continue until such time as the servants of the
establishment shall have been rendered gradually thoroughly conversant with
every part of the machinery and process by which it is hereafter to be
performed.
You will inform the mint
master that as the projected improvements have been undertaken solely at his
recommendation, the Government rely on his zeal and talents for bringing them
to a successful issue.
According to your
suggestion, a committee consisting of Lieutenant Colonel Caldwell, Lieutenant
Colonel Morison, Mr JM Heath, Captain Mountford and Mr Goldingham, or any three
of those gentlemen has been appointed, to whom instructions will be
communicated to examine and report upon the several parts of the works which
have been already completed, as well as upon all such as you may hereafter from
time to time announce to them as being ready for their inspection.
The Governor in Council,
feeling satisfied that, altho’ the amount which has been disbursed in the
accomplishment of these works exceeds the amount which they were originally
estimated to cost, no wasted or unnecessary expense has on their account been
incurred by Mr Bannister, sanctions the six bills as hereunder detailed which
were prepared by him and submitted with your letter amounting in the aggregate
to Rupees 42,085-6-4
1 laminating Room 10,550-11-1
2 Buildings for humid
Process 9,130–4-7
3 Bullion draft furnace 2,036-4-6
4 Second iron Furnace 10,967
Price of ground &
Colles’ fees 4205
-14 – 5
5 Casting iron works for laminating
and other departments 4404 – 15
6 Removing Stamping Presses 790-4-9
Total 42,085
-6 – 4
Sanction is also given for
further expenditure of Rs 4,000 as proposed by Mr Bannister for the following
purposes:
1 Expenses of iron melting
process 1,050
2 additions to laminating
works 220
3 second iron melting
furnace 280
4 Pottery 400
5 New gold Refining Room 1,050
6 Shed for crystallising
cubic nitre 300
7 Silver Melting Furnace 700
Total 4,000
You will authorise Mr Bannister
to provide himself with a store of 20,000 fired bricks at an expense of Pagodas
200 and inform him that the Governor in Council approves his proposition for
constructing a new triangle to be used in breaking the large guns on the spot
named by him at an expense of Rupees 350.
The Governor in Council
approves the suggestion offered by Mr Bannister, that in order to prevent the
possibility of delay arising from the works being on trial found to be unsound,
duplicates of such parts of the machinery as may be considered to be most
liable to accident should be cast and kept in reserve in the mint. You will
accordingly cause this measure to be carried into effect.
P/245/46. p. 3497
From the mint master
(McKerrell) to the mint committee, dated 23rd June 1823
Having learnt from the
Commissary General that no cart horses are likely to be procured before the
month of January and it being very desirable that the new laminating machinery
should at as early a period as possible be tried, in order that its imperfections,
if any, may be discovered and rectified, I beg leave to suggest for the
consideration of the Honorable the Governor in Council, whether it be not
expedient that, for this purpose, eight draught horses, being the number
sufficient for working one mill, should be temporarily transferred from the
Horse Artillery to the mint.
P/245/46. p. 3499
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 27th June 1823
I am directed by the
Honorable the Governor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
yesterday’s date and to state that the necessary instructions will be
communicated for the temporary transfer of 8 draught horses from the Horse
Artillery under charge of anon-commissioned officer, to enable the Mint Master
to bring one of the new laminating mills into operation.
1825
z/p/2492
P/245/64. p.
1600-1602
From McKerrell (mint master)
to Madras Government, dated 29th April 1825
It being very desirable that
the whole of the laminating should now be performed by the new machinery, and
it being necessary in consequence that the Cleaning Department, Stores and
Bullion Melting room should be removed to other parts of the mint, I have the
honor to request the sanction of the Honorable the Governor in Council may be
obtained for the requisite alterations and repairs being made by the
Superintending Engineer. These consist chiefly of opening communications
between the different apartments, relaying the floors, chunaring or
whitewashing the walls, making a few doors and windows and in pointing, where necessary.
The old laminating room I should propose converting into offices. The
Superintending Engineer came to the mint yesterday and inspected the different
rooms. He cannot state the exact charge of the alterations and repairs ‘till an
estimate be made and submitted, which will require some time, but does not
think the whole expense will exceed one thousand pagodas. As it is proper that
the work should be performed whilst the coinage is suspended, I thought it my
duty to address you direct in order to prevent any delay, to request that
immediate instructions may be given upon the subject to the Superintending
Engineer, and have further to beg that the coinage may continue suspended ‘till
the 16th proximo.
A copy of this letter shall
be transmitted to the Mint Committee.
The engineer was instructed
to prepare an estimate.
1826 z/p/2493
P/245/79. p. 3552-4
From J Macleod (secretary to
the mint committee) to the mint committee, dated 1st November 1826
I have the honor to acquaint
you that private affairs of the most urgent nature require my immediate
presence at Pondicherry for a period of 15 days. May I request that you will be
pleased to obtain leave of absence for me during that period. The mint being
closed from this date and no remittances expected for the General Treasury
until about the latter end of this month, I trust that my absence will be
attended with no inconveniences.
This was forwarded to Madras
Government, who granted permission.
1827 z/p/2495
P/245/92. p. 4812-14
From the mint master
(McKerrel) to the mint committee, dated 7th December 1827
Some repairs being required
at the mint in consequence of the late storm, I have the honor to request that
instructions be given to the Superintending Engineer to have the same done with
the least possible delay.
This was forwarded to the
Madras Government and the military board was asked to carry out the necessary
repairs.
1828 z/p/2496
P/246/5. p. 1656
To the mint master from
Madras Government, dated 3rd June 1828
I am directed by the Right
Honorable the Governor in Council to transmit to you the accompanying sketch of
a medal and to request you will cause twelve impressions to be struck according
to it and transmit them to this office.
The Superintendent of Police
will be directed to communicate with you respecting the engraving upon nine of
these medals of the names of the individuals upon whom they are to be
conferred.
P/246/12. p. 4809/10
From Madras Government to
the Superintendent of Police, dated 16th December 1828
With reference to your
letter of the 2nd May last, I am directed by the Right Honorable the
Governor in Council to transmit to you the nine accompanying medals and to
desire that you will present them to the individuals whose names are engraved
thereon as a reward for their meritorious conduct during the gale which
occurred here in December last.
1829 z/p/2497.
p/246/19
P/246/14. p. 164-166
From the mint master
(McKerrel) to Madras Government, dated 10th January 1829
I have the honor to forward
to you herewith a gold medal, of the same pattern as the twelve silver ones
transmitted with my letter under date the 8th ultimo, and to request
that you will be pleased to obtain the sanction of the Right Honorable the
Governor in Council for credit being taken by this department for the value of
bullion of which it is composed, namely Rs 143.
This was sanctioned.
P/246/16. p. 1340-1
From the secretary to the
mint committee to the mint committee, dated 7th March 1829
Not having received any
authority for drawing an officiating allowance for the period I may have the
honor under the orders of Government, temporarily to discharge the duties of
secretary to your committee, I beg leave to request you will be so good as
bring this circumstance to favourable consideration of the Right Honorable the
Governor in Council, accompanied with your recommendation for such allowances
being assigned agreeable to the usage which obtains in other departments of the
civil service as may be deemed proportionate to the labor, responsibility and
salary of the office in question.
P/246/16. p. 1645
From the acting assay master
(James Dalmahoy) to the mint committee, dated 13th April 1829
Having been appointed by the
Right Honorable the Governor in Council, as communicated in a letter from the
Chief Secretary dated the 13th February 1829, to act as Assay Master
during Dr Aitken’s absence on sick certificate, I have the honor to request
that you will be pleased to obtain the sanction for my drawing such acting
allowance as the Right Honorable the Governor in Council may see fit to grant
me.
P/246/18. p. 2518
From the mint master (J
McKerrell) to the mint committee, dated 11th Jul 1829
C. Narahary, late assistant
deputy accountant of the mint and who at present receives a pension of fifty
rupees per mensum, has requested me to solicit the permission of Government
that his pension may, from the 1st of September, be paid to him by
the Collector and Magistrate of Ganjam. As I presume that his request may be
complied with, I have now the honor to submit it to your committee for the
purpose of being laid before the Right Honorable the Governor in Council.
This was approved.
Oct –
3820***************************************
1830 z/p/2499
Nothing of interest found
1831 z/p/2500
Nothing found
1832 z/p/2501.
p/246/52, 53, 54
Oct – 4050, 4052
Oct or Dec - 4715
1833 z/p/2503
Nothing of interest found
1834 z/p/2504
Nothing found
1835 z/p/2505.
p/246/89, 90
Nov –
6165-68****************************
1836 z/p/2507
Nothing of interest
1837 z/p/2508
Nothing of interest
All the mint/mint
committee entries seem to have moved to Financial Proceedings. See below
New Mint Journal & Ledgers - 1807-1833
Examples: P/339/27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, etc
These only contain mint
accounts although there are quite good description of items on which money was
spent. E.g. in July 1810 there is an entry for copper passes for the mint
workers.
Financial Proceedings
after 1811
1811 p/330/23
index
Nothing found
1812 p/330/24
index
Nothing found
1813 p/330/25
index
Nothing found
1814 p/330/27
index
Nothing found
1815 p/330/29
index – Entries for the Mint Committee and Mint Master seem to start here
MadFP1. P/330/30 p. 490
Letter from the mint
committee to Madras Government, dated 4th July 1815
We have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of Mr Secretary Hill’s letter under date the 7th
April last, transmitting for our report a copy of a communication to the
Government of Bombay requesting information regarding the mode in which the
purchase of bullion for the supply of the mint is conducted at this Presidency.
The purchase of bullion on
the public account for the purpose of coinage was formerly conducted by the
Government Bank and the procedure which then obtained is explain in our letter
to the Chief Secretary dated 21st June 1811 which, being in reply to
a reference from Government at Bombay, a copy of it was, we presume,
transmitted to that Presidency. Towards the end of the year 1813, the agency of
the Bank was discontinued and the Mint Master was then authorized to purchase
such bullion as might be tendered for sale at the mint. The rules under which
this branch of the mint duties is now conducted, are contained in the proposed
regulations, the draft of which was submitted with our letter to the Chief
Secretary on the 29th of November last.
We take this occasion to
state that, agreeably to the instructions contained in Mr Secretary Hill’s
letter of the 9th December last, the draft in question received a
few alterations which appeared to be necessary in consequence of the intention
to enclose it in the judicial code; and that it was transmitted some time ago
to the Judure Volalut (?). We are not aware that the Regulation in its amended
form has yet been passed. We beg leave, nevertheless, to submit a copy of it
for eventual transmission to the Government of Bombay as affording the
information requested in the reference from that Presidency, on which we have
now had the honor to report. The rules regarding the purchase of Private
Bullion, which are contained in this draft, resemble those established at For
William and might, perhaps, be adopted with advantage at Bombay. It certainly
appears desirable that uniformity of principle should prevail, as far as
possible, at the different Presidencies, even though it should not be found
practicable to carry into effect the wishes of the Honorable the Court of
Directors, relative to the introduction of one general coinage for British
India.
A Regulation for
establishing certain rules for the conduct of the business of the mint at this
Presidency; for determining the charges that should be levied on the refinage
and coinage of Private Bullion, for declaring the weight, fineness and relative
value of the coins now fabricated at the mint, and for specifying the
impressions which they severally bear, passed by the Governor in Council on the
[blank]:
Whereas it has been deemed
expedient to establish certain rules for the conduct of the business of the
mint at this Presidency and for determining the charges to be levied on the
refinage and coinage of private bullion; and whereas it has been deemed
advisable to declare the weight, fineness and relative value of the coins now
fabricated at the mint and to specify the impressions which they severally
bear, the following regulation has accordingly been enacted:
1. The Mint Master should
have the general superintendence and control over every department of the mint.
2. Nothing should be passed
into or out of the Mint or Assay Office without the written authority of the respective
heads of those departments.
3. The Mint Master shall
establish such checks as prevent fraud in he several departments under his
control, as he may deem expedient.
4. The Mint and Assay
Masters shall correspond with the Mint Committee, through their secretary, on
all subjects connected with their respective departments.
5. The Sub-Treasurer will
furnish weekly to the Mint Master, a statement of all bullion and uncurrent
coins received into the Treasury. The Mint Master shall thereupon indent, when necessary,
on the General treasury, for the quantity of bullion sufficient to keep the
several departments of the mint fully employed. 6. His indents, when sanctioned
by the Mint Committee will be complied with by the Sub-Treasurer, who will send
with each supply of bullion and uncurrent coins, an invoice of the exact rate
at which they were received into the Treasury, at which rate the Mint Master
shall pass his receipt, specifying also the weight of such bullion and coins.
7. The Mint Master shall be
debited in the first instance for the whole amount of each invoice of bullion
and uncurrent coins which he may receive from the Treasury. The Assay Master
shall deduct for coinage of uncurrent gold coins at 11˝ per mill, and of
uncurrent silver coins at 22˝ to the exclusion of all other charges, and for
refinage of both gold and silver at 7˝ per mill, and the net out-turn shall be
reported, exhibiting the amount of the Mint customs on coinage and refinage as
a set-off against the expenses of the mint.
8. All bullion tendered to
the mint by individuals shall be melted, cast and weighed at the expense of the
Government in the presence of the owner, or of such person as he may choose to
depute, before the musters are taken for assay. When its outcome shall have been
ascertained by assay, the Mint Master shall deliver to the proprietor, a
certificate, or order, on the Sub-Treasurer, for its value, payable, on the
expiration of ten days, in new coins of the metal which may have been
delivered. The certificate shall be accompanied by an attested copy of the
Assay Master’s report.
9. The following charges
shall be deducted for the coinage and refinage:
On silver four percent
On gold three percent.
10. The difference between
the invoice and out-turn of bullion and uncurrent coins shall be carried to
heads of “Profit and Loss”, the Mint Master being debited for the excess on the
invoice and credited for the deficiency according to the Assay Master’s
reports, which shall be the vouchers of the Mint Master.
11. The Mint Master shall
adopt the system of accounts direct in the Extract of the General Letter from
England of the 11th April 1810.
12. The Mint Master shall
make up and annual account of coinage, showing the loss (including wastage) and
the gain on the coinage of the preceding year.
13. The coins and bullion to
be melted and cast into ingots, previously to assay, shall, when the supply
will admit, be melted in quantities sufficient to employ several departments of
the mint for fifteen days, in order that the coinage may suffer no
interruption.
14. Each melting, when
reported on by the Assay Master, shall, if necessary, be refined or alligated
and then cast into ingots ready for laminating. It shall be the duty of the
Assay Master or, in his absence, his assistant, to assay the ingots as they may
be prepared, previously to their being laminated.
15. If the ingots shall turn
out to vary more than one penny weight and a half in the pound Troy, over or
under the standard fixed for the silver coins, or than twenty grains in the
pound Troy (the remedy in the King’s mint being forty grains) over or under the
standard fixed for gold coins, they shall be deemed to be good and shall
accordingly be put through the other processes of coinage. But, if they shall
vary in gold or silver beyond the limits above prescribed for each, they shall
be returned to be alligated to the proper standard.
16. The remedy in silver
shall be one grain and a half Troy, over and under, for each rupee;
three-quarters of a grain over and under for each half rupee; three-eighths of
a grain over and under for each quarter rupee, and a quarter of a grain for
each two anna piece. The remedy in weight for gold shall be half a grain, over
and under, for each double pagoda; and one quarter of a grain, over and under,
for each single rupee.
17. The coins now fabricated
in the Madras mint are the following denominations: of gold, double pagodas
each weighing three pennyweights, nineteen grains and seven elevenths parts of
a grain, Troy, of English standard, and of the value of two pagodas; Single
pagodas, each weighing one penny-weight, twenty-one grains and nine elevenths
parts of a grain, Troy, of English standard and of the value of one pagoda; of
silver, single rupees each weighing seven pennyweights and twenty grains, Troy,
of English standard, and of the value of twelve fanams, sixty eight cash and
four sevenths part of a cash; half rupees, each weighing three pennyweights and
eighteen grains Troy, of English standard and of the value of six fanams,
thirty four cash and two sevenths parts of a cash; quarter rupees, each
weighing one pennyweight and twenty one grains, Troy of English standard and of
the value of three fanams seventeen cash and one seventh part of a cash; and
two-anna pieces, each weighing twenty two and a half grains, Troy, of English
standard and of the value of one fanam, forty eight cash, and four sevenths
part of a cash.
18. The coins above
mentioned shall severally bear on their face and reverse the following
impressions:
[denominations then listed
out with blank spaces next to them]
19. The Assay Master shall
take and assay specimens from the first and last ingot of each pot in every
melting.
20. The Assay Master shall
stamp the result of the assay on each ingot of the melting.
21. On concluding the assay,
the Assay Master shall furnish the Mint Master with reports of the fineness of
the bullion and the weight of the standard bullion contained therein.
22. When the Assay Master
may be unable through indisposition or other cause, to attend at the office he
shall notify the same to his assistant, by whom the duties of the department
shall be conducted so that the operations of the mint may suffer no delay.
23. The Assay Master, or his
assistant, shall make the assay in person and shall be held responsible for
their accuracy. The assay shall not in any instance be entrusted to the native
servants of the office.
24. It shall be the duty of
the Assay Master to take, at his discretion and without notice, a coin from one
or other of the departments in each day’s work, which he shall assay and report
the result to the Mint Master.
25. The Assay Master shall
keep a book, in which shall be entered every assay made in the office,
certified by himself, or by his assistant, as the assay may be made by the one
or the other.
26. The Mint Committee, on
being informed by the Sub-Treasurer of the receipt of a remittance from the
mint, shall assemble at the General Treasury, and select the requisite number
of coins for assay. These shall be immediately transmitted to the Assay Master,
who shall assay them with the least possible delay, and forward his report to
the Committee. If the report be favourable, the Committee shall reassemble at
the General Treasury and authorize the circulation of the remittance, taking
indiscriminately therefrom such number of coins as they think proper and
depositing them in a Pix box, which is to be kept at the General Treasury, one
key remaining with the Sub-Treasurer and the other with the Committee, and from
these the Committee shall annually select specimens to be forwarded to
Government for transmission to Bengal and to England.
MadFP2. P/330/30 p. 694
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 18th September 1815
We have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of Mr Secretary Hill’s letter of the 3rd
February last, enclosing copy of a letter from the Accountant General and
directing us to ascertain and report the cause of the deficiency in weight of
certain silver coins stated by the Sub-Treasurer to be rejected in payment by
individuals at the General Treasury.
The subject of this
reference was communicated to the Mint Master, whose reply we have the honor to
submit and to recommend, agreeably to his suggestion that the whole of the
coins mentioned in the Sub-Treasurer’s letter, with the exception of the new
half and quarter rupees and the new two anna pieces, be sent to the mint to be
recoined.
With regards to the
fractional parts of the new rupee, having before us the orders of the Honorable
the Court of Directors of the 3rd January 1814, directing that every
endeavour be employed to supersede the use of the divisions of the Pagoda, by
introducing on every occasion those of the Arcot Rupee, agreeably to their
former instructions of 6th March 1810, contained in para 153 to 174,
we can only observe that from the novelty of the latter coinage, objections may
be made, and will continue to be made, so long as the pagoda and its divisions
are in common use; and that much will depend on the Sub-Treasurer’s
apportioning the issue of the various small coins from the public treasury
until the circulation of the pagoda and its divisions shall have been
superseded by the general introduction of the new rupee currency, conformably
to the intentions of the Honorable Court.
1816 p/330/31
index
MadFP3. P/330/31. p. 369
From Madras Government to
the mint Committee dated 10th May 1816
With reference to the letter
addressed to you on the 8th February, I am directed to furnish you
with the accompanying copy of a letter from the Secretary to the Government at
Fort William and a copy of its enclosure, from which you will learn that a
considerable quantity of silver may be immediately expected to arrive from
Bengal, wither an equivalent amount of gold is to be sent as soon as possible
from this Presidency. You will therefore cause the coinage of gold to be
suspended and will hold the gold in the mint ready to be consigned to Bengal
MadFP4. P/330/31.p. 424
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 17th May 1816
With reference to my letter
of the 10th instant, I am directed by the Governor in Council to
transmit to you the enclosed bill of lading for the dollars under consignment
from Bengal to this Presidency, together with extract of a letter from the
Accountant General, and to desire, agreeably to that officers suggestion, that
you will give the necessary instructions to the mint master to receive the
dollars when the Camelion arrives.
MadFP5. P/330/32. p. 517, p. 537, p. 612, p. 664
All about the conflict between
the need to produce coins and the need to close the mint, assess the value of
the dross and prepare the mint accounts. This last had not been done for 3
years.
1817 p/330/33
index
Nothing of interest found
1818 p/330/34
MadFP6. P/330/35. p. 425-427
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 30th June 1818
By a dispatch received from
the Government at Fort William, it appears that an application has been made to
the Naval Commander in Chief for a vessel to convey from Prince of Wales Island
to this Presidency a consignment of treasure to the extent of half a million of
Dollars. The treasure may be expected to arrive in the course of a few weeks
and I am directed to desire that preparations may be made at the mint for its
immediate coinage and that, ‘till that is finished, the coinage of gold may be
suspended. You will report within what period it may be expected that the whole
amount will be ready to be put into circulation.
From Madras Government to
the Accountant General, dated 30th June 1818
I am directed by the Right
Honorable the Governor in Council to transmit to you the accompanying duplicate
dispatch from the Secretary to the Government at Fort William, with its
enclosures, stating that a consignment of half a million of Dollars is about to
be made from Prince of Wales Island to this Presidency and that the object of
the supply is to enable this Government to extend the credit on its treasuries
allowed to the Paymaster of the Hyderabad Subsidiary force. You will suggest
such means as may appear to you best adapted to promote that object…
MadFP7. P/330/35. p. p. 603
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 1st September 1818
I am directed to transmit to
you the annexed copy of a letter from the Accountant General and to desire,
agreeably to the recommendation therein submitted, that the receipt of private
bullion for coinage may be discontinued ‘till further orders.
1819 p/330/36
MadFP8. P/330/36. p. 226
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 23rd March 1819
I am directed by the
Governor in Council to inform you that HM Ship Phaeton is expected from Bengal
with a consignment of silver bullion to the extent of Ł250,000 sterling and to
desire that all private coinage may be suspended at the mint until this amount
be brought into circulation to replace remittances which are immediately to be
made to Hyderabad.
MadFP9. P/330/36. p. 298/300
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 2nd April 1819
I am directed by the
Governor in Council to transmit to you the accompanying extract of a letter
from the Accountant General with an extract of the reply to it.
It is of great importance
that every exertion should be made for coining as expeditiously as possible the
present mint balance and also the remittance of silver expected from Bengal.
You will keep this object in view and take all measures necessary for
facilitating its accomplishment.
The object would be prompted
by the bullion about to arrive from Bengal being received direct by the Mint
Master from the Captain of HM Ship Phaeton. Unless therefore you are aware of
any objection to that measure, you will issue instructions to the Mint Master
to be prepared to carry it into effect on the arrival of the Phaeton. If there
be objections to it, you will state them without delay.
From the Mint Committee to
Madras Government, dated 3rdril 1819
We have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of Mr Secretary Hill’s letter of the 2nd
instant and shall issue the necessary instructions to the Mint Master for the
coinage of the present mint balance and of the bullion expected from Bengal,
with as little delay as possible.
With respect to the bullion
being sent direct to the mint, we have ascertained by a communication with the
Mint Master that he has not sufficient accommodation for securing it at the
mint, and we therefore beg leave to recommend that it may, upon being landed,
be deposited in the General Treasury.
From Madras Government to
the sub-treasurer, dated 5th April 1819
I am directed by the
Governor in Council to inform you that HM ship Phaeton is expected from Bengal
with a remittance of silver bullion amounting to Ł250,000 sterling and to
desire that on her arrival you will take immediate measures in communication
with the Marine Board and the Town Major for having the treasure safely landed
and conveyed to the General Treasury.
MadFP10. P/330/36. p. 397
To the mint committee from
Madras Government, dated 8th May 1819
I am directed by the
Governor in Council to refer for your consideration & report the
accompanying copy of a letter from the sub-treasurer & copies of two
letters from the Accountant General, respecting the proper mode of having the
treasure imported on his Majesty’s ship Phaeton examined and coined. You will
state when the Mint Master will be ready to begin to receive it and what
quantity should be sent at first to him from the treasury.
MadFP11. P/330/36. p. 423/31
From the mint master
(Maconochie) to the mint committee, dated 10th May 1819
With reference to my letters
of the 3rd and 7th instant, I have the honor to transmit
the enclosed memorandum showing the present state of the gold and silver
bullion in the mint at this date, and beg to inform you that if a considerable
supply of silver is not speedily received, the weekly out-turn from the mint will
be very seriously diminished, for the laminating department has been at a stop
nearly the whole of this day.
Bullion report, Monday 10th
May
Coarse Silver 1,483
Coined and under Coinage 1,834
Under assay, supposed to be
standard 500
Under refinage 1,171
4,988
lbs
Coarse gold waiting for
alligation 3,538
Brittle ditto under refinage 4,027
Under assay, supposed to be
standard 1,405
Gold under refinage 3,200
13,927
lbs
From mint committee to the
sub-treasurer, dated 11th May 1819
I am directed by the Mint
Committee to desire that you will be prepared immediately to furnish the Mint
Master with 30 chests from No. 1 to No. 30 of silver bullion received from
Calcutta on His Majesty’s ship Phaeton. You will carefully examine the state of
the boxes previously to their dispatch from the treasury and you will send a
confidential person with them to the mint to be present during the opening of
the boxes and the weighing of the bars.
A letter was sent to the
mint master telling him to order the silver.
The sub-treasurer then wrote
to Madras Government asking if this was the right thing to do.
Madras Government wrote to
the mint committee approving of their actions but pointing out that they should
have couched their letter to the sub-treasurer in more subdued tones, because
he did not report to them. This letter was dated 22nd May
MadFP12. P/330/37. p. 612
From Madras Government to
the mint master, dated 23rd August 1819
The exigencies of the Government
make it necessary that bullion to the extent of thirty-five lacs (3,500,000) of
rupees should be coined by the end of December next and the Governor in Council
relies on your indefatigable exertions being used to effect that object. The
bullion is composed in nearly equal proportions of gold and silver. The gold
will require to be coined into half and, if practicable, into quarter rupees,
but the proportion of small silver coins must depend on the practicability of
completing the entire coinage within the period above stated. You will report
in reply to this letter whether the Government may confidently expect to
receive the supply which is required from the mint.
This letter has been sent to
you direct for the purpose of saving time. A copy of it will be furnished to
the mint committee.
MadFP13. P/330/37. p. 652/4
25th August –
mint master replies that he will be able to coin the 35 lacs in the time
available.
1820 p/330/38
MadFP14. P/330/38. p. 49. Asks for the silver to be
coined ASAP (24th January 1820).
MadFP15. P/330/38.p. 118
From the Accountant General
to Madras Government, dated 28th February 1820
By the receipt of the
balance of the General Treasury dated the 20th instant, it is stated
that there are no silver annas remaining and as it is expedient that there
should be an ample supply of that coinage in substitution for the old and new
Madras fanams which should be withdrawn from circulation, I beg to recommend
that instructions be issued to the mint master to convert a greater portion of
his silver balance into annas and to proceed upon the recoinage of the half and
quarter pagodas of Dollar standard, including the five, double and single fanam
pieces.
There is also in circulation
a rupee of the coinage of 1807 of Dollar standard, which should also be called
in and recoined, as well as the Arcot Rupee which is of British standard or 11
oz 2 dwts.
The old Arcot rupee is of a
standard of superior fineness to the other, the recoinage of which may be a
subject for consideration and on which there will be a gain and a separate
account should be kept and exhibited
MadFP16. P/330/38. p. 122/24
18th February
1820. It was suggested that gold and silver should be refined by contract
rather than in the mint. This was to be discussed with the mint and assay
masters
1821 z/p/2076
Nothing of interest found
1822 z/p/2077
Z/P/2077. p. 374
MadFP17. From Madras Government to the mint committee, dated 9th
July 1822
I am instructed by the
Honorable the Governor in Council to desire that you will issue the necessary
orders for discontinuing the coinage of gold for the present, and that the
exertions of the Mint Master may be directed to the object of turning out the
greatest possible quantity of silver coinage…
1823 p/330/42
MadFP18. P/330/43. p. 543
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 25th November 1823
It has been ascertained from
experience at the mint, that small iron guns, viz: eighteen pounds and under,
are better adapted for the purpose of casting into machinery than larger ones,
the latter being composed of white iron, which is very difficult to melt and in
the end is generally found to be brittle. There are no more unserviceable small
guns, however, now in the arsenal, but I have reason to believe that some may
be procured from Masulipatam and possibly from some other places upon the
coast.
I have therefore the honor
to request that your committee will be pleased to submit my application for a
further supply of guns, to the Government, to be brought from Masulipatam or
any other place to the northward, as soon as may be convenient by any of the
Honble Company’s ships that may touch there on their way from Bengal.
If any difficulty be
experienced in procuring a sufficient number of small guns from the northward,
I beg to add that there are abundance of all kinds of unserviceable iron guns
to be had, as I am informed, at Cannanore.
1824 z/p/2078
p. 159
MadFP19. P/330/44. p. 173ff
From Bannister (mint master’s assayer) to mint master (McKerrell),
27th December 1823
I have now the honor to
transmit my final accounts for the improvements that have recently been
carrying on under my superintendence, which I request you will be pleased to forward
for the sanction of the Honorable the Governor in Council.
The only part of all the
processes that has not been completed, are the ingot moulds and, as their exact
adjustment may take up some time, I have judged it more expedient to send in my
accounts with a report on the several processes, rather than wait longer on
their account. Any expense that may be attendant on their completion can be
forwarded monthly with the contingent bill.
Before I enter into the
particulars of my accounts, it may be proper to notice a misconception that
occurred in my last accounts from the manner in which they were exhibited. In
the 9th para of my letter dated the 14th May 1823, when
explaining the silver melting furnace account, it is stated that the 3,500
rupees originally advanced had not been expended, there being a surplus sum of
Rs 1463-4-6, but as three pouring machines were making in place of one, I then
stated that the original estimate would be increased Rs 700; in the abstract
statement of receipts and disbursements, which was forwarded with those
accounts, I debited myself with the sums advanced and audited myself with all
disbursements, and in striking the balance came to a just conclusion in regard
to accounts generally, but not so with reference to the silver melting room
accounts in particular, the surplus sum of Rs 1463-11-6 being included in the
general statement, and therefore leaving me that sum deficient in this account.
In place of requesting a further advance of 5050 I should have included this sum
and made it Rs 6513-11-6.
The sums estimated in my
letter above alluded to, have been sufficient to defray every expense which was
at that time in contemplation but, besides the casting of duplicates, for which
no advance has yet been made, it has been found necessary to make certain other
improvements and additions, which together have cost the sum of Rupees
3,390-10-10, the particulars of which I shall now proceed to explain.
About the time at which the
sulphuric acid room was finished, a new process which seemed to offer great
advantages appeared in one of the periodical publications and it did not
involve a greater expense than about rupees 350. I considered it to be my duty
to adopt it. This, together with some other additions in the same department increased
the expenditure about Rupees 500.
When the first rains of the
present season set in, a very sensible sinking in the earth of the recent
enclosure, which has but lately been raised, the embankment of the outer side
next the paddy fields also was partly washed away. In order to secure the earth
as well as the buildings in the enclosure, it has been found necessary to
repair the outer embankment and to cover it with turf and also to make three
drains in the compound to carry off the water. These, together with two wells
that have been sunk have increased the account to the extent of about Rupees
500.
Another considerable cause
of expense has been the bad quality of the iron of which the guns of large
calibre have been found to be composed. From their size they took longer on
melting and on that account caused a greater consumption of fuel, and from the
badness of the iron, nearly all the articles, when cast, cracked. This has
never been found to occur in melting small guns.
To these expenses must be
added Rupees 185-8—for making a road on the south side of the mint to the
recent enclosure, and clearing the mint of a large quantity of rubbish, part of
which has been accumulating some time from several of the mint processes and
part also from the excavations that have been made in the earth for laying the
foundations of the several buildings.
At the beginning of the
present year, finding that much of the turner’s and blacksmith’s work were
considerably delayed, I gave part of the work, on certain conditions, into the
hands of an European in Black Town, named Quin (?), who very shortly after
returned the work unfinished because I would make no advances of money before
it was finished. He afterwards sent me a bill for Rupees 406, which, being more
than was due to him, I refused to pay. The consequence has been that I have
been summoned by him for that amount to the Court of Commissioners. On the
second hearing of the cause, he obtained judgement for Rupees 100 which,
together with the costs, are charged in this account.
The expenses that have
attended the casting of duplicates belonging to the several departments that
have been undergoing improvements will fully account for all further
expenditure.
In consequence of our
inability to obtain poles of sufficient length to answer for the breaking of
guns, it was found necessary to procure spars from the marine yard, which were
obtained on indent. Only part therefore of the rupees 350 originally advanced
for this purpose has been expended on this account.
All the works having now
been completed, with the exception of the ingot moulds, and every important
part having been brought to the practical test of experiment, I should proceed
to relate as many of the circumstances that have attended these operations as I
consider ought to be stated for the information of the Mint Committee and the
Honorable the Governor in Council.
The new laminating room
commenced its operations on the 15th of August since which time,
with occasional interruptions, it has been at work. The reasons of it not
having augmented the weekly outturn of this department has been the want of
ingot moulds and a sufficient supply of rollers. Without the former it would be
impossible to use the draft furnaces and consequently to melt a greater
quantity of bullion than can be laminated with the old mill.
The large mill wheels, which
were the source of so much difficulty in the first instance, have remained
quite stationary without requiring any material alteration since the horses
were first applied. This I consider a very great difficulty overcome, being the
most arduous point in the undertaking, and I have now the satisfaction to say
that I consider it to be no longer an object of any anxiety. With regard to the
other parts of the machinery, I have the like pleasure to state that, with one
or two unimportant exceptions, which I shall notice immediately the whole has
remained firm and free from accidents, which is also a very momentous fact
because when it is once ascertained that the different parts of the machine are
properly adjusted and of sufficient strength, all objects of minor
consideration, are by time and a little attention, easily rectified, which
could never be the case, which could never be the case without these essential
properties in the first instance.
The only untoward
circumstances that have attended that have attended the operations of this
department since it has been fairly set at work, have been the cracking of two
of the stands in which the laminating rollers are placed. This arose principally,
if not altogether, from the workmen having neglected to adjust the brasses in
which the screws that regulated to rollers move. The possibility of any
recurrence of this accident, I believe, has been entirely prevented by
adjusting all the brasses and putting a rim of wrought iron around the tops of
the stands. Since this has been done, no disposition to move has been shown in
any part.
With regard to the general
accuracy of the machinery & the proposed adaptation of all its parts, the
manner in which it works more effectually evinces its excellency than anything
can say concerning it as I hope will be reported to Government by the Committee
who have been appointed for its examination.
My original undertaking with
the Government, & that for which I have considered myself personally
responsible, was to produce machines that would laminate a lac of pieces per
diem, so that if I had only succeeded to this extent I should have given myself
the credit of entire success in my undertaking, and it affords me no small
gratification in being able to state that the mills which I have erected are
capable of double that daily outturn if well supplied with horses and rollers
&, if worked the same number of hours as the bullocks do a present, it has
already been proved by direct experiment that 8 horses have laminated in one
hour and ten minutes, 632 ingots, being as many as 12 bullocks relieved three
times would laminated in 6 hours in the old mills. I believe that 8 horses
properly adapted to the work, would laminate in 4 hours as many pieces with the
new machines as the 88 bullocks, at present employed, have ever done with the
old in one day.
Since the laminating works
were commenced upon, I have considered that it would be very desirable if it
were possible to substitute cast iron rollers, which cost very little, in the
room of bell-metal rollers, which are very expensive, and I was sanguine enough
to hope that they would be equally correct & more durable. Experiment has
however fully convinced me that my success in this part of the process must
only be partial. A pair of rollers were
finished pretty accurately and the first trial tended to raise my expectations
in as much as 35 pieces out of 51 were found to be correct, which is nearly
three times the number that is now obtained correct by the old process. But in
prosecuting the experiment still further, it was found that the metal of the
rollers sunk under the pressure of laminating and soon after became so hollow
as only to be of use in executing the rough part of the work, in the
performance of which they have now been employed since the machine has been set
at work and I think that they are likely to succeed for this part of the
process as well as, or even perhaps better then, bell-metal rollers.
Finding that cast-iron
rollers would not answer the purposes of adjusting, bell-metal rollers have
again been resorted to. An experiment has been made with them under some
disadvantageous circumstances, & the result, as far as it goes, has been
satisfactory & on the whole leaves no room for doubting that the new
machines will turn out the pieces more correctly than the old, but to what
extent the improvement will be carried, future experience alone can decide.
Under all these
circumstances, I hope that the Mint Committee and the Honorable the Governor in
Council will agree with me in thinking that I have succeeded to the fullest
extent of my engagement in the improvements of this department. I wish to
observe, before I leave this part of the subject, that iron rollers never formed
any part of my original undertaking, & it was only to render the
improvements as complete as possible that I undertook their manufacture, which
is of itself attended with so many difficulties that it affords ample
employment for years to come, & therefore anything that I may have done in
this way is entirely supererogatory.
Regarding the silver melting
furnaces, little remains for me to say, they having already been reported on by
a committee specially appointed for that purpose. Three pouring machines have
been made and four additional furnaces have been erected and they are only
delayed from commencing their operations by the non-completeness of the ingot
moulds. When these moulds were first begun, I hoped from the very superior
style in which some of our castings in iron have been performed that they might
be cast at once sufficiently true, with a small portion of subsequent grinding,
to answer our purpose. Experiment, however, decided otherwise. The ingots that
were cast in them were found to be uneven, hollow in the centre and thicker at
the sides and the consequence was that in laminating, the sides were compressed
and extended whilst the middle was unaffected and the result was that they were
torn in the centre. We have therefore been compelled to put them through a
complete process of adjustment and only a few have been got ready in order to
make an experiment which has proved fully equal to our expectations. When the
ingots were now cast with due care they can be laminated notwithstanding their
great width, in many cases without cracking at all and in all cases with
cracking only to such an inconsiderable extent as not materially to affect the
general operations of the laminating department.
The new gold refining
department next presents itself to be reported on and this, like all the other
processes, has been abundantly fruitful in difficulties and delays. The
sulphuric acid room was first finished with stone joined together with lead. On
pouring water in the floor every part remained perfectly light, and I directed
the room to be cleared in order to commence our operations. In doing this,
however, I found that the Maistry had used a larger quantity of clay than was
necessary for dividing the floor into compartments and I therefore suspected
that his object might be that of preventing the escape of the water. On
clearing out the room and again covering the floor with water my suspicion was
verified for it ran out in two or three places very copiously. In order to
remedy this defect, I applied a composition which had been used by Chaptal (and
which is fully described in his work on chemistry) to cover all the joinings.
This seemed to promise great success and held water for several days without
showing any symptoms of leaking. The manufacture of sulphuric acid was
therefore begun but in about a fortnight afterwards the composition detached
from the floor and the weak acid escaped in large quantities so that, before
everything was brought into its present state of security, about half the
quantity of acid at that time made, was lost.
Finding that it was in vain
to look for success in this way, I had recourse to the covering of the floor
with lead and I have now he pleasure to state that since this plan has been
adopted, the process has proceeded without interruption from these causes, and
we have now the practical result before us in its application to all the
purposes for which it was designed.
As to the degree of success
that has attended our manufacture of sulphuric acid since the room has been put
into its present order, I can only say that on some occasions a pound of
sulphur has produced a pound and a half of acid. At other times the same
quantity has only produced 6 ounces, the circumstances being always the same.
The errors must be in the persons who conduct the process, but the particular
manner in which they fail, I am not prepared to state for, as the operation is
for the most part conducted in the night, I have no means of ascertaining the
source of the error with any degree of precision. Considerable allowance ought
to be made in the first instance for the native workmen having to conduct a new
and disagreeable process. On the whole I believe, from the results of my
observations (for no exact calculation can at present be made) that sulphuric
acid is now being made for one anna and nine pice, or about three pence
farthing, a pound, which is one farthing a pound more than was originally
estimated. In this estimate I do not include the accidents that befell us in
the first instance.
The sulphuric acid having
been made in large quantity, the manufacture of nitric acid has been commenced
upon and the result of the process is already under many disadvantages. What I
have found by experiment to occur in the best European manufactories – 60
Pounds of Cubic Nitre & 35 Pounds of sulphuric acid produces 88 pounds of
nitric acid, sp gr 1,300 at the temperature of 60⁰
R A P
60 pounds of nitrate of soda 6 3 10
35 ditto of sulphuric acid 3 13 4
Labour “ 9 6
Sundries “ 4 “
10 14 8
Deduct the value of sulphate
of soda
& nitrate of lime 7 8
Net Cost 3 6 8
Which after deducting the
value of the residuum of sulphate of soda – 100 Pounds at the low price of 25Rs
per candy & estimating the nitrate of lime that is recovered after the acid
has been used in refining, at the low rate of 2˝ Rs, gives the acid at 7˝ pice
or I penny per pound. The cubic nitre, however, which was supplied to the mint
by Mr Heath, having been found to be very impure, recourse has been had to salt
petre which greatly enhances the price of the acid in as much as it yields less
acid & the residuum also is of less value in this country, the price of the
acid therefore, when made from salt peter is as follows:
Rs A P
60 lbs of salt petre 4 5 1
35 lbs Sulphuric Acid 3 13 4
Labour “ 9 6
Sundries “ 4 “
8 15 11
Deduct residuum nitrate
of lime 3 8
Net Cost 5 7 11
60 pounds of salt petre
& 35 pounds of sulphuric acid will yield 75 pounds of nitric acid of 1,300
sp. Gr. 60⁰, which after deducting the residuum & nitrate of lime
which is also recovered after the acid has been used in refining, leaves one
anna and two pice or somewhat better than two pence per pound as the price of
the acid…in any case coming much within the original estimate of 3 pence per
pound, a fact so long denied and now proved beyond contradiction. I have not
charged fuel because there is and ever has been, in the mint, a very large
quantity of small refuse charcoal, which is of little or no value for any other
purpose, but which by the strong draft of our furnaces affords heat sufficient
for our purpose. Indeed, if fuel were charged it would not materially affect
these calculations.
Nitric acid has now been
made in sufficient quantity to refine 6000 ounces of gold, upwards. The quantity
required to refine a given weight of metal has been ascertained with as much
precision as the nature of the process will admit and from the result of an
experiment that I have made on 1600 ounces of gold, I am able to state that the
quantity of acid that is required for refining a given weight of gold has been
found to be about 25 per cent less than the relative quantities exhibited in
the statement of the experiments which were made for the information of
Government, dated 30th July 1821.
It was my wish to have sent
up an account of the refinage of the first quantity of gold with these
documents, but the delay which that measure would involve, renders it
inexpedient. I hope however, to have that pleasure in the course of a fortnight
or three weeks In the mean time I can only say that I have no reason to doubt
but that the result will prove equal to any expectations that have hitherto
been held out to Government.
In order to subserve the
purposes of refining it was proposed to make several articles of pottery, for
which an estimate of Rupees 400 was forwarded in my letter dated the 14th
May last. With a view to ensure the ware being of a proper quality I had the
material mixed and the articles manufactured under my own inspection, and when
a sufficient number had been made, we proceeded to burn them in a furnace
erected for that purpose. But the heat which it was necessary to apply to the
vessels being very great, cracked the walls of the furnace and the result was
that the whole fell in and broke all our ware, which had taken three months to
manufacture. After this disastrous event, my time being much occupied with
other more important concerns, I determined to get them made outside of the
mint, of such materials as were in general use, but in this too I was partly
disappointed, for some of the vessels being of that peculiar construction as to
render it necessary to make them in two parts and right them afterwards had
their parts but incompletely joined. Their imperfections were not discovered
until they were undergoing the process of glazing, the strong heat required in
the doing of which exposed their defects, which the sellers had carefully
concealed by an artful covering of clay. Finding much time and some expense
lost in these attempts, I determined to make shift for the present with small
Pegue Jars and some glass bottles already in the mint. With these the process
will proceed until vessels of a proper kind arrive from China, which I hope
will be at an early period. For still heads however, no substitute can be
found. We have therefore, prosecuted our endeavours in this way and I have, at
length, completely succeeded in making and glazing the still heads now in use,
and with these the making of Nitric Acid in now proceeding.
The erections in the recent
enclosure only remain to be noticed in this report. Two larger furnaces have
been erected for melting iron, with a shed attached to them which serves
remarkably well for the purposes of preparing moulds. Our way of casting iron
differs a little from the plans that are followed in England. Most of their
moulds are formed by receiving the impression of the article about to be cast,
in sand. This is a speedy and cheap process but at the same time, one that
cannot be pursued with advantage in every case. For example, in England their
wheels are usually made in this way and in order to enable the model to leave
the sand after the impression has been received, the underside is made smaller
than the upper. The consequence of this is that the teeth being uneven, their
bearing upon each other is only partial, and in that case they are soon worn
away. Indeed the shape of the wheel is often sacrificed to the convenience of
the founder. This is one reason why the few wheels which were cast by the
European who was in the first instance employed in the mint, are now laid aside
as utterly useless. Our plan of making moulds is by means of loam. This is a
more troublesome and expensive process but in many cases possesses great
advantages, tho’ in others it is inferior to sand work. There is now a plan in
process for casting crucibles in sand, which, if successful, will save about
two Rupees in the making of each crucible. It has in some degree been tried and
little doubt is entertained of the ultimate result.
In the process of casting
iron we have now had a pretty large portion of experience and the result has
been that most of the difficulties have been surmounted and for some time past
we have seldom been unsuccessful in any of our attempts of casting the most
difficult articles, when our materials have been good. I entertain but little
doubt that we could cast in our foundry any article of less weight than 3 tons
that could be manufactured in any foundry in England and, allowance being made
for the disadvantages under which we labour in having no choice of metal,
equally well. Our articles, when cast are, most of them, not at all inferior to
those of European manufacture and, in many instances, far superior to them and
their soundness may be judged of from the circumstance of the machinery having
met with so few accidents, notwithstanding the numerous severe trials to which
it has been exposed.
The triangle for breaking
guns has been erected in the recent enclosure, being about 50 feet high.
The only other building in
the enclosure, with the exception of sheds belonging to the iron melting
furnaces, is a shed containing a large still with appropriate condensers and
worms for preparing distilled water, and two other boilers, the one for
crystallizing Glaubers salts and the other for evaporating the nitrate of lime.
Connected with are pipes for the purpose of conveying steam into the sulphuric
acid (a distance of about 80 feet, water in this state having been found to
absorb the sulphuric acid gas more rapidly than when it lies almost cold on the
floor of the room. This apparatus has also been used, and answers every purpose
for which it was made.
Thus I have now completed
four important undertakings with the unimportant exception above referred to, viz:
the erecting of laminating machines, the melting of bullion, the refining of
gold and silver and the casting of iron with a degree of success which I never
promised and which indeed in some instances has exceeded my own expectations.
To describe the difficulties with which I have had to contend could lead to no
important result as far as these operations are concerned but I hope that they
will hereafter meet the consideration of Government. In any place or country
these problems are of difficult execution and how infinitely more arduous too
they become when the means that have been at my command are taken into
consideration: native indifference, prejudice, ignorance, slothfulness and
inattention stand as so many barriers that have impeded my progress at every
step and when these, together with the nature and extent of the undertakings,
are duly considered, some idea may be formed of the care, labour and
destressing anxiety that I have experienced from a very early period of these
operations to the present time.
As to the expenses that have
attended the execution of these plans, I am inclined to believe that the same
important works have never been performed for a smaller sum. There have been no
expense of taking down and rebuilding, few if any alterations, so that the
Government have now in the mint substantially the whole amount of the
expenditure. It is very true that our estimates have been exceeded but this has
generally been owing to an enlargement of the plans of the operations or to
accidental circumstances.
I cannot conclude this
report without bringing to your notice as well as that of the Government, the
great benefit that I have derived from the Public Service of three of the mint
servants, Davasagayam, the head die cutter, Nanaprecausam, in the same
employment, and Thandaven, a Blacksmith maistry. Davasagayam is the best
practical mechanic that I have met with in India and, if his information
extended more into their principles, he would be an ornament to any country.
Nanaprecausam has been more remarkable for diligence and attention than for
talent. Thandaven is the only Blacksmith on whose work or judgement I have been
able to place any reliance. He is a workman of the very first order in his own
line and has executed all the difficult parts of the several machines and I
much doubt whether there be an European in Madras superior to him in both skill
and industry. On the whole I may with truth say that without the assistance of
these men in their several capacities, I do not see how the mechanical parts of
my undertaking could ever have been accomplished and, as such, I hope they will
meet with the consideration justly their due.
There then follows detailed
accounts of the all the costs involved.
MadFP20. P/330/44. p. 203
To the mint committee from
Madras Government, dated 27th January 1824
I am directed by the Honble
the Governor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th
instant, with the several papers stated to accompany it.
Agreeably to your recommendation,
the Commissary General will be instructed to procure eighteen horses, of the
proper description, for the service of the mint.
The Governor in Council
approves of the intention signified in the concluding paragraph of your letter
with respect to the continued employment of the three natives whose services
are stated to have already proved so useful.
The Governor in Council has
received with much pleasure the information afforded by your letter under reply
and its accompaniments introduced into the machinery and processes of the mint.
But the full consideration of those papers is deferred until Government shall
have received the report of the committee alluded to in the 10th
paragraph of Mr McKerrell’s letter
MadFP21. P/330/44. p. 327
To the mint committee from
Madras Government, dated 19th March 1824
I am directed to inform you
the Honble the Governor in Council has taken into his full and particular
consideration your report of the 5th January last, with the reports
which it enclosed from the Mint Master and his assayer and also a report on the
same subject from the special committee, a copy of which is herewith
transmitted for your information, and that it has afforded the Governor in
Council the greatest satisfaction to learn that all the improvements which, on
the recommendation of the Mint Master, were directed to be introduced into the
operations of the mint, have been successfully effected.
The great merit which Mr
Bannister has had in the introduction of these improvements has attracted the
particular attention and excited the high approbation of Government. What he
has performed is not considered to be a work which could have been effected by
mere labour and perseverance but an undertaking which required a rare
combination of science, talent, patience and the capability of enduring
personal fatigue and exposure. As a reward for his services and in order to
secure the full benefit of them hereafter, the Honorable the Governor in
Council has been pleased to appoint him to the charge of the machinery of the
mint, under the Mint Master, with a monthly salary of 700 rupees for that duty,
exclusive of the allowance of 350 rupees received by him as Mint Master
Assayer, and it has been resolved that this salary shall commence from the 1st
January last.
The Governor in Council has
been also pleased to grant, from the same date, an increase of (500) rupees per
month to the salary of the Mint Master. He has been influenced to adopt this
measure both by an opinion that it was desirable to place the office in a more
respectable footing, in respect of emoluments, than that in which it has lately
stood, and by a desire to mark his approbation of Mr McKerrell and his sense of
the share which that gentleman has had in the merit of effecting the
improvements introduced into the mint. For it was he who encouraged Mr
Bannister to come forward and it was his discernment which discovered that the
plans were practicable and it was his perseverance which induced Government to
support them, in opposition to the opinions both of the late Assay Master and
of your predecessors in the Mint Committee.
You are aware that orders
have been already given to provide the horses which you stated to be required.
The number may be augmented when found necessary.
The Governor in Council
desires that the three native servants whom you have mentioned as men whose
services will be useful in working the machinery, may be employed under Mr
Bannister. It is considered necessary to place those persons with all such
servants as may be employed in the management of the machinery under Mr
Bannister’s immediate orders, and to give him authority to discharge old and
appoint new, servants, whenever he may deem the change advisable. This
authority he must exercise through the Mint Master, whose duty, however, it
will be to give immediate effect to all recommendations from Mr Bannister for
removals or appointments.
The Governor General
considers it evident that the native servants of the mint must, in General, be
hostile to the machinery, from perceiving its tendency to throw them out of
employment and that it cannot be expected that Mr Bannister will be able to
ensure its success unless he possess an efficient control over those servants
who are employed in working it.
I am further directed to
acquaint you that the Governor in Council had under consideration your letter
of the 12th June last and has resolved that Mr Aitkin should be
permitted to draw from 1st January last the salary of Ł2000 or
Rupees 17,500 per annum, which was granted by the Honble the Court of Directors
to his predecessor in the office of Assay Master.
The Governor in Council has
also been pleased to raise the salary of your secretary from Rupees 175 to
Rupees 275 per month, the increases taking effect as in the other cases, from
the first of January last.
MadFP22 P/330/44. p. 362/4
To Madras Government from
the Mint Committee, dated 15th March 1821
We have the honor to forward
herewith a copy of a letter from the Mint Master, dated the 3rd
instant together with two new silver rupees coined at this mint, for the
purpose of being submitted to the Honble the Governor in Council.
These rupees appear to be
executed with much skill, and are certainly much superior in point of
workmanship to those at present in circulation. Should the Honorable the
Governor in Council be pleased to approve of the pattern of these rupees for
the coinage, the Mint Master will be instructed to prepare the requisite supply
of stamps and dies in order that the coinage according to the new pattern may
be commenced.
From Madras Government to
the Mint Committee, dated 26th March 1824
I am directed to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant and to acquaint you
that the Honble the Governor in Council approves of the proposed new pattern for
the coinage of Silver Rupees.
The two rupees which you
submitted as specimens are herewith returned.
MadFP23. P/330/44. p. 366/71
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 28th February 1824
With reference to the fifth
paragraph of my letter to your committee under date 21st instant, I
beg leave to inform you that a sufficient stock of rollers for the new
laminating mills is now ready and as a considerable period of time mat still
elapse before fresh horses can be procured by the Commissary General, it
appears to be desirable that eighteen stout heavy horses should be selected
from the horse artillery for the use of the mint, till those that have been
ordered to be purchased for the Department shall have been procured and brought
to Madras.
Should this arrangement
appear to be unobjectionable to the Government, I am prepared to select the
horses myself, if placed in communication with the officer commanding the horse
brigade, and any of the horses that may be found upon trial to be unfit for the
work, may be exchanged. It would further be desirable if the non-commissioned
officer who was formerly on duty at the mint and who is a very steady, well
behaved man, were again permitted to attend.
The mint committee forwarded
this to Government.
To the mint committee from
Madras Government, dated 30th March 1824
With reference to your
letter of the 6th instant, I am directed by the Honble the Governor
in Council that horses cannot be obtained at present from the Horse Artillery.
for the use of the mint, and to transmit to you, for your own information and
that of the Mint Master, the accompanying copy of a letter which has been
addressed to the Commissary General.
If the Mint Master should
still wish to obtain the services of the non-commissioned officer of artillery
who was formerly on duty at the mint, you will be pleased to bring the subject
again to the notice of Government
MadFP24. P/330/44. p. 451
To Madras Government from
the mint committee, dated 29th April 1824
We have the honor to
acknowledge the receipts of Mr McLeod’s letter of 5th ultimo
together with a copy of the dispatch from the secretary to Government at Fort
William, suggesting the expediency of making by proclamation, the Farruckabad
rupee current in the territories of this Presidency at par with the Madras
rupee.
In the 34th
paragraph of the Accountant General’s letter of the 21st November we
find it states that the Farruckabad rupee differs only 215 of a grain from the
standard of this Presidency i.e. that it contains rather more than one fifth of
a grain of pure silver more than the established standard here. So far,
therefore as its intrinsic value is concerned, it may be considered as within
the remedy adopted at this mint and it is therefore probable that our current
rupee often differs fully as much in value from each other as our standard does
from that of Farruckabad.
From a consideration of
these circumstances it does not appear to us that any just objection can be
grounded upon the relative value of these coins. But, at the same time, we are
by no means prepared to say that the adoption of the proposed increase would in
every respect be free from objections on other grounds. We rather incline to
think the contrary. The difference between the two coins in question we
consider, it is true, merely nominal, but whether it might not be deemed a real
and essential difference by the public (which amounts to the same thing), by
the shroffs and furnish them with a pretence to levy a batta, may be made a
question.
The sentiments of Government
upon this subject may be inferred from the following para in a letter from Mr
Secretary Hill, under date the 26th January 1819: “the Governor in
Council desires that the coins may be milled, but not dated, as the shroffs
might take advantage of the dates to impose a batta on the coinage of
particular years”. We are clearly of opinion that the objection made in the
above para to any alteration even in so trivial a matter as the date, was
founded on a most correct view of the subject, and therefore the introduction
of a coin of a totally different description may by the influence of the
persons alluded to, become subject to the same inconvenience. Whether the
financial arrangements of Government, or the wants of the public at large,
require the aid of more coin than can be furnished by this mint, we cannot
presume to determine, but if these questions might be answered in the negative,
we are of opinion that a reliance on our own resources would be found far less
objectionable.
p. 469
MadFP25. P/330/45. p. 809/13
Letters about fixing the
establishment of the mint committee
MadFP26. P/330/45. p. 858
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 29th June 1824
Stated that the mint establishment
should be fixed at a level to manage the production of 50-60 thousand pieces
per day.
MadFP27. P/330/45. p. 868 Mr Aitkin, assay master,
allowed to draw the same salary as his predecessor (21st June 1824)
MadFP281. P/330/45. p. 906/12
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 10th July 1824
We have the honor to forward
to you the enclosed copy of a letter from the mint master dated the 5th
instant for the purpose of being submitted to the Honorable the Governor in
Council.
The mint master stated that
24 horses were delivered to him by the Commissary General, 16 of which have
been tolerably well broke in for the service of the laminating mills. He adds
that the remaining number has been found, from various causes, to be unfit for
the purpose, with the exception of three which have been unaccountably
ruptured, An operation is recommend for the cure of the latter and the mint
master requests permission to have it performed. He also recommends that the
Bullocks should be retained until the horses become accustomed to their present
employment and when this precautionary measure is no longer necessary, that
they may be finally disposed of. We submit these suggestions to the favourable
consideration of the Honorable the Governor in Council.
MadFP29. P/330/46 p. 1006/14
August 1824 – All about the
mint horses and a plan for stables.
MadFP30. P/330/46 p. 1310/12
October 1824 – About the
sale of bullocks from the mint.
1825 z/p/2079
MadFP31. P/330/48. p. 200/204
March 1825. Mint master submits
bill for building stables for the mint horses.
MadFP32. P/330/49. p. 800
Very long series of letters
about mixing copper with silver and the problems encountered.
MadFP33. P/330/50. p. 1015/20
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 1st July 1825
The two sets of horses,
exclusively of three spare ones, now in the mint, being unequal to the labour
of turning both mills during the whole of the day, I resolved, when
transferring the whole of the laminating to the new machinery, to determine experimentally
whether by altering the yokes, bullocks might not be found capable of assisting
in the work and thus render any application for an increase to the
establishment of horses unnecessary.
The experiment, I have the
satisfaction to say, has perfectly succeeded and it appears to me therefore,
that the rough part of the process of laminating, should henceforth be
performed by the bullocks and the finishing by the horses. The number of
bullocks now in the mint is thirty, sixteen pairs appear to me to be necessary
for the service of some of the mills and two pairs for the purpose of conveying
bullion and coins from and to the General Treasury and for bringing grain,
straw, sand clay and other necessary articles to the mint.
I therefore request authority
to complete the establishment of bullocks to the number stated and also to
dispose of and to replace those that from age or infirmity are now, or may
hereafter, be found to be unfit for the work.
It may be proper to mention
before concluding this letter, that a change which it has been found necessary
to make in the form of the ingots, has greatly increased the labour of
laminating, since the horses were purchased. Broad, thin ingots averaging about
two rupees and a half in thickness, from each of which six rows of rupees could
be cut and which only required to be passed five times through the rollers were
in the first instance tried. After a time it was found necessary to abandon
this form as the plates of silver were almost always torn or cracked in laminating
and, after a variety of experiments with ingots of different sizes, the form
now in use was finally adopted as the best. This is an ingot of the average
thickness of four rupees, which requires to be passed through the rollers
generally eight times and from which only two rows of coins can be cut after it
has been laminated. It is difficult to estimate with precision the labour that
this change has produced for the cattle. It is well known, however, that the
more the metal is compressed in laminating, the harder it becomes and the more
difficult it is to pass through the rollers. I may, therefore, perhaps be
justified in assuming that the labour has been more than doubled.
This was sanctioned
MadFP34. P/330/50. p. 1268/71
Various letters about raising
the salaries to two mint employees.
MadFP35. P/330/51. P. 1450/1499/1501
From the mint master
(McKerrell) to the accountant general, dated 6th October 1825
In a letter from the Mint
Committee under date 30th April last, I am requested to be in future
prepared to clear the mint and to settle my accounts at least twice a year, in
conformity with the rules established for the conduct of the department, the
attention of the committee having been called to these points by a recent
communication from Government.
With reference to that
communication, I have accordingly the honor to propose that the coinage be
suspended from Monday the 31st instant till Monday the 7th
proximo, and request that you will be pleased to obtain the orders of the
Honorable the Governor in Council upon the subject as early as may be
convenient.
The request was granted.
1826 z/p/2080
MadFP36. P/330/53. p. 95/99
From W Bannister (mint
master’s assayer) to the mint master, dated 11th January 1826
Since the melting in draft
furnaces and the humid process has been introduced into the mint, the rooms
which were formerly allotted to these purposes have been almost entirely
unoccupied and as they are capable, at a very inconsiderable expense, of being
made highly useful to the silver melting and gold and silver refining
Departments, I have now the honor to request that the sanction of the Honorable
the Governor in Council may be obtained for the following alterations:
The old silver melting room
may be conveniently divided into three rooms: one for melting gold and silver,
both before and after refinage; another for carrying on the latter process of
refining these metals; and the third for the purpose of the silver refining
department. In order to accomplish these objects, two partition walls are
required and the floors of two of the rooms to be re-laid, the expense of doing
which is estimated at rupees 175.
The old gold refining room
is about to be occupied by the furnace, recently sanctioned, for removing the
brittleness of gold. The floor is in a very bad state and requires to be
re-laid and the terrace also needs sundry repairs, which are together expected
to cost about Rupees 168. When the estimate for this furnace was forwarded, it
was considered proper to build it in the gold melting room, but it has since
been thought more advisable to place it in a distinct room, that the business
of these departments may not interfere.
The shed, which was formerly
occupied by bullocks, may now also be made subservient to the purposes of the
gold and silver melting and the gold refining departments, by containing
drosses and other articles in constant use. For this purpose, three partition
walls are necessary and the floor requires relaying which will involve an
expenditure of about rupees 315.
Besides these, seven brick
and chunam water cisterns, with corresponding channels, would be found highly
useful in these several departments and would save all the time at present
occupied by coolies in bringing water in Chatties from a considerable distance.
The expense attending the erection of these si estimated at Rupees 250.
\should these expenses be
sanctioned, which altogether amount to Rupees 908, it will have the effect of
rendering the business of each department more distinct and be a means of very
much facilitating their operations.
These changes were approved.
MadFP37. P/330/53. p. 250/52
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 20th February 1826.
The coinage being now
suspended every six months, for the purpose of settling the mint accounts, it
is absolutely necessary, in order that the accounts of each settlement may be
transmitted to your committee within a reasonable period after the mint has
been cleared, that two more accountants should be added to the establishment,
the one upon a salary of fifteen and the other of ten pagodas a month. I have
therefore the honor to request your sanction for the employment of two
accountants upon the salaries that I have specified.
This was granted
MadFP38. P/330/54. p. 386
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 7th April 1826
We request you will be
pleased to obtain the sanction of Government for suspending the coinage from
the end of this month to the 8th May for the purpose of clearing the
mint and settling the Mint Master’s accounts.
We beg leave to state that
the Accountant General sees no objections to the operation of the mint being
suspended for the above eight days.
This was authorised.
MadFP39. P/330/56. p. 1120/1
To Madras Government from
the mint committee, dated 7th October 1826
We request you will be
pleased to obtain the sanction of Government for suspending the coinage from
the end of this month to the 8th November for the purpose of
clearing the mint and settling the Mint Master’s accounts.
We beg leave to state that
the Accountant General sees no objections to the operation of the mint being
suspended for the above eight days.
This was authorised.
1827 z/p/2081
MadFP40. P/330/58. p. 310-11
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 26th February 1827
Three pairs of bullocks
belonging to the mint establishment having lately died of a disease that has
been very prevalent amongst the cattle at Madras and four pairs being
unserviceable on account of age, I request that you will be pleased to obtain
the sanction of Government for seven pairs of bullocks being procured for the
department through the medium of the Commissary General.
The request was granted.
MadFP41. P/330/59. P. 581
To the mint committee from
Madras Government, dated 20th March 1827
I am directed to acknowledge
the receipt of our letter of yesterday’s date and to state that the Honorable
the Governor in Council permits Mr McLeod, your secretary, to visit Pondicherry
on leave of absence for fifteen days on account of his private affairs.
MadFP42. P/330/59. p. 745
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 11th April 1827
We request you will be
pleased to obtain the sanction of Government for suspending the coinage from
the end of this month to the 8th of May for the purpose of clearing
the mint and settling the Mint Master’s accounts.
We beg to state that the
Accountant General sees no objection to the operation of the mint being
suspended for the above eight days.
This was authorised.
MadFP43. P/330/59. p. 838
From the mint committee to Madras
Government, dated 13th December 1825
Statement showing the amount
of Gold and Silver Coinage from January 1818 to October 1825
|
|
Year |
Value in Rupees |
|
|
Gold |
1818 |
4,338,750 |
|
|
1819 |
3,247,500 |
|
|
|
1820 |
3,781,875 |
|
|
|
1821 |
4,091,250 |
|
|
|
1822 |
577,500 |
|
|
|
1823 |
2,227,500 |
|
|
|
1825 up to 31st October |
468,750 |
|
|
|
Total |
18,733,125 |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silver |
1818 |
3,425,000 |
|
|
1819 |
4,951,000 |
|
|
|
1820 |
5,277,000 |
|
|
|
1821 |
6,239,569 |
|
|
|
1822 |
6.034,000 |
|
|
|
1823 |
8,520,000 |
|
|
|
1824 |
6,794,000 |
|
|
|
1825 up to 31st October |
3,680,000 |
|
|
|
Total |
45,020,569 |
|
|
MadFP44. P/330/60. p. 1028
To the mint committee from
the mint master (McKerrell), dated 22nd June 1827.
I have the honor to forward
to you a receipt of the Superintendent of Stamps for certain dies which have been
furnished from this Department, and also a bill for the expenses incurred in
preparing and repairing the same, which I request you will be pleased to submit
for the sanction of the Honorable the Governor in Council.
It is perhaps unnecessary to
add that as the workmen employed were entertained for that express purpose and
as the expense of preparing dies for the use of the Superintendent of Stamps,
cannot be considered as an expense incurred on account of the coinage, it seems
to be proper that the amount of the bill now submitted should be placed to the
debit of the Stamps Department and not of the mint.
This was agreed.
MadFP45. P/330/61. p. 1371
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 11th October 1827
We request you will be
pleased to obtain the sanction of Government for suspending the coinage from
the end of this month to the 8th of November for the purpose of
clearing the mint and settling the Mint Master’s accounts.
We beg to state that the
Accountant General sees no objection to the operation of the mint being
suspended for the above eight days.
This was authorised.
1828 z/p/2082
1829 z/p/2083
1830 z/p/2084, P/330/70, 71, 72
Jan
115-117
Jan
132
Jan
145
Mar
316
Apr
379
Apr
396-7
Jun
489
Jun
551
Sep
580
Sep
602
Sep
607
Sep
716-718-720
Sep
760
Sep
1058
Oct
1151-1154
Nov
1260
Nov
1277-83
Nov
1327-1338
Dec
1340-42
Dec
1359-60
1831 z/p/2085
P/330/74. p. 129-31
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 5th March 1831.
We have the honor to transmit
for the purpose of being laid before the Right Honble the Governor in Council,
the accompanying copy of a letter, dated Bangalore 19th February
1831, from Mr J Clementson, requesting the committee to submit for the
consideration of Government, his claim to receive such portion of the Mint
Master’s allowances as may have been undrawn by Sir J Home during the period he
(Mr Clenentson) acted as Mint Master.
We have also the honor to
forward for the same purpose, the enclosed copy of a letter, dated 1st
March 1831, from the present Acting Mint Master [Mr Onslow], requesting
permission to draw the usual allowances as Acting Mint Master.
This was granted.
P/330/74. p. 272-277
Various letters about Mr
Bannister’s pay rise not having been paid and his memorial not having reached
the Court of Directots.
P/330/74. p.
282
From the assay master (James
Aitken) to the mint committee, dated 24th March 1831
Some repairs being required
to the roof of the Charcoal Godown etc and the windows of this office, I
request that you will be pleased to obtain the sanction of Government for their
being effect by the Superintending engineer.
The Military Board was
instructed to effect the repairs.
P/330/75. Starts p.
507. On p. 576 is the silver report and 521 the gold
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 11th June 1831
|
|
Value of Silver Coined |
|
May 1820 to January 1821 |
3,665,500 |
|
February 1821 to May 1822 |
7,246,069 |
|
June 1822 to April 1823 |
7,915,000 |
|
May 1823 to April 1824 |
7,732,000 |
|
May 1824 to April 1825 |
6,829,000 |
|
May to October 1825 |
1,482,000 |
|
November 1825 to April 1826 |
1,722,000 |
|
May to October 1826 |
2,178,000 |
|
November 1826 to April 1827 |
1,311,000 |
|
May to October 1827 |
1,437,000 |
|
November 1827 to April 1828 |
1,458,000 |
|
May to October 1828 |
1,189,000 |
|
November 1828 to April 1829 |
1,072,000 |
|
May to December 1829 |
1,278,000 |
|
January to April 1830 |
458,000 |
|
May to July 1830 |
1,807,000 |
|
|
Value of Gold Coined |
|
May 1817 to 31 January 1819 |
4,672,500 |
|
February 1819 to 30th April 1820 |
3,886,875 |
|
May 1820 to January 1821 |
3,326,250 |
|
February 1821 to May 1822 |
3,573,750 |
|
June 1822 to April 1823 |
577,500 |
|
May 1823 to April 1824 |
2,227,500 |
|
May to October 1825 |
468,750 |
|
November 1825 to April 1826 |
986,250 |
|
May to October 1826 |
708,750 |
|
November 1826 to April 1827 |
442,500 |
|
May to October 1827 |
337,500 |
|
November 1827 to April 1828 |
81,500 |
|
November 1828 to April 1829 |
435,000 |
|
May to December 1829 |
360,000 |
|
January to April 1830 |
127,500 |
|
May to June 1830 |
123,750 |
P/330/75. p. 735-738
Minute extoling the virtues
of Mr Bannister and recommending that the Court of Director’s instruction to
withhold the assay master’s extra pay should be reversed.
P/330/76. p. 1009
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 22nd July 1833
The mint committee inform
Government that Mr Bannister must carry the responsibility for the fraud that
was committed in the assay office and should be fined accordingly.
From the assay master
(Bannister) to the mint committee, dared 15th June 1833
Letter trying to absolve
himself of blame.
From the mint master to the
mint committee, dated 29th December 1823
Supporting Mr Bannister
P/330/76. p. 1049-80
Large amount of stuff about
possible frauds at the mint. Sir James Homes appears to have been mint master some
time earlier and was ill most of the time, thus allowing the frauds to occur.
P/330/76. p. 1109-10
More about the frauds
P/330/76. p. 1134-36
More about the frauds
P/330/76. p. 1250
Yet more about the fraud
1832 p/330/80
P/330/78. p. 183-4
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 2nd February 1832
I am directed by the Mint
Committee to acquaint you, for the information of the Right Honorable the
Governor in Council that Dr Aitken delivered over charge of the Assay office on
the 30th ultimo to Mr Bannister, appointed by Government to succeed
to the office of Assay Master, and on this occasion the Committee direct me to
express the high satisfaction they feel in recording their entire approbation
of the manner in which Dr Aitken has long, ably and zealously performed the
duties of Assay Master and more especially of the important service he has
rendered in prosecuting, with unwearied zeal and talent, and reporting, with
philosophic accuracy a long series of experiments, the result of which has been
the detection of errors in the established mode of assay affecting both public
and individual interests, and the purity of the currency of this country, as
well as the silver coinage of Great Britain, and which were particularly
adverted to and acknowledged by the Honourable the Court of Directors in their
letter No 2, dated 23rd March 1831 in the Financial Department.
P/330/80. p. 858
From the acting mint master
(A.P. Onslow) to Madras Government (via the mint committee), dated 1st
September 1832
I have the honor to request
that you will forward to the Right Honorable the Governor in Council, this, my
application to be permitted to draw such portion of the salary forfeited by Sir
James Horne on account of absence, as was not drawn by Mr Clementson last
month, and also the sum that will be forfeited monthly by Sir James Horne
henceforth so long as I may act for him.
This was sanctioned.
1833 z/p/2086,
P/330/82. p. 620-23
From the mint master (J
Stonehouse) to the mint committee, dated 9th February 1833
Shows that the mint master
is now J. Stonehouse
P/330/82. p. 640-645
To Madras Government from
the mint committee, dated 16th May 1833
At the request of Mr
Bannister, the Assay Master, the Mint Committee desire me to transmit the enclosed
copy of a letter from that officer to its address, dated 8th
instant, forwarding a medical certificate and requesting that he may be
permitted to proceed to Bangalore for the benefit of his health for the space
of six weeks, adding that his assistant, Mr Middlemass, is well qualified to
conduct the duties of the office during his absence.
The Committee have had
occasion, very recently, to bring under consideration of the Government the
very inefficient state of the Assay Office and the Government have animadverted
in terms of strong reprehension on its disreputable condition, and under these
facts the Committee doubt very much whether Mr Middlemass, the assistant who
has not been long in the office, will be able to extricate it from its present
difficulties. The Committee have a good opinion of Mr Middlemass but, in
justice to him and the public service, they will view with extreme regret if
the bonus of the assaying the bullion in the mint, now under active operation
of coinage, devolves on him at this time. There are no less than about twenty
five lacs of gold and silver in process of coinage and every melting needs the
corresponding duty of the Assay Master to determine its value. The Assay duties
are of the most delicate kind. The Assay Master has to make his own nitric acid
on his own responsibility, with which to assay the gold, and if it is not
prepared with the utmost nicety as to specific gravity, it will lead to false
results, and the reports founded thereon, when furnished to the Mint Master,
will produce a bad currency, if too fine, to the loss of Government and if too
coarse, to the loss of the public, in either way to the discredit of the
Government and detrimental to the public credit. Mr Bannister has possessed
high qualifications in the preparation of acid and in the duties of assaying
the precious metals and the present is the period when the duties are, in
ordinary course, required of him. The Committee cannot therefore recommend to
the Government, without urgent necessity, that he should be permitted to quit
his post and leave it and the public service, to a young assistant. If ever
there was a time when the Assay Master was especially required to continue at
his duty, it is the present.
The Committee have been
informed by the Assay Master that the acid prepared in the time of his
predecessor, Doctor Aitken, was nearly exhausted and he was about to replenish
the stores by manufacturing more, but whether he has done this or not, or
whether it is of the same specific gravity of the acid manufactured by the
preceding Assay Masters, Doctor Aitken and Mr Ryder, the Committee have no
report. It is quite clear that if it is not, the assays that may be undertaken
by Mr Middlemass with defective acid, will lead to erroneous assays and to all
the discreditable consequences above adverted to and in respect to the assaying
of silver as well as the gold. The preparation of the assay furnaces and their
temperature, can only be determined by practical knowledge and science. The
Committee have received no information as to the state of the furnaces in the
assay office.
Nothing less therefore than
an urgent case of illness justify the committee in recommending that Mr
Bannister should leave the assay office at the present emergent moment, because
they feel that all the responsibility of the office ought to fall on him under
its existing state, and that if he possesses the qualifications needful for
conducting the duties, all the merit or demerit at this juncture belongs to him
entirely. During the next six weeks the coinage should be essentially carried
forward and the public service requires that the Assay Master should be at his
post. As regards himself individually, I am directed to refer the Government to
the medical certificate, from which it appears that he is merely “in a delicate
state of health”. Whether or not this delicate state will admit of his
continuing at this duty for the present, the Committee have no professional
knowledge. They observe that the certificate does not state that his “immediate”
departure is necessary, but with reference to the state of his office and the
exigency of the service as requiring his presence, and present responsibility,
they would beg leave respectfully to recommend that the Government may (if they
should deem it necessary) take effectual means to ascertain whether the Assay
Master can continue his duty at the present period without material injury to
his health and, if his condition will not be endangered by the Government not
permitting him to relinquish his responsibility at this particular period, the
Committee would strongly recommend that he should be ordered to remain.
Mr Bannister was not
permitted to go on sick leave.
P/330/82. p. 865
From the mint master
(Stonehouse) to the mint committee, dated 20th June 1833
The letter contains a
proposed revised mint establishment which was accepted by the mint committee
and Madras Government
|
|
|
Designation |
Name |
|
|
Mint Office |
1 |
Head Accountant and Manager |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Deputy Accountant |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Book Keeper |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Fair Writer |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Conicopoly |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Head Peon |
|
|
|
|
7 |
Peons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
1 |
Moochee |
|
|
|
Mint Treasury 7 Bullion Room |
1 |
Bullion Keeper |
|
|
|
1 |
Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Shroff |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Conicoply |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Weighing Man |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Assorter |
|
|
|
Minting Room |
1 |
Superintendent of SilverMelting & Refining Room |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Shroff |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Head Maistry |
|
|
|
Gold & Silver Refining Rooms |
1 |
Head Refiner |
|
|
|
1 |
Head Maistry |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Purmar Maistry |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Coolies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Laminating Room |
1 |
Superintendent |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Conicopolly |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Head Mill Maistry |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Laminating Maistry |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Laminators |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
2 |
Feeder Boys |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
1 |
Adjusting Maistry |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Assorts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
1 |
Adjuster |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Ditto |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
1 |
Maistry Bullock Driver |
|
|
|
|
3 |
Bullock Drivers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Milling, Cleaning & Stamping Room |
1 |
Superintendent |
|
|
|
1 |
Conicopolly |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Feeder Boys |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Die Cutting & Artificers Room |
1 |
Head Die Cutter & Supt of Artificers |
|
|
|
1 |
Die Puncher |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Punch Maker |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Die Cutter |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Moonshy |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Filer |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Chickledar & Punch Polisher |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Die Stamper |
|
|
|
Artificers |
1 |
Milling Punch & Die Cutter |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Stamping Die Cutter & Spring Plate maker |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Turner |
|
|
|
|
1 |
File Cutter |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Blacksmith |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Carpenter |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Head Brazier |
Rasappen |
|
|
Store Room |
1 |
Superintendent |
Sooboo Chitty |
|
|
|
1 |
Assistant ditto |
Soobraron |
|
|
Mint Gate |
1 |
Head Superintendent & Keeper of the Contingent
Account |
C. Ramasamy (Norwoa?) |
|
|
|
4 |
Gollahs |
Cundappen |
|
|
|
Gooroovarazoo |
|
||
|
|
Vencarjin |
|
||
|
|
Banboo |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P/330/83. p. 934
From the acting mint master
(George Birde) to Madras Government, dated 9th August 1833
I have the honor to inform
you that I have this day taken charge of the mint
P/330/83. p. 951
Acting mint master (Birde)
to Madras Government, Dated 20th August 1833
Asks what his salary should
be
P/330/83. p. 957
Letters concerning the cost
of grain and straw. The contractor supplying these asks for an increase, which
is granted (for straw but not grain). August 1833.
P/330/83. p. 961
From the civil auditor to
Madras Government, dated 22nd August 1833
Recommends the mint master’s
salary should be Rs 1,400 per month.
P/330/83. p. 985
Mr Bannister (Assay Master)
again asks for leave of absence due to sickness. This will only be allowed if he
must leave immediately due to the illness.
P/330/83. p. 989
Resolution dated 3rd
September 1832
Resolved that the Acting
Mint Master be authorised to supply himself with copper equal to a coinage of
about twelve or fifteen thousand rupees by purchase or otherwise, and turn the
same into coin in communication with the Accountant General
P/330/83. p. 996
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 6th September 1833
With reference to your
Secretaries letter of the 2nd instant, I am directed to transmit for
your information, the accompanying copy of correspondence with the Medical
Board and to state that the Right Honorable the Governor in Council has been
pleased to permit surgeon Bannister, Assay Master, to proceed to sea on sick
certificate with leave of absence of 18 months.
P/330/83. p.
1007-1036
Very long letters from the
mint committee and Mr Bannister about whether or not he was responsible for the
frauds committed during his tenure. The mint committee believe he was but he
does not agree.
P/330/83. p. 1328-32
From the assistant assay
master (W Middlemass) to the mint committee, dated 9th November 1833
Asks to be allowed to draw
the salary of the assay master (Bannister) since he has been doing his work since
he was removed on medical grounds. This is allowed
z/p/2087 (1834)
P/330/85 p. 5
From Madras Government to
the mint committee, dated 3rd January 1834
Adverting to the approaching
departure for Europe of your secretary, I am directed by the Right Honorable
the Governor in Council to transmit to you the annexed extract of a report of
the Bengal Finance Committee, dated 5th May 1830, and to request a
communication of your sentiments as to the expedience of adopting the
arrangements therein proposed.
If the duties which have
heretofore been performed by your Secretary can hereafter be discharged by one
of your members, it would be satisfactory to Government to be able to dispense
with the office altogether and thereby effect the saving which the Finance Committee
contemplated from the junction of the office with that of Assay Master.
Extract of a report from the
Bengal Finance Committee, dated 5th May 1830
We would also recommend that
the duty of Secretary to the Mint Committee should be discharged, as at this
Presidency, by the Assay Master, which would produce a saving of Rupees 3,300
per annum.
P/330/85 Feb
p54
From Madras Government to
A.R. Stevenson, dated 4th February 1834
I am directed to acquaint
you that the Right Honorable the Governor in Council has been pleased to
appoint you to act as Mint Master.
P/330/85 p. 158, 171
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 26th February 1834
We have to honor to forward,
to be laid before Government, an original letter from Lieutenant Braddock to the
Acting Mint Master reporting his inspection of the mint machinery, to which
duty the Right Honorable the Governor in Council was pleased to appoint him.
It will be seen from
Lieutenant Braddock’s report that the laminating mills are in bad condition, the
number of blanks which are wrong being ninety per cent and that best way of
amending this result would be by erecting a new laminating mill, to correct the
defects of the straps from the present mills, whereby fifty percent correct
blanks more than at present, would be turned out correct and the process of
filing and pinning blanks would be proportionately decreased. That process is
altogether extremely objectionable, and in the opinion of the Committee, the
machinery should be so far improved as to render it unnecessary.
Lieutenant Braddock has also
reported that the cutting out and milling implements are susceptible of
improvement, as well as the coining department.
Previous to submitting
Lieutenant Braddock’s report for the consideration of Government, we deemed it
proper that an estimate of the expenses contemplated by it should be framed
which, and the preparation of a plan of the improvements, have occupied much
time. But, as it now occurs to the Committee that considerable advantage would
result if Lieutenant Braddock were permitted to observe the principles on which
the Calcutta int Machinery has been erected, we would beg leave to recommend,
before submitting any estimate and Plan, that that officer should be sent to
Calcutta for the purpose of gaining every information in his power by personal
inspection of the Calcutta Mint, n all its branches, and communication with the
mint officers at that Presidency and should this measure be approved by
Government, we would further recommend that Lieutenant Braddock be authorized
to obtain every information that may be useful to his mission relative to the
practices and processes of the Madras Mint in all its departments.
Resolved that Lieutenant
Braddock be permitted to proceed to Calcutta for the object stated in the
forgoing letter and be authorized to obtain any information from the mint at
Madras which may assist his mission
The Marine Board will be
directed to provide a passage to Calcutta for Lieutenant Braddock and the
Supreme Government will be requested to place him in communication with the
proper officers of the Calcutta Mint.
P/330/85 p. 179
From the acting mint master
to Madras Government, dated 4th March 1834
I have the honor to request
that you will be good enough to obtain information from the Honorable the
Governor in Council as to the amount of salary I may be permitted to draw while
holding the situation of Acting Mint Master.
To Stevenson to Madras
Government, dated 7th March 1834
I am directed to acknowledge
receipt of your letter of the 4th instant and to acquaint you that
the Governor in Council has been pleased to allow you a salary of (1400) One
Thousand & Four Hundred Rupees per mensum during the period which you may
act as Mint Master.
P/330/85 p. 182
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 17th January 1834
In reply to the request that
they consider combining the office of secretary with an existing member of the
committee they start by stating that it would be inappropriate for the office
of secretary to be combined with that of Assay Master. They then go on to
outline the role of the secretary for pages and pages. This was accepted by the
Governor and Lieutenant Braddock was appointed secretary.
P/330/85 p. 387, 390
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 2nd July 1834
Request permission to buy 18
pairs of bullocks at no more than Rupees 1,575. This is granted
P/330/85 p. 470-1
From the mint committee to
Madras Government, dated 30th July 1834
I am directed by the Mint
Committee to forward herewith for the sanction of the Government, a bill
amounting to Rs 27-8-0 incurred in fixing up an apparatus for tempering dies,
introduced at the Madras mint by Mr Stonehouse.
The usual method of
tempering dies is by heating them red-hot and plunging them into cold water,
whereby the whole body of the die becomes equally hardened. But by the process
introduced by Mr Stonehouse, a jet of water descending from a height of 15 or
20 feet is made to act on the face of the die only, whereby a superior degree
of hardness is produced where superior hardness is of benefit. And the
consequence is that a very considerable saving in expenditure of dies has been
effected. By the old process, one die struck on average 1378 pieces. By the new
process, one die strikes 1735 pieces. The saving is equivalent to about 25
percent.
This was approved.
P/330/85 p. 488-9
From A F Bruce to Madras
Government, dated 9th August 1834
I have the honor to inform
you that I have this day taken charge of the mint.
P/330/85 p. 502
From the Mint Committee to
Madras Government, dated 13th August 1834
I am directed by the Mint
Committee to forward herewith copy of a letter received from the Acting Mint
Master dated the 5th May last, recommending that Nanapregasum, one
of the mint servants, be brought on the fixed establishment, on a consolidated
salary of 80 rupees per month.
It would appear that
Nanapregasum is now in receipt of 35 rupees per month from the fixed
establishment as a die Punch maker, and of 35 rupees per month from the
contingent Establishment, as the superintendent of the iron foundry, making
together 70 rupees per month.
Besides these duties he is
also employed in manufacturing sulphuric and nitric acids, for which he has
hitherto received no remuneration. The Acting Mint Master recommends that he
receives 30 rupees per month for the time that he may have been employed on
this duty.
It would appear that while
Mr Bannister was Mint Master’s Assayer, the iron foundry and making of acids
were under his immediate superintendence, but since that Gentleman’s connection
with the mint ceased, these duties have devolved on Nanpregasum, who has
conducted them with efficiency and success.
The int Committee,
considering his services to be valuable in those departments, beg to recommend
agreeable to the suggestions of the Acting Mint Master, that he be allowed 30
rupees per month for superintending the manufacture of the acids from the 8th
May 1833 to the 31st July 1834 and that he receive a consolidated
pay of 80 rupees per month from the 1st instant, to secure his
future services.
This was agreed.
P/330/86 p. 656-7
Board’s Resolution dated 9th
September 1834
The Governor in Council is
pleased to sanction the bill of the Acting Mint Master received from the Mint
Committee for eighteen pairs of Northward Bullocks purchased for the use of the
mint at (85˝) eighty five and a half
rupees per pair…
P/330/86 p. 813
From the acting mint master
(AJ Bruce) to Government, dated 18th August 1834
Asks what his salary should
be.
P/330/86 p. 834, 838
From mint master (Bruce) to
mint committee, dated 30th September 1834
Asks for the temporary
assistance of 2 additional writers because the coinage has been so great in
1833/34. He give comparative figures from previous years:
Gold and silver coinage
remitted to the General Treasury
1830/31 2,863,014
1831/32 8,000
1832/33 2,555,400
1833/34 8,270,300
He was allowed to employ the
extra writers
P/330/86 p. 935-953
Series of letters dated, November
1835, concerning the theft of silver from the mint and the inadequacy of the
guard at the mint. Goes into great detail about how the theft was effected.
P/330/86 p. 997-1001
December 1834. The person
responsible for the theft had been arrested and the silver recovered.