The portrait of Henry William Desaussure, now in the cabinet, was painted by Samuel Du Bois, from a daguerreotype taken from a family picture. This Director was distinguished for his legal ability, as well as his strict integrity. He entered upon his duties with a protest, as he claimed no knowledge of the requirements of the position, having long been a practicing lawyer; but he was reassured by Alex. Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury, and proved himself a fine officer for the short term of his service. He was appointed by Washington, July 8, 1795, but resigned in the following October. Washington not only expressed regret at losing so valuable an officer, but consulted him as to the selection of a successor. ELIAS BOUDINOT, THIRD DIRECTOR OF THE MINT, was appointed October 28, 1795, and remained in office eleven years. In the summer and autumn of 1797 and the two following years, and also of 1802 and 1803, the Mint was closed on account of the ravages of the yellow fever. Mr. Boudinot resigned in 1805, and devoted the remainder of his life to benevolent and literary pursuits. He died on the 24th of October, 1821, at the advanced age of eighty-two. The fine portrait of this venerable Director seen in the Cabinet was presented by a relative, and is a good copy of a painting by Waldo and Jewett. ROBERT PATTERSON, LL.D., FOURTH DIRECTOR OF THE MINT, was appointed by President Jefferson, January 17, 1806. He was a native of Ireland, distinguished for his acquirements and ability. He held the office of Director for an exceptionally long term of service. His portrait, which hangs in the Cabinet, is a copy of a fine original by Rembrandt Peale. SAMUEL MOORE, M. D., FIFTH DIRECTOR OF THE MINT, was appointed by President James Monroe, July 15, 1824. He was a native of New Jersey, and the son of a distinguished Revolutionary officer. He was one of the first graduates of the Penn University, in 1791, and was afterwards a tutor in that institution. During his directorship the Mint was removed to the present building. His portrait was painted from life by B. Samuel Du Bois, now in the Cabinet. ROBERT MASKELL PATTERSON, M. D., SIXTH DIRECTOR OF THE MINT, son of a former Director, was appointed by President Andrew Jackson, May 26, 1835. His term of office was marked by an entire revolution in the coinage, and the ready acceptance of those improvements which followed so rapidly upon the introduction of steam. Dr. Patterson possessed the advantage of foreign travel; and having become familiar with the discoveries which had been adopted in the French Mint, he inaugurated and perfected them, also introducing improvements, which are still in use, in the machinery of the Mint. His portrait is in the Cabinet. GEORGE N. ECKERT, M. D., SEVENTH DIRECTOR OF THE MINT, was appointed by President Fillmore, July 1, 1851. He served nearly two years, and, resigning, was followed by THOMAS M. PETTIT, EIGHTH DIRECTOR OF THE MINT,