In this inventory no mention was made of the building used by the coinage department, and which, no doubt, was the best and most important building then on the lots. The sizes of the lots given are inaccurate, and the idea evidently intended to be conveyed was that there was very little of value in buildings or equipment. In 1793 salaries of the mint employees were as follows: David Rittenhouse, director, $2,000 per annum Tristram Dalton, treasurer, 1,200 ” ” Henry Voight, coiner, 1,500 ” ” Isaac Hugh, clerk, 312 ” ” The regular coinage of copper began in 1793; silver in 1794, and gold in 1795. The following curious extracts are taken from the mint rules and regulations, dated January 1, 1825: “The allowance under the name of drink money is hereafter to be discontinued.” “The operations of the mint throughout the year are to commence at 5 o’clock in the morning.” “Christmas Day and the Fourth of July—and no other days—are established holidays at the mint.” “He (watchman) will keep in a proper arm chest, securely locked, a musket and bayonet, two pistols and a sword. The arms are to be kept in perfect order and to be inspected by an officer once a month, when the arms are to be discharged and charged anew. “The watchman of the mint must attend from 6 o’clock in the evening to 5 o’clock in the morning—and until relieved by the permission of an officer, or until the arrival of the doorkeeper. He will ring the yard bell precisely every hour by the mint clock from 10 o’clock until relieved by the doorkeeper, or an officer, or the workmen on working days, and will send the watch-dog through the yard immediately after ringing the bell.” The operations at the mint were suspended at different times because of yellow fever epidemics, and this, in connection with the scarcity of metal, and a fire at the mint and the use of coins for purely commercial purposes by coppersmiths, silversmiths and other tradesmen, accounts for the scarcity of certain coins made at “Ye Olde Mint,” under great disadvantages, when men and horses did the work now done by electricity. Copy of Letter Regarding Purchase of First U. S. Mint Lots. June 9, 1792. DEAR SIR: I am in sentiment with you and the Director of the Mint, respecting the purchase of the lots and houses which are offered for sale, in preference to renting—as the latter will certainly exceed the interest of the former. That all the applications may be brought to view, and considered for coining, &c., Mr. Lear will lay the letters and engravings before you, to be shewn to the Director of the Mint. I have no other object or wish in doing it, than to obtain the best. Yours, &c., Go. WASHINGTON. MR. JEFFERSON.