The first Director of the Mint under this new law, was the Hon. Henry R. Linderman. The title of the chief officer at Philadelphia being changed to Superintendent—the first incumbent with that title was the Hon. James Pollock.
Biographical notices of these officers will be found in their appropriate place in this volume.
DIRECTORS OF THE MINT.
DAVID RITTENHOUSE,
First Director of the Mint.
Entering the Cabinet, the portraits of the different Directors attract attention. That of David Rittenhouse is the copy of a painting by Charles Willson Peale. Mr. Rittenhouse was appointed by Washington, April 14, 1792, and remained in charge of the Mint until June, 1795, when his declining health compelled him to resign.
At an early age he indicated mechanical talent of a high order in the construction of a clock, and his studies from that time were principally mathematical. His genius soon attracted attention, and he was appointed by the colonial governor a surveyor, and in that capacity determined the famous Mason and Dixon line. He succeeded Benjamin Franklin as President of the American Philosophical Society. Mr. Barber, late Engraver of the Mint, executed a bronze medal of Dr. Rittenhouse. Possibly, excepting Duvivier’s head of Washington after Houdon, it cannot be surpassed in the Cabinet. The engraver had a very fine subject, and treated it in the highest style of art. On the obverse is “David Rittenhouse,” with date of birth and death. On the reverse, inscription, “He belonged to the whole human race.”—“Wm. Barber.” This beautiful memento is highly prized.
HENRY WILLIAM DESAUSSURE,
Second Director of the Mint.
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.