SAMUEL MOORE, Director.
Up to 1836 the work at the Mint was done entirely by hand or horse power. In that year steam was introduced. At different periods during the years 1797, 1798, 1799, 1802, and 1803, the operations of the Mint were suspended on account of the prevalence of yellow fever.
“Bond of Indemnity or Agreement of Operatives to return to the service of the Mint.” Dated August, 1799.
“We, the subscribers, do hereby promise and engage to return to the service of the Mint as soon as the same shall be again opened, after the prevailing fever is over, on the penalty of twenty pounds.”
“As witness our hands this 31st day of August, 1799.
- “GEORGE WATT’N,
- JOHN COPE,
- LEWIS BITTING,
- GEO. BOEMING,
- JAMES ANDERSON,
- JOHN SCHREINER,
- JOHN BIRNBAUM,
- GEORGE MYERS,
- CHARLES BENJ. K——,
- GEORGE BAILY,
- JOHN MANN,
- (In German) JOHANNES ——,
- SAML. THOMPSON,
- MARTIN SUMMERS.”
The above are the signatures of the parties agreeing, written on old hand-made unruled foolscap paper.
This is part of the Mint records, which has been framed for convenience and protection. It hangs in the Cabinet.