The five-franc peces of France, if not less than 900 thousandths fine, and 384 grains in weight, are made current at 93 cents. They continue to maintain this average to the year 1852, which is the latest date assayed here. It is to be noted that the foregoing valuations of silver coin are based upon the legal rate of the United States, as fixed by the act of 1837. Under the act of March, 1853, the mint has been and is now paying a premium upon these rates to procure silver for coinage; consequently, the laws making them current may be considered nugatory and obsolete. The same remark, for other but obvious reasons, may be applied to all the gold coins mentioned in this report, except those of Great Britain and France. I embrace this opportunity to suggest that there is no longer any propriety or necessity for legalizing the circulation of the coins of other countries. In no other nation, except in the case of some colonies, is this mixture of currencies admitted by law, either on the score of cour tesy or convenience. When these laws as to foreign coins were passed our coinage was inconsiderable, but during the last few years the pieces struck, in number and value, it is believed, is scarcely inferior to that of any other country. The last year more than seventy-six millions of pieces were struck, of the value of upwards of sixty-four millions of dollars. If this suggestion is approved, and the laws which legalize foreign coins be repealed, it would be proper, by a standing regulation of the Treasury Department, or by legislative enactment, to require an annual assay report upon the weight and fineness of such foreign coins as frequently reach our shores, with a view to settle and determine their marketable value. Such a report would be a judicious substitute for the one now presented. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your faithful servant, JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN, Hon. JAMES GUTHRIE, Secretary of the Treasury. Director. Papers in reference to the propriety of purchasing the Boarding Station at the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi river. MARCH 2, 1854.-Ordered to be printed. TREASURY DEPARTMENT, SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the consideration of Congress, the enclosed copy of a letter from the collector of the customs at New Orleans, Louisiana, recommending the purchase of the ground and buildings constituting the boarding station at the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi river, and submitting the proposition of the owner to sell the same to the government for the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars, ($3,500.) A copy of the proposition of the owner, G. M. Bowditch, esq., is also enclosed, together with a copy of a letter from the Hon. John Slidell, on the subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. LINN BOYD, JAMES GUTHRIE, Secretary of the Treasury. Speaker of the House of Representatives. COLLECTOR'S OFFICE, NEW ORLEANS, SIR: Mr. Bowditch, the proprietor of the ground and buildings constituting the boarding station at the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi, offers to dispose of his ownership to the United States for $3,500, as will be seen from the enclosed letter. I understand, from reliable information, that the buildings are in good repair, substantial, and fully adequate to the requirements of the service; that the land, which is elevated above the surrounding marsh by artificial means, is the only habitable spot in that vicinity; and that the price asked is quite moderate and reasonable. As the government contemplates purchasing the site of a light-house and boarding station at Pass à l'Outre, I would most respectfully recommend that the offer of Mr. Bowditch should be accepted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. JAMES GUTHRIE, Secretary of the Treasury. SOLOMON W. DOWNS, Collector. SOUTHWEST PASS, December 30, 1953. SIR: Having been informed that the United States were about to erect buildings for the accommodation of the boarding officer at Pass à l'Outre, and presuming that they will pursue the same course at this pass, I most respectfully offer for sale my property, which is at present the boarding station for all vessels coming into this, the principal pass of the Mississippi river. The title to the land is indisputable, and the buildings, sheds, &c., are built of the best materials, on the bayou known as Scott's bayou-as follows, viz: One dwelling-house, 40 feet by 30 feet; One kitchen, 25 feet by 16 feet; One boatmen's house, 25 feet 8 inches by 30 feet 8 inches; One boat-shed with red cedar posts, 50 feet by 32 feet; One wharf, red cedar posts, 170 feet in length; One look-out, 40 feet high; One large shed, hog-pen, hen-house, one cistern, seven water-casks, privies, &c., with twenty acres of land,-for the sum of $3,500. A short wharf could be built in front of this land extending into deep water, and a United States coal depot established, which is much wanted by the government. This depot would be under the eye of the boarding officer, and consequently there would be no rent to pay, nor person to look after it. As I have mentioned the $3,500, I should be perfectly willing to have it appraised by such persons as you may think proper to appoint for that purpose. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, Hon. SOLOMON W. DOWNS, Collector of the Customs, &c. WASHINGTON, February 18, 1854. SIR: Mr. George B. Bowditch, a long resident and most respectable citizen of New Orleans, desires to have the honor of an interview with you on the subject of the purchase of a property belonging to his brother, and occupied as a boarding station for vessels entering the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi. The purchase is strongly recommended by the collector. I have no knowledge of the value of the property, but can speak with confidence of the judiciousness of the location and the absolute necessity of having some building appropriated to the use of the boarding officer on that station. Assuming Mr. Downs's opinion of the value to be correct, I think the purchase a desirable one for the government. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN SLIDELL. Hon. JAMES GUTHRIE, Secretary of the Treasury. |