Catalogue Entry: MINT00647
Response to a memorandum from Nicholson and Briggs
Contents
Newton refused to accept blanks from them or to supply them with a cutter because he had no warrant to do so: they would have employed their time better in applying for warrants than in trying to persuade Newton to act without any. If they have lost money by preparing for a trial they were never invited to make, it is their own fault. Admits there are certain irregularities and deficiencies in the coins now being produced but claims that this is inevitable and details the steps being taken to remedy such errors. Considering that he has 'brought the sizing of the gold & silver moneys to a much greater degree of exactness then ever was known before & thereby saved some thousands of pounds to the government', besides introducing a far superior technique of assaying copper, he can hardly be discredited for a few minor errors which in any case do not exceed the permitted remedy.
Notes
Rough holograph draft followed by two variant draft paragraphs.
