Letter Addressed to: Senator John Sherman, Washington D.C. Dated: Troy, Ohio 29 Mar 1889 From: William J. Meredith, Troy, Ohio

Note #1: William J. Meredith (b.1843), author of the letter, is son of John Luff Meredith, and grandson of Norval D. Meredith (1795-1839).

Note #2: Cousin of William J. Meredith, William Morton Meredith (1835-1917), was the son of Samuel C. Meredith and great-grandson of John Wheeler Meredith. He received this position and was appointed Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington D.C. at an annual salary of $4500. In 1891 he assigned "the first colored young lady, Miss Frances Flood, to press, in the face of great opposition and indignation on the part of certain persons."

A political move in 1893 forced him to resign, but he regained this position and was re-appointed after hundreds of letters and recommendations were received by the President and Secretary of the Treasury. He became the only director to serve two terms that were not consecutive.

Copy of letter generously contributed by Margaret (Meredith) Arrington, granddaughter of William M. Meredith.

Email Patricia

I would respectfully ask you and in so far as it may not conflict with your wishes and agreements for Cap't. W. M. Meredith of Chicago in his aspiration to become the Public Printer. He is envincably qualified for the position.

You may not remember me but I met you when in company with my father Jno L. Meredith - whom you knew as the cashier of the First Nat'l Bak of Troy.

I am Sir Ver Resp'y

• Designing and manufacturing United States currency;
• Designing and manufacturing many postage stamps, customs stamps and revenue stamps;
• Designing, engraving and printing Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and other U.S. securities;
• Designing, engraving and printing commissions, permits, and certificates of awards.

• Contrary to popular belief, the automobile pictured on the back of the $10 note is not a Model "T" Ford. It is merely a creation of the designer of the bill.
• Martha Washington is the only woman whose portrait has appeared on a U.S. currency note. It appeared on the face of the $1 Silver Certificate of 1886 and 1891, and the back of the $1 Silver Certificate of 1896.
• The motto "In God We Trust" was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. It first appeared on the 1864 two-cent coin, but in 1955 a law was passed stating that thereafter all new designs for coins and currency would bear that inscription.
• The $2 denomination first originated on June 25, 1776, when the Continental Congress authorized issuance of $2 denominations in "bills of credit for the defense of America."

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