Reports assayers's analyses of Chinese imitations of Spanish coin sent to Treasury by John Bowring [governor of Hong Kong].
JH's opinion on feasibility of establishing new astronomical and meteorological observatory at Nottingham. Compares this climate to other English sites.
Requests Treasury commissioners' approval for increasing salary of C. W. Goodwin, fireman in Die department. Lists new orders for dies that have increased Goodwin's workload.
[Following Treasury commissioners' instructions given in [?]'s letter of 18 May 1854,] £3000 of New Brunswick copper coins are ready for delivery to Kay Rutherford & Co. in Liverpool, agents for colonial government.
Calls Treasury's attention to Mint employee Henry Godfrey, disabled by heart condition. JH sees no alternative but to dismiss Godfrey, but superannuation fund is not yet sufficient to support Godfrey. Asks permission to pay Godfrey £20 on dismissal.
Proposes new Mint position called Scalesman, to be filled by William Bradshaw, and to dismiss Bradshaw's present helper. Pay of lamplighter, Mr. Holland, is inadequate for services Holland renders in maintaining gas plumbing at Mint, formerly performed by Mr. [Love].
Requests permission to close Mint for three months to repair and replace machinery that has deteriorated under heavy workload of past two years. Plans to begin at end of this month. Please inform JH of any pending orders for coinage.
Two severe accidents recently at Mint. Charitable Fund covers only permanent employees. Asks permission to establish account with nearby hospital to cover temporary workers also.
Asks Treasury commissioners for permission to increase pay of workmen in melting rooms. Describes living and working expenses incurred by regular and by temporary employees.
Regrets trouble created by Benedetto Pistrucci's obnoxious refusal to accept new title as Mint's chief medallist. Asks [CT] to seek assistance from Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood].
Encloses form completed by G. F. G. Mathison, together with second submission of Mathison's memorial to Treasury and letter regarding Mathison's compensation.
Asks for reconsideration of £2000 security required of melter Robert Mushet, whose wages are 'very moderate.' Now that all workmen are under jurisdiction of Mint Police, JH believes that dishonesty is less likely and that securities should be reduced.
Recommends R. F. Suft to replace Charles Elouis as registrar and accountant in Mint office, and Charles Sterry to replace Suft as senior clerk. Seeks Treasury commissioners' approval for hiring properly qualified assistant to resident assayer, to replace Sterry.
Charles Elouis discovered errors in Mint accounts since 1837 that explain earlier discrepancies. JH requests authority from Treasury commissioners to adjust previous accounts to correct those errors.
Encloses letter, with JH's approval, from E. W. Ward at Sydney branch mint requesting authority to appoint W. S. Jevons and F. B. Miller as assayers, H. A. Severn and John MacCutcheon as clerks, two foremen of mechanics, and one engineer in Coining department.
Forwards to Treasury commissioners JH's correspondence with managers and directors of Bank of Ireland and Provincial Bank of Ireland regarding introduction of new copper coin. Requests authorization to proceed with distribution.
Reports total coinage from 1814 to 1853 and silver coinage from 1801 to 1815. Gives reasons why gold coins in circulation 'fall far short' of those minted. History of copper coinage since 1790.
Received [CT]'s letter of 9 Jan. 1854 conveying request of the Duke of Newcastle [H. P. F. P. Clinton] for artist to execute Crimean Medal, and Treasury commissioners' directive for JH to include cost of dies for medal in 1855 Mint expenses. JH feels obligated to employ Mint's own Medaller and Engraver, but will accept dies from another artist if Queen Victoria so desires.
Now that pressure for gold and silver coinage has abated, JH wants to eliminate some temporary clerks assigned to Mint. Mr. Watt and H. A. Severn were assigned to Sydney branch mint. [John] Goldsmith was appointed supernumerary clerk in Mint office. JH informed Mr. Welsh that Welsh's services will end soon.
Requests permission from Treasury to draw from Master's account at Bank [of England] to cover expenses that cannot be paid from depleted Exchequer account before 31 Mar., when Parliamentary grant for next fiscal year becomes available.