Waiting for official assay report is creating delay that gives bad appearance at Mint. HH suspects that someone is creating distrust of Mint's assaying arrangements. Proposes to begin work without reports.

Mint is 'striking shillings fast.'

Complains that H. W. Field seems to have forgotten that, as officer in new Mint, Field should be available whenever required.

Runs daily Mint business so JH can turn attention to the Exhibition papers. Will propose to William Buckle that books in Coining department be incorporated into general records of Mint.

Forwards letters from Robert Mushet and Mr. Hill. Suspended Mr. Fowler, lamplighter, for drunkenness; another gas man who neglected his duty was referred to Mr. [Louis?]. Gave JH's papers and gas company's report to W. T. Brande, who will report on future gas supplies for Mint. Reports accuracy of 27 melting pots. [JH annotation: Recommends getting rid of gas production facility. Response to report on melting pots.]

Bank of England wants more gold coined. If JH can obtain discretionary form requested in JH's 13 Oct. letter to Treasury, then coining can begin next week.

JH is needed for tomorrow's meeting with Mr. [Hooter] regarding wrought iron melting pots.

Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] agreed to police arrangements at Mint. Asked Sir R. [Manque?] to state when he 'will receive the gates.' Treasury did not approve Bank of England's request. Reviews procedure by which Commissariat department obtains money from Mint through Bank of England. [JH annotation: There was no time to count money before it was sent to Commissariat.]

Forwards books for JH.

Forwards two letters, one from Thomson Hankey.

Received letter from Robert Mushet regarding Mushet's securities. Advises JH to consult George Maule.

Passage in Report of Mint Commission referred to by Robert Mushet, regarding securities for Mint officials, does not pertain to Mushet. Details of Mushet's appointment as senior clerk and melter. Thanks for extract from [Michel] Chevalier's book. Cost of [mercury] constitutes 18 percent of expense for reducing ore.

Thanks JH for book. Asks approval for HH's letter about medals drafted to Leonard Wyon.

Will go to the Treasury as requested by JH. Sees nothing in letters from Benedetto Pistrucci or W. R. Hamilton that justifies JH's reconsidering this case. Leonard Wyon requested copy of Treasury letter that changed arrangements for Engraving department.

Asks JH to sign enclosed letter concerning estimate called for by Treasury. Needs decision from Benedetto Pistrucci in order to pay Pistrucci this month. Will send copy of Treasury letter to G. F. G. Mathison.

Fears Hearn's first letter (13 Sept. 1851) to JH was lost. Anxiously asks again for testimonial from JH to governor at Sandhurst on behalf of Hearn's son, who 'gets daily worse.'

Requests permission for Mr. Knoblauch and five friends to inspect Mint.

JH was elected member of Literary Society last night. Identifies other members. Invites JH and wife to dinner next Saturday.

Asks JH to pay brief call at RI's home on way to London.

JH should speak privately to Archbishop [J. B. Sumner] on behalf of G. R. Waterhouse. Richard Owen's supporters are strong, but as governor of British Museum, [Sumner] is obliged to speak favorably for staff members who expect promotion. Will tell [Sumner] that Waterhouse is JH's relative.