Angelo Secchi has found the second head of Biela's comet. Gives the elements of J. R. Hind's last planet (Fortuna).
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Angelo Secchi has found the second head of Biela's comet. Gives the elements of J. R. Hind's last planet (Fortuna).
Would like to visit the Mint with his family.
Grateful for HH's advice on dealing with Mr. Cumberland. JH spoke to [W. H. Barton] about Cumberland's claim to seniority over R. F. Suft. Encloses letter from Bank of England that indicates extraordinary work for Mint in near future. Recent production of coins. Suggests stronger series of checks on piecework of all men and officers at Mint.
Housing accommodations for Mint officers.
Transfer of refinery from Mint to Anthony de Rothschild is delayed by failure to determine value of platinum vessels. Bank of England's demand for silver coins and half sovereigns is becoming urgent. Questions organization of new Weighing room. Staff of Mint clerks must be increased during intense coining activity. Effectiveness of weighing machine.
Questions about investments.
Payment from insurance office. Thanks for advice on India bonds. JH's investments.
Personal finances. Needs information on East India Company investment.
Demand for silver coins by Commissariat department [in Malta] must wait until Mint has met demand by Bank [of England]. Address all official letters to C. E. Trevelyan, even if responding to letters signed by GA.
[Marked 'Private.'] Governor of Bank [of England] is in 'great fuss' about not receiving silver coins. What is Mint doing? Suspects some 'nonsense' behind this urgent demand for silver. In C. E. Trevelyan's absence, GA will not act precipitously.
[Marked 'Private.'] Ordered Commissariat officer in Malta to send home £51,000 of silver coin for use by Mint in meeting demand of Bank [of England] for coins to export. Wishes government would take steps to reduce export of silver. Concern over public reaction to reducing silver content of coins.
Considers Thomson Hankey's note ridiculous; pressure by Bank of England for more silver coinage is unnecessary. Reassignment of Mint residences to Mint officers. Discourages plan to extend piece work wages to include Mint officers.
Procedures for evaluating refinery leased to Anthony de Rothschild. Problem of accurately weighing small coins. Size of permanent staff in Mint office should be determined by ordinary work, not by times of pressure. Consider borrowing temporary clerks from other government offices. Returns draft of JH's letter to Rothschild.
Wages for a weighing room assistant. There is no extra copy of Coinage Act. Believes Treasury would approve of bonus for delivery of more silver or gold than planned.
Recalls meeting JH in 1840, introduced by R. C. Stewart of Bombay. Saw JH's letter on artificial production of ice in Year-Book of Facts for 1851 (p. 157). Describes WM's unsuccessful experiments with commercial powders in tropical climate. Asks for information about portable air compressors. Local surgeon, Dr. Porteus, whom JH met at Cape of Good Hope, asks to be remembered to JH's family.
Cannot accede to the request for a visit to the Mint at this time. JH thanks for the cards of exchange rates with other currencies, and offers a suggestion for an improvement in them.
Cannot introduce a Mr. Grant to overly 'pressed' Mint assayers. Will help Grant as far as possible, but returns 'excellent' testimonials, having no part in 'manning' possible Australian mint.
Is seeking clarification about some papers GA sent to JH.
Offers some explanations for the reports in the papers [see JH's 1852-9-6] of seeing strange objects in the heavens; GA calls it 'hemiplegia.'
Sends parallax measurements for Alpha Centauri.