Forwards report by Mint Board evaluating claims from company of Moneyers to compensation for equipment taken over by Mint during reform. Mr. Richards has evaluated Moneyers' equipment, and JH submits recommended compensation for various articles.

Describes observing solar eclipse at Marienburg in eastern Prussia. Gives advice about whom to see for photography training [see 1851-7-27].

Unable to vacate Assay Office and HB's residence by dates that JH set. Requires extension. Still has not seen terms, in writing, of HB's retirement from Mint.

What steps has JH taken regarding [HB's claim for compensation] for HB's son?

Moneyers failed to fulfill conditions of apprenticeship for WB's son [F. R. Brande], yet they refuse to refund £1,000 apprenticeship fee that WB paid them five years ago. Asks advice from JH, who is member of committee that awarded compensation to WB's son.

Awaits assay report from W. A. Miller. [F. R.] Brande is absent again when most needed [during transition to new Mint system]. George Arbuthnot sent list of coins needed for colonies. HH's daughter returns German book lent by JH.

Regrets JH's poor health. Forwards message from Henry Rich at Treasury. Official appointment of [C. B. Piers] arrived. Letter from [W. G.] Hayter named Mr. Aberdein as new clerk in Mint office.

Sent JH's note to G. F. G. Mathison today. Leaving for Woods and Forests office to expedite this matter. Describes where HH put keys to coin cases for JH's sons, who will probably arrive while HH is away.

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.'

Grieved by delay in leasing of refinery. GM completed inventory of refinery seven weeks ago and needs to leave for Germany soon. Urges JH to finalize lease.

Pleased that JH returns to health.

Believes it might be possible to remain at Bishopsgate and commute to London instead of moving to the Mint. Discusses a medal commemorating the coronation of Queen Victoria.

BP states problems concerning his office, salary, residence, and pension.

Sends final version of report on Henry Bingley's position at Mint. Awaits decision from Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood]. Would like to have Bingley's approval of the report, but believes that Chancellor should see it first.

Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] rejects proposal to allow Henry Bingley an annual salary of £750. Bingley must accept salary offered by Treasury.

Asked Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] to answer JH's letter regarding two apprentices. Thanks for gift of third coin struck under new Mint system. Congratulates JH and H. D. Harness for successful reform.

Large amounts of gold are arriving from U.S., but Bank of England has little. Is gold accumulating at Royal Mint, or is it passing on to France?

Thanks for explaining disposition of gold belonging to Bank of England but stored at Mint. Suspected that importers of U.S. gold were not selling it to Bank but were privately coining it themselves.

Received specimen coin from JH. It is as good as anything produced by Moneyers.