Thinks the climate of this country is unsuitable for good observations and is thinking of setting up his telescope in Malta. What does JH think of this idea? Can JH provide an introduction to the Governor of Malta.
Bookseller at Stuttgart has requested JL to make a translation of JH's Outlines Astr. Would like JH's views on the matter.
Is willing to assist in obtaining letters of introduction for WL's projected trip to Malta.
Is grateful for JH's letter to the Admiralty recommending a transit circle for the Cape. Comments on a suitable room for it in the Observatory. Has just had a peep at Encke's comet. Still trouble with the Kaffirs. Will be pleased to see Willy [Herschel] when he passes that way.
Private. If JH did try to pay Benedetto Pistrucci as 'Chief Medallist,' Audit office would refuse to approve it, because that position no longer exists at Mint. No one opened walls of Pistrucci's studio for repairs; workmen simply requested permission to examine them to see if repairs were needed. Pistrucci was never denied access to dies for Waterloo Medal; he asked once for them when keys were not available and never came back.
Private. Benedetto Pistrucci appealed to Lord Derby [E. G. G. S. Stanley]. If consulted, JH will recommend that former distinctions within Engraving department be abolished. If Pistrucci insists on using his former title, he may no longer do so as an officer of the Mint. Will approve pension if Pistrucci chooses to retire.
Informs BP that the Treasury has approved his pension request. JH declines to mention BP's refusal to accept a salary from the Treasury, a statement made in haste.
Enclosed items just arrived from Francis Beaufort. [Richard?] Jones is in good health.
Clarifies BP's 24 Jan. request for pension. Prefers to remain active with current salary and title. If required to leave Mint, BP will continue to execute dies for free, if compensated for loss of BP's home and studio. History of BP's contract with Mint.
Sent Treasury's retirement form to Benedetto Pistrucci, who returned it blank. Encloses copy of Pistrucci's reply.
Meeting of Cambridge University Commissioners for 6 Apr. is postponed to 20 Apr.
Cambridge University Commissioners will meet on 11 May.
Copy of Mr. Stewart's note to JH was sent to Baldwin Walker, surveyor of Navy, to evaluate new 'stopper' it recommended. Returns original to JH.
Asks JH questions about a paper on the dispersion of light from beyond the visible violet end of spectrum.
Requests permission to visit Mint as personal favor to TC, whose father knew JH's father personally.
Gratitude for JH's permission for TC to visit Mint.
Asks JH to grant permission for WH's son and friends to tour Mint. Hopes business with Benedetto Pistrucci will be settled soon. [JH annotation: JH also wants Pistrucci business settled, but latest developments lead JH to expect anything but a satisfactory conclusion.]
Suggests that JH authorize special payment from Audit office to Benedetto Pistrucci. If JH will not come to Pistrucci's relief, then WH will assist Pistrucci. Is JH trying to reduce Pistrucci into submission?
Delay in resolving matter with Benedetto Pistrucci is not JH's fault. JH will not dignify WH's last question with a response [see WH's 1852-4-20].
Benedetto Pistrucci reports that JH refuses to pay Pistrucci. Admonishes JH to treat Pistrucci kindly and prevent Pistrucci from having to beg for a living. Pistrucci also worries that new construction in Weighing Room at Mint will ruin Pistrucci's furnaces and prevent completion of Waterloo Medal. WH criticizes latest changes in Mint policies as injurious to great artists like Pistrucci for the sake of 'free Trade.'