Requires that HH return. 'The storm is coming on thicker.' Danger of coining operations breaking down. Report of coin production from W. T. Brande.

Will attend R.S.L. council today to present B.A.A.S. request for £300 to support balloon ascents for meteorological research.

Has not received reply from Anthony de Rothschild. Foresees great demand soon for gold and silver. Gives W. T. Brande's estimate of maximum possible output by Mint.

Suggestions how to prepare for increasing public demand for silver. Mint workers began working 12-hour days on Monday.

Thanks for portrait of Louisa. Plans series of pictures of all JH's children. Margaret Brodie Herschel moved her mother [Mrs. Stewart] into new lodgings, but is now ill again. JH and London household are quarantined. No one may enter or leave. John Herschel [son of JH] is also ill, but under Mrs. Pritchard's care [at Clapham Grammar School]. Lists books and papers to be sent to JH.

Arranges to meet [?] at JH's residence tomorrow to discuss business.

Make immediate arrangements to accept extra workers into Die and Coining departments to bring coining operations up to maximum capacity.

Measures indicated in annexed document are absolutely necessary in present circumstances.

[Formal notice] Work hours and pay rates for temporary workers.

Encloses pamphlets about [W. T.] Denison's experiments to determine accuracy of gold specimens by use of specific gravity. [JH annotation: Wrote to HH on 12 Oct. regarding Mr. Forbes and H. W. Field.]

Doubts [W. T.] Denison's claim that specific gravity is dependable for testing gold coins. Recommends dismissing Mr. Forbes at once. H. W. Field cannot be selective about assays but must perform these whenever JH requires.

Arranges to meet JH at a place other than the Mint.

In response to Treasury's declaration of 'emergency' condition, HH promises to assist in any way JH needs.

Will not come to the Mint tomorrow.

JH's description yesterday of events at Mint led HH to stay away. Surprised that JH wishes to see HH. No one should interfere between W. T. Brande and William Buckle.

Forwards note from unknown author. Direct HH's servants to come to HH's residence.

Silver coinage. If Mr. Mocatta cannot deliver silver, perhaps the Rothschilds in Paris can. Did JH obtain authority yet to equalize subsistence wages for workers in Melting and Coining departments?

Encloses letter from War Office. Current crisis in coin production has focused public scrutiny upon reorganized Mint system. '[W]e ... are on trial.' [JH annotation: Pensioners are complaining to War Office that they are not paid, due to lack of silver coins.]

[Marked 'Confidential.'] CT will respond to the Times query regarding Mint [production of silver coins]. Plan to meet with CT when H. D. Harness returns. Glad to hear that Mint workmen began 12-hour workdays on 25 Oct.

[Marked 'Confidential.'] Agrees with JH that assay of freshly minted coins may be eliminated [to reduce delivery time]. Keep official copy of JH's letter and send copy to CT. Anticipates no delay in new appointments at Mint when Mr. Forbes retires.