Describes new machinery used in coining process and duties of workmen and clerks.

Submits estimates of silver losses expected by Mint from Apr. 1855 to Mar. 1856.

Delivery of dies for Crimean medal to Master of Mint. JH ordered 60,000 ounces of silver for its production.

Any of JH's letters to CT may be shown to [Henry] Roberts.

[Marked 'Private.'] Did not wish to offend [Henry] Roberts, but JH is in awkward position regarding L. C. Wyon, who, as Mint employee, is competing with rival artist for design of Crimean medal. Silver supply is adequate for medal production, but machinery is limited. Expects three-month delay.

Estimates expenses and problems in production of medals for Kaffir war veterans. Asks for authority to determine wages for workmen employed on Kaffir and Crimean medals.

Forwards to Treasury, without JH's approval, request by F. R. Brande and Henry Finch,junior clerks in Mint office, for higher salary. [JH note: Brande disclaimed knowledge of this request. Brande and Finch retracted it, but wanted to send another. JH refused.]

Unable to perform Mint duties. Doctor directed JH to country for four to five weeks of complete rest. JH notified Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple] and asked to be relieved of Mastership.

Sent Treasury's retirement form to Benedetto Pistrucci, who returned it blank. Encloses copy of Pistrucci's reply.

Asks JH for suggested improvements in R. L. Sheil's plan for reforming Mint.

Approves reforms suggested by R. L. Sheil. Suggests using Assay department to assay foreign coins during quiet periods. Recommends introducing new coin weighing machine by Mr. Cotton to inspect every coin, not just random samples. Expects difficulty in eliminating private artistic work of William Wyon, chief engraver.

Treasury commissioners have approved reform plan for Mint. First step will be to terminate contract with company of Moneyers. Other reforms can be delayed. Make necessary preparations for Mint staff to take over those duties.

Legal notice of contract termination was served to company of Moneyers by Treasury solicitor on 13 Feb. Requests that reform of Mint Board, Mint office, Assay office, and Melting department be implemented before Mint staff assume duties of Moneyers in May. Encloses JH's plan for reorganizing departments. Offered positions in new structure to four Moneyers.

Treasury commissioners will not authorize changes to Mint Board, mint office, or assay office until solicitors can determine legal ramifications. Changes in Melting department must await counter-proposal from G. W. G. Mathison. JH's plan to maintain other departments on present footing is approved.

Forwards proposal from G. F. G. Mathison to retain refinery as part of Mint. JH still concurs with R. L. Sheil that refinery should be sold or leased. Mr. Haggard's report in 1848 shows that purified gold may be purchased more cheaply than it can be processed in Mint. Again requests permission to proceed with reforms to Mint Board and three offices.

Treasury commissioners have read G. F. G. Mathison's letter. JH is now authorized to proceed with reforms to Mint Board, Mint office, Assay office, Melting department, and Refinery. Offer Refinery to Mathison for private refining business.

Treasury commissioners will not make exception in case of Edward Enfield, who must accept position in reformed Mint or lose compensation for termination of Moneyers' contract.

Reports reforms made so far in Coining, Melting, and Assaying departments. Hired William Buckle, engineer from Birmingham, as assistant coiner. Robert Mushet will accept position of senior clerk and melter after G. F. G. Mathison's contract is terminated. Office of resident assayer, declined by Henry Bingley, was accepted by H. W. Field, who will assume duties after J. M. Beckwith, Master's assayer, retires. Position of junior clerk and assistant assayer, offered to Henry Bingley and declined, was accepted by Charles Sterry. Duties of nonresident assayers were accepted by W. A. Miller, Thomas Graham, and T. Johnson.

Treasury commissioners approved JH's appointments and retirement of J. M. Beckwith [see JH's 1851-4-14]. Give legal notice of contract termination immediately to G. F. G. Mathison. Henry Bingley's claim for compensation will not be considered until JH's evaluation of it is completed.

Treasury commissioners rejected bids from Mr. Nutting, George Rennie, and firm of Maudslay, Sons, & Field for contracts to coin gold, silver, and copper coins for Mint. JH should develop a plan for conducting coinage in some government agency.