Has recommended [Andrew] Bain use JH's patronage to present the geological map of South Africa to the Geological Society. Comments on Bain's visit. Affairs have not improved in Kaffir Land.

Now forwards [Andrew] Bain's Geological map, which had been delayed by the Agent. Has heard nothing definite regarding the transit circle but would appreciate JH's recommendation, together with those of Francis Beaufort and G. B. Airy. Gives details of the work at the Observatory. Estimates the cost of mounting the transit circle.

Is sending JH a book recounting some of CM's researches. Comments on various factors influencing conductance in carrying out experiments in electricity and telegraphy. [Letter illegible in parts.]

Is thinking of erecting an observatory and would welcome JH's advice on telescopes and object-glasses, particularly those of William Simms.

Questions a statement in JH's Outlines Astr. regarding the light of Sirius. Also repeated in Alexander von Humboldt's Cosmos.

More about the arrangements for the pension for Mary Maclear [see HP's 1850-12-2].

Still more on the pension for Mary Maclear [see HP's 1851-2-19].

Henry Rich asks JH to sign and return enclosed report.

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.

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.

[Formal proclamation] JH's request was read to Queen Victoria. Former warrant to JH, issued 17 Dec. 1850, is suspended. Effective this day, Treasury Commissioners and JH may take steps necessary to reform Mint.

[Formal proclamation] Queen Victoria revokes warrant of 17 Dec. 1850 to Master of Mint and issues new warrant directing JH to follow Queen's Order of 7 Mar. 1851 pertaining to reform of Mint.

Offers arguments and evidence to support GM's protest to Charles Wood, Chancellor of Exchequer, on 7 Feb. 1851, against plan to abolish Mint refinery.

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.

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.

Treasury commissioners have approved JH's new organizational plan and assignments for Mint.

Treasury commissioners approved JH's plan to eliminate Engraving department [see JH's 1851-11-4]. Benedetto Pistrucci and L. C. Wyon will receive fixed salaries and housing allowances as nonresident modelers and engravers to Mint.

CE returns joint petition submitted by Moneyers. Treasury commissioners do not accept Moneyers' claim to be a corporation. Each Moneyer must submit an individual petition for compensation.