JH's health is worse. Please expedite JH's request to resign from mastership of Mint. Seeks HT's approval to turn JH's duties over to W. H. Barton.

Approves HT's choice of H. D. Harness to succeed JH as Master of Mint. Characteristics for which HT should look in selecting JH's successor if Harness is not available.

Transfer of annuity to Mrs. Baldwin from JH's account as executor for Thomas Baldwin. Julia and Constance [Herschel] doing well at Anstey Cottage. News of [Isabella] is not good. Margaret had bad time but is now comfortable.

Returns 'table.' Thank grandma for loan of it.

Thanks for report of JS's position. [Lucy?] is at Mr. Buillier's.

Reports death of [Richard Jones]. John Herschel (son) returned from Scotland and goes to Addiscombe Thursday. 'Our governors' have a mess to deal with. Margaret is still weak. What is usual fee for London surgeon?

Many cases of disease in Hawkhurst parish. JH's children are scattered. JH and Margaret Herschel are regaining strength. James [?] is ill with fatal stomach disorder.

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.

JH, 'completely broken in health,' ceased to be Master of Mint in Apr. 1855. Successor is Professor [Thomas] Graham of University College. Keep Master informed of stock of dies for coins in Sydney. Glad that EW's office as deputy-master is independent of colonial government. Regards to Charles Elouis and J. Triskett.

Sent JH's resignation proposal to both Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] and W. E. Gladstone yesterday. JH would have welcomed presidency of Board of Examiners one year earlier, but now desires only rest and recovery. Feels 'broken down.'

Recalls asking [Richard] Jones years ago if JH should seek public office. Jones was horrified, but suggested mastership of Mint as only suitable position. After four years in office, JH longs to escape it and return to family.

Mint debt is too great. If G. Baillie cannot liquidate soon, inform Treasury about Mint's shortage of cash. Instructions regarding reports and duties that must be completed before end of March.

JH is paralyzed and in pain. Appreciates [WB]'s efforts to keep [Mint] running smoothly. Comments on JH's successor. Decision to contract out Crimean medal simplifies Mint's responsibilities. Review Mint structure and systems. Invite bids for Kaffir medal. Disappearance of L. C. Wyon's wax model of Kaffir medal.

Procedure for E. W. Ward to recover expenses for construction of Sydney branch mint. Interview [W. O.] Young for particulars on shipments of materials. Discusses justification of Patrick Shanahan's wages. L. C. Wyon submitted wax model of Kaffir medal, but JH recalls that Treasury asked for drawing.