Advises against abolishing office of deputy master of Mint after H. D. Harness leaves at end of this week. Gives reasons.

Requests salary raise of £10 for assistant assayer.

In reply to WG's 8 Dec. 1854 note, JH analyzes all Mint operations and labor expenses, and reports favorable balance. Advises against Treasury's plan to have money minted by private contractors.

JH wishes to resign for health reasons. Has already informed Lord Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon]. Recommends W. H. Barton to succeed JH as Master of Mint.

AH's father, Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] misunderstood JH, who never meant to suggest that office of deputy master of Mint was unnecessary. JH intended to stress that some responsibilities could be borne by only the Master.

Expresses deep appreciation for JG's loan of £500 to JH in difficult period. Sorry to hear of JG's suffering.

JH is traveling in Europe and unable to attend meeting of Cambridge University Commissioners on 16 or 22 Oct.

Details of next week's shipment of copper coins from Mint to four branches of Bank of Ireland.

Modifies method of accounting for copper coins shipped from Mint to Bank of Ireland.

Second payment by Bank of Ireland for copper coins received from Mint.

Requests permission to post £20,000 of JH's funds as security bond for JH's position as Master of Mint, rather than calling on JH's friends to act as surety. Will JH also need to pay 'Office Fee,' which Royal Commission of 1849 recommended be abolished?

Asks about policy at Royal Dockyards for paying workmen on major holidays. [JH annotation: Summary of WH's reply, with procedures for specific holidays or leaves.]

Will give every consideration to case of Benedetto Pistrucci, but Engraving department is long overdue for changes to bring it into conformity with all other departments in reorganized Mint.

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.

Notes on weighing and coining silver. Payment of wages in Coining room.

Grateful for HH's advice on dealing with Mr. Cumberland. JH spoke to [W. H. Barton] about Cumberland's claim to seniority over R. F. Suft. Encloses letter from Bank of England that indicates extraordinary work for Mint in near future. Recent production of coins. Suggests stronger series of checks on piecework of all men and officers at Mint.

Housing accommodations for Mint officers.

C. E. Trevelyan's corrections to report. Arrangement for disposing of refinery is officially ratified and may be mentioned. Include payments for Moneyers' equipment, but omit reference to standards. Trevelyan knows nothing of Benedetto Pistrucci's memorial.

Transfer of refinery from Mint to Anthony de Rothschild is delayed by failure to determine value of platinum vessels. Bank of England's demand for silver coins and half sovereigns is becoming urgent. Questions organization of new Weighing room. Staff of Mint clerks must be increased during intense coining activity. Effectiveness of weighing machine.