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.

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.

Pressure for coining gold, silver, and copper is becoming urgent. Complaints by Bank of England are reflecting badly on new system at Mint. Received two officers from Commissariat department to assist during crisis. Hopes HH will return soon.

Real emergency is occurring. Assured C. E. Trevelyan that Mint would increase its efforts. Will see Mr. Mocatta on Monday. Hopes silver becomes available soon.

Directs HH to return to Mint immediately.

Call on JH as soon as possible.

C. E. Trevelyan directed that Mr. Smith not be under direction of William Buckle. JH must devote entire morning to settling this delicate matter at Treasury. Please draw up working plan for Coining department. Contingency plan for coining if silver supply is interrupted.

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

Explains algebraic equation.

Denies BP a request concerning his acceptance of the office of Chief Medalist. Discusses BP's reluctance to accept the office without being awarded a place of residence by the Treasury.

On the importance of record keeping in the Mint to attest to the labor and talent of those working there.

Informs BP that the Treasury has approved his pension request. JH declines to mention BP's refusal to accept a salary from the Treasury, a statement made in haste.

Urges BP to accept the Treasury's offer.

JH ready to support BP if he decides to accept office at the Mint. Assures BP that a pension can be negotiated.

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

Disagreement with W. H. Sykes over whether to publish observations by General [Cullen?] that Sykes claims have never been reviewed or read [to R.S.L.]. Encloses copy of JH's reply to Sykes.