Requests permission to visit Mint as personal favor to TC, whose father knew JH's father personally.

Gratitude for JH's permission for TC to visit Mint.

Asks JH to grant permission for WH's son and friends to tour Mint. Hopes business with Benedetto Pistrucci will be settled soon. [JH annotation: JH also wants Pistrucci business settled, but latest developments lead JH to expect anything but a satisfactory conclusion.]

Suggests that JH authorize special payment from Audit office to Benedetto Pistrucci. If JH will not come to Pistrucci's relief, then WH will assist Pistrucci. Is JH trying to reduce Pistrucci into submission?

Delay in resolving matter with Benedetto Pistrucci is not JH's fault. JH will not dignify WH's last question with a response [see WH's 1852-4-20].

Benedetto Pistrucci reports that JH refuses to pay Pistrucci. Admonishes JH to treat Pistrucci kindly and prevent Pistrucci from having to beg for a living. Pistrucci also worries that new construction in Weighing Room at Mint will ruin Pistrucci's furnaces and prevent completion of Waterloo Medal. WH criticizes latest changes in Mint policies as injurious to great artists like Pistrucci for the sake of 'free Trade.'

Lists injustices suffered by Benedetto Pistrucci under JH's administration. Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] stated that Pistrucci's salary and duties would not change. Urges JH to let Pistrucci keep former title of Chief Medallist as well; otherwise JH will sign Pistrucci's 'Death-Warrant.'

JH's illness. Accounts are not ready for JH's signature.

Ceases receiving coal supply to his office, an allowance made to BP for 35 years. Mint owes him four months' salary. Makes a reference to plight of G. B. Airy, who might be turned out of his residence at the Royal Observatory.

Thanks JH for having the kindness to warn BP of construction on the wall adjacent to BP's studio. Asks for BP's salary again.

Please pay overdue bill for ice delivered in Feb. 1851.

Wants to discuss three topics when JH has time to call on CT. [JH annotation: 'Pistrucci; Superannuation; Deficits in the Exchequer credit accounts.']

Call on CT today.

William Lassell wishes to go to Malta to observe the heavens, and would like a letter of introduction to the governor there. Can FB assist with this?

Sends a note to JH that William Lassell [may use as a letter of introduction to the Governor of Malta]. FB hopes that Lassell will determine the longitude of Malta.

Believes similarity of period of solar spots and that of terrestrial magnetic variation is more than coincidental.

Discusses magnetic observations from Toronto and Hobarton from the 1840s. Attempting to determine when range of variation was greatest.

Offers assistance as needed.

Thanks for work recently sent and generally for astronomical discoveries. Sends two 'little works' for JH's inspection.

Andrew Bain's geological work received well. JH has little time for personal correspondence.