Returns JH's book. Describes alloy of gold and silver. Copper-iridium alloy would work, but it would influence assays adversely. Procedure for separating gold and iridium.

Discusses salary for W. H. Barton in new combined office of deputy master and comptroller. Chancellor of Exchequer [W. E. Gladstone] may decide differently. Agrees that Master needs private secretary, but select one from among clerks already employed at Mint. Procedure for countersigning Mint checks.

Forwarded to Chancellor of Exchequer [W. E. Gladstone] JH's letter regarding retirement of H. D. Harness. Does not approve of departure, in JH's plan, from practice of fixed pay for public officers. Surprised by grieved tone of Henry Finch, who turned down earlier generous offer to remain in reorganized Mint.

Surprised by JH's voluminous report on assays, which CT showed to Chancellor of Exchequer [W. E. Gladstone]. Will send copy of Gladstone's decision on several Mint matters. P.S.: Gladstone read last letter that JH wrote to CT.

Treasury intended that junior clerks in Mint should be available for training in all departments, to prepare them for higher positions. Suggestion for appointing supernumerary clerk. Formal conference will be held Saturday.

Meet CT and [James] Wilson at end of week. Hopes Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] will appoint Mr. Hill Jr. to vacant clerkship at Mint.

Sends draft of Treasury minutes for JH's inspection. E. W. Ward may immediately accept bid by Messrs. Taylor & Allen.

Deeply disappointed by Treasury's failure to pay an adequate salary to W. H. Barton for combined duties of deputy master and comptroller. C. E. Trevelyan granted only a junior and inexperienced clerk to assist JH. Feels 'sickened and disgusted' by Trevelyan's pettiness, which is crippling the effectiveness of the Mint staff.

Thankful for the Lyells' return and accepts their invitation to dinner.

Is arranging a meeting to seal up and deposit one set of standards [see GA's 1853-6-21].

Explains why JH could not attend meeting [see GA's 1853-8-16]; hopes GA and family had a pleasant holiday.

About the smoky atmosphere in London, and a letter from son Alexander about his chemical work.

Is slightly ill, so JH decided not to come home; a few items about members of the family.

Has he heard the names of the coins decided on by the Commons when the Pound is decimalized? W. R. Hamilton has informed him that he has heard from JH. Is going to the seaside tomorrow.

Thanks for AD's report on coinage [see JH's 1853-4-11], and for AD's puns.

Intends to send on Francis Baily's letters soon. Would like to see the coinage report.

Is sending the packet of Francis Baily's letters today. Sees that Thomas Wright, the Milky Way man, kept a shop in Fleet St. and was a mathematical instrument maker. Warren de La Rue has doubtless sent him his picture of Saturn.

Thanks JC for what she sent. Has been reading Alfred Tennyson's Princess. Praises it.