Testimonial to professional service rendered to Mint by G. F. G. Mathison, contractor for melting and refining gold and silver bullion.

Approves reforms suggested by R. L. Sheil. Suggests using Assay department to assay foreign coins during quiet periods. Recommends introducing new coin weighing machine by Mr. Cotton to inspect every coin, not just random samples. Expects difficulty in eliminating private artistic work of William Wyon, chief engraver.

Wrote to JC's brother-in-law, H. T. Prinsep, who promised that JH's 'nephew' will receive direct appointment when nephew comes of age. Gratitude for JH's friendship of 14 years. JC's husband is in Ceylon. Invites JH and wife to visit JC. Names other recent visitors.

Observed increased breadth of Saturn's ring on 25 and 29 Nov. 1850, confirmed by William Lassell on 3 Dec. Independent discovery of inner ring at Harvard University on 15 Nov. was announced in the Times on 3 Dec. Sent WD's notes to R.A.S. to establish independent discovery, but R.A.S.M.N. reported this erroneously.

Wishes WD had heeded JH's advice [in JH's 1851-1-18] regarding report of WD's discovery to R.A.S. Description of Saturn's inner ring.

Should slips of Admiralty Manual now be sent from William Clowes & Sons, printers, to Collingwood?

Asks for information about foreign gold.

Returns letter from JH to C. E. Trevelyan. It correctly reflects position of EE and Robert Rintoul, as stated in letter from Jasper Atkinson to JH.

Can [?] write memorial to Treasury that embodies main objects of proposed national institution? Indicate number and kind of instrumental trials needed to prepare for future expeditions. JH will be in London next Thursday; call committee meeting then. Send reply to JH care of E. Mackintosh at 17 Montague Square by Wednesday.

Sends information on imported California gold as JH requested.

Sent papers to Mint in response to JH's questions. Will soon send information on circulation of Bank of France.

WH's report on California gold refers only to gold imported to London by Bank, not to gold arriving at other ports or gold imported by individuals.

Wishes to confer with JH on Mint business.

Sends check for salary due to JH for previous quarter. Itemizes taxes and fees deducted. As first non-political appointee to Mastership, JH is eligible for superannuation fund, but HH needs instructions from Treasury about this. Will arrange to receive dies for Waterloo Medal from Benedetto Pistrucci.

Received JH's draft letter concerning Engraving department. Noticed newspaper article that could come only from source inside Mint. Advises JH to warn employees against discussing Mint operations with public press.

Found copy of JH's report that can be sent to Treasury. Complaint about copper coins by local shopkeeper, Mr. [Armstrong?], appears to be attempt for publicity, not authentic problem. Hopes to avoid enquiry by Treasury. Encloses list of Mint officers. Returns letter from G. B. Airy. Benedetto Pistrucci will be at Mint on Friday.

Suggests alterations to JH's proposal to the Treasury concerning production of medals.

Sends coinage statistics from Royal Mint for 1848-50. Similar statistics from foreign mints may be obtained through Foreign Office. Records of silver prices are kept only by Lloyds.

Board meeting tomorrow does not require JH's attendance.

Obtained silver prices for 1838-39 and 1848, but prices for 1849-50 are not yet available.