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.
No summary available.
Is very appreciative of JH's letter of condolence at the death of H. C. Schumacher; also clarifies how Schumacher's responsibilities are being carried out.
Gold from America is not identified by its local source, so quantity of California gold can only be estimated. Contact W. D. Haggard or Matthew Marshall for information.
Happy to assist JH in researching fluctuations in global supplies of gold and silver. Lists sources of information.
No summary available.
Needs to know how much gold from California has entered England.
Asks that JC hold JH excused from appearing tomorrow, because JH has a severe cold.
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.
Does not believe JH can help RH in some delicate matter. JH talks about photographic chemistry, including passing on information from A. C. Becquerel.
Receives workload from H. D. Harness. Discusses the striking of the commemorative Waterloo Medal.
Will continue to write in Italian so JH can censor the translation of the letters when giving information to other officials at the Mint.
Received post from Mr Stevens — the safe arrival of his Rio Negro birds; regards to his cousins George Wilson and Percy Wilson, brother John, mother and sister Fanny. Has not been idle since arriving in Guia 3 months ago but unsuccessful in collecting specimens. Travels upriver with Indian hunters, living on farinha and salt; unable to find Gallos de Serra, insects, or other birds. Plans to enter Venezuela near source of Rio Negro, then up the River Vaupes or Isanna to make anthropological and geographical observations. ARW plans to publish illustrated volume on fishes of Brazil, illustrated volume on palms, and map of the "Physical History of the Great Amazon valley, comprising its Geography, Geology, distribution of Animals and Plants, Meteorology & the history & Languages of the Aboriginal tribes," including description of his collection of butterflies. Misses home.
CD is pleased with plates [for Fossil Cirripedia (Lepadidae)]; most corrections need only a touch. Requests revises soon and asks how much he owes.
Sends information on imported California gold as JH requested.
Gave permission for F. M. Russell [wife of prime minister] to tour Mint on 30 Jan. Do not be concerned over Benedetto Pistrucci's remarks; JH's note accompanying Pistrucci's letter will be sufficient for Treasury to understand the situation. P.S.: Suggests letting Lady Russell see studio of [William] Wyon.
Letter from Benedetto Pistrucci incorrectly quotes JH as stating that no Mint officer except Pistrucci is capable of handling dies. W. T. Brande may interpret this as lack of JH's confidence in Brande's abilities.
Sent papers to Mint in response to JH's questions. Will soon send information on circulation of Bank of France.
Discusses appointment of new trustees for JSH’s chantry lands. List of current trustees enclosed with known deaths noted.