Questions about investments.
Questions about investments.
Recalls meeting JH in 1840, introduced by R. C. Stewart of Bombay. Saw JH's letter on artificial production of ice in Year-Book of Facts for 1851 (p. 157). Describes WM's unsuccessful experiments with commercial powders in tropical climate. Asks for information about portable air compressors. Local surgeon, Dr. Porteus, whom JH met at Cape of Good Hope, asks to be remembered to JH's family.
Demand for silver coins by Commissariat department [in Malta] must wait until Mint has met demand by Bank [of England]. Address all official letters to C. E. Trevelyan, even if responding to letters signed by GA.
Cannot introduce a Mr. Grant to overly 'pressed' Mint assayers. Will help Grant as far as possible, but returns 'excellent' testimonials, having no part in 'manning' possible Australian mint.
William Mann goes to England to receive transit circle. TM describes plans for the instrument.
Payment from insurance office. Thanks for advice on India bonds. JH's investments.
Would like to visit the Mint with his family.
[Marked 'Private.'] Governor of Bank [of England] is in 'great fuss' about not receiving silver coins. What is Mint doing? Suspects some 'nonsense' behind this urgent demand for silver. In C. E. Trevelyan's absence, GA will not act precipitously.
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.
Considers Thomson Hankey's note ridiculous; pressure by Bank of England for more silver coinage is unnecessary. Reassignment of Mint residences to Mint officers. Discourages plan to extend piece work wages to include Mint officers.
Is seeking clarification about some papers GA sent to JH.
Offers some explanations for the reports in the papers [see JH's 1852-9-6] of seeing strange objects in the heavens; GA calls it 'hemiplegia.'
Cannot accede to the request for a visit to the Mint at this time. JH thanks for the cards of exchange rates with other currencies, and offers a suggestion for an improvement in them.
[Marked 'Private.'] Ordered Commissariat officer in Malta to send home £51,000 of silver coin for use by Mint in meeting demand of Bank [of England] for coins to export. Wishes government would take steps to reduce export of silver. Concern over public reaction to reducing silver content of coins.
Reports significant improvement in Margaret's [JH's wife] health, after a long period of illness.
Personal finances. Needs information on East India Company investment.
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.
Procedures for evaluating refinery leased to Anthony de Rothschild. Problem of accurately weighing small coins. Size of permanent staff in Mint office should be determined by ordinary work, not by times of pressure. Consider borrowing temporary clerks from other government offices. Returns draft of JH's letter to Rothschild.
Wages for a weighing room assistant. There is no extra copy of Coinage Act. Believes Treasury would approve of bonus for delivery of more silver or gold than planned.