Informs BP that the Treasury has approved his pension request. JH declines to mention BP's refusal to accept a salary from the Treasury, a statement made in haste.
Informs BP that the Treasury has approved his pension request. JH declines to mention BP's refusal to accept a salary from the Treasury, a statement made in haste.
Discusses the political atmosphere in London and some family matters.
Replies to several queries about papers of JH. JH describes the accidental production of some interesting copper salt crystals.
Sent Treasury's retirement form to Benedetto Pistrucci, who returned it blank. Encloses copy of Pistrucci's reply.
Enclosed items just arrived from Francis Beaufort. [Richard?] Jones is in good health.
Private. Benedetto Pistrucci appealed to Lord Derby [E. G. G. S. Stanley]. If consulted, JH will recommend that former distinctions within Engraving department be abolished. If Pistrucci insists on using his former title, he may no longer do so as an officer of the Mint. Will approve pension if Pistrucci chooses to retire.
No summary available.
Thanks RG for a copy of the History of Physical Astronomy; comments on the behavior of cometary tails.
Private. If JH did try to pay Benedetto Pistrucci as 'Chief Medallist,' Audit office would refuse to approve it, because that position no longer exists at Mint. No one opened walls of Pistrucci's studio for repairs; workmen simply requested permission to examine them to see if repairs were needed. Pistrucci was never denied access to dies for Waterloo Medal; he asked once for them when keys were not available and never came back.
Andrew Bain's geological work received well. JH has little time for personal correspondence.
Offers assistance as needed.
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?
Is willing to assist in obtaining letters of introduction for WL's projected trip to Malta.
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].
There being greater need of gold coinage than the Mint can presently meet, JH asks for additional staff and calls attention to a possible reason for the shortage.