Very depressed and concerned about the family finances, both short and long term.
Very depressed and concerned about the family finances, both short and long term.
Has recovered from his depression [see JH's 1854-2-1]; sees a possibility of a new position as a Civil Service appointment examiner.
JH feels harassed by life and finds solace in MH's letters; thinks electricity could operate the Jacquard loom and the pianoforte. Argues against a recent book [William Whewell's Of the Plurality of Worlds], which claims the earth is the only inhabited body in the universe.
Comments on Of the Plurality of Worlds: An Essay. Suspects it is by WW. Disagrees with many parts, but finds some sections 'striking.' Laments that he has no time for intellectual matters, punning that he must concentrate on 'making money.'
Considers the education of the lower orders an honorable object, but has never given a public lecture and feels unable to assist.
Send books from Cutting Room. JH wants to question W. H. Barton about deficits in Coining Room. [Two assistants] will be in on Monday.
Please confirm that duties of appointment, which JH and CT discussed today, will permit residing outside London.
Appoints Mr. Hill, senior clerk in Mint office, to replace Mr. Julyan as superintendent of copper coinage at Birmingham.
Second payment by Bank of Ireland for copper coins received from Mint.
Requests the addition of one wage increase, as a matter of fairness, to a previously agreed list for submission to the Treasury Lords.
Send written evaluation of Henry Finch, whose year of probation expires 14 Feb. Should Finch be hired permanently to Mint staff?
Mr. Watt requests leave from duties of new Sydney branch mint to join Commissariat department in Malta. If war is declared [in Crimea], Watt will resign from Mint. Difficulty in finding replacement so close to EW's departure for Australia.
Returns [?]'s letter, dated January, for correction. Believes that [?] intended it to be dated February.
Forwards report by W. T. Brande on performance of Henry Finch during one year probation in coining department. JH recommends advancing Henry Finch and F. R. Brande to permanent positions.
E. W. Ward's assistant Mr. Watt, proposed supervisor of bullion office in Sydney mint, volunteered for military expedition to Constantinople. JH asks Treasury to choose replacement.
Suggests a reference to the need to reduce the variety of strange measures being used in the country [see GA's 1854-2-14]; wants to know who the examiners were at Cambridge University in Dec. 1853.
HF's year of probation in Coining department ends today. JH will recommend appointing HF to permanent position, but HF must take responsibility to acquaint himself with operations of all other departments if HF wishes further promotion. Admonishes HF to behave with dignity and adapt to new Mint organization without 'harking back after the old state.'
[Marked 'Private.'] Asks CT to submit JH's name to Lord Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon] for position on Cambridge board of examiners, provided this duty does not require residence in London.
[Marked 'Private.'] List of Cambridge men that JH considers eligible to be moderators and examiners for Mathematical Tripos.
The effect of the Crimean War on the Mint, and on the family, for example, daughter Caroline will want to follow her husband as close to the war area as possible [see JH's 1854-2-15].