Sends Mint accounts of last three months for JH's approval. Mr. Ramsay [War Department] still silent on disappearance of Benjamin Wyon's model for Kaffir Medal. Will ask Lord Panmure [Fox Maule] for permission to have Wyon make medal from new model not approved by Queen. Has not yet seen JH's successor, Thomas Graham.
Hill introduces courier Thomas Adams, who will pick up JH's parcels. Hopes JH's health is improving. [On verso, signed at Collingwood] Adams's receipt for parcels and one letter, all addressed to officials at Royal Mint.
Acknowledges receipt of a parcel of material [see JH's 1855-4-13].
Upset by Cambridge Bill now before Parliament. It contains changes contrary to report from [Cambridge University] Commission. W. H. Bateson will write to John Romilly, and GP writes to JH, both seeking letters to Lord Chancellor explaining this problem.
Henry Lawson has presented all his meteorological instruments and his transit instrument to this Observatory. Hopes to study the relation of the atmosphere to the prevalence of disease. Wonders if the Government or some society would be willing to finance assistant in the observatory.
Discusses possibility of JH taking position of a judge for Britain at a scientific exposition in France.
Has recently published a volume on Practical Astronomy and dispatched a copy via Messrs. Trubner for JH. Believes it fills a need as there has been no suitable work available for beginners.
JH's views coincide with GP's views about constitution of [Cambridge] University. Adam Sedgwick, GP, and John Romilly will compose joint letter to Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple], pointing out that present parliamentary bill [to make new statutes for Cambridge] is totally opposed to recommendations [of Cambridge University Commission] and to liberal constitution granted to Oxford University.
Will send copies tomorrow to JH and to Bishop of Chester [John Graham] of letter that GP, W. H. Bateson, and Adam Sedgwick wrote to Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple], after consulting with John Romilly. Please sign and return it quickly, so it can be presented to [House of] Lords before Tuesday. Encloses copy of bill.
Sends copy of letter by Dean of Ely [George Peacock], Adam Sedgwick, and 'Master of the Rolls ' [John Romilly] to be sent to Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple] and to Lord Chancellor. Please sign and return it.
Hastens to acknowledge his letter and regrets the Literary Society will not be able to count JH among its members.