C. E. Trevelyan reports that W. E. Gladstone agreed to 'subject of our conversation yesterday.' Does [?] still want to meet with JH at Treasury chambers today?

Submits E. W. Ward's report on feasibility of establishing branch mint in Sydney. Encourages Treasury to proceed with Ward's plan.

Postpone paying bills until end of month. Questions MH's birthday festivities. Congratulates Hayley family on remarriage. Poor Mr. Paynder is gone. JH finished third volume of Adam Graeme at Mossgray [by Margaret Oliphant].

Thankful for the Lyells' return and accepts their invitation to dinner.

Explains why JH could not attend meeting [see GA's 1853-8-16]; hopes GA and family had a pleasant holiday.

Travels in France. Note of JS's discussion with Arthur Gordon about recent problems at Mint and JH's need for intelligent secretary. Possibility of reducing Mint to subsidiary of Treasury. Feels anxiety for JH's sufferings.

Mint business. W. T. Brande now has two jobs. Lyells are back. Mr. Newham reports legal problem determining who will pay for construction at 204 'OHd' Street. Bank balance is low; check records to see when [Jesse] Piper's rent is due. Alexander Herschel's artistic ability. Urges MH to read Margaret Oliphant's Adam Graeme of Mossgray.

Surprised by JH's voluminous report on assays, which CT showed to Chancellor of Exchequer [W. E. Gladstone]. Will send copy of Gladstone's decision on several Mint matters. P.S.: Gladstone read last letter that JH wrote to CT.

Recommends Mr. Aberdein as clerk and private secretary to Master of Mint. Suggests that Mr. Hill be promoted from temporary clerk to replace Aberdein in melting house.

Deeply disappointed by Treasury's failure to pay an adequate salary to W. H. Barton for combined duties of deputy master and comptroller. C. E. Trevelyan granted only a junior and inexperienced clerk to assist JH. Feels 'sickened and disgusted' by Trevelyan's pettiness, which is crippling the effectiveness of the Mint staff.

Treasury intended that junior clerks in Mint should be available for training in all departments, to prepare them for higher positions. Suggestion for appointing supernumerary clerk. Formal conference will be held Saturday.

Meet CT and [James] Wilson at end of week. Hopes Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] will appoint Mr. Hill Jr. to vacant clerkship at Mint.

Reviews vexations caused to JH by dealings with C. E. Trevelyan. Notes H. D. Harness's belief that Bank of England is maneuvering to take control of Royal Mint. Fears JH may become bitter about public offices. Encloses copy of JH's letter to MH [see JH's [1853-8-23]].

[John] Goldsmith, temporarily assigned from Board of Works in Ireland to bookkeeper in coining department, is working out very well. Suggests offering Goldsmith permanent position and using him to train other accountants.

Thanks JC for what she sent. Has been reading Alfred Tennyson's Princess. Praises it.

Organizational changes at Mint. Deputy master declared unnecessary. W. T. Brande was promoted to combined office of deputy master and comptroller. JH protested to C. E. Trevelyan yesterday about low pay of junior clerks.

Is slightly ill, so JH decided not to come home; a few items about members of the family.

Is sending the packet of Francis Baily's letters today. Sees that Thomas Wright, the Milky Way man, kept a shop in Fleet St. and was a mathematical instrument maker. Warren de La Rue has doubtless sent him his picture of Saturn.

Sends draft of Treasury minutes for JH's inspection. E. W. Ward may immediately accept bid by Messrs. Taylor & Allen.

Asks WB to recommend candidates for supernumerary clerk to be appointed soon to Mint office. Has also asked W. H. Barton for recommendations.