Wishes to confer with JH on Mint business.
Wishes to confer with JH on Mint business.
Received JH's draft letter concerning Engraving department. Noticed newspaper article that could come only from source inside Mint. Advises JH to warn employees against discussing Mint operations with public press.
Asks about policy at Royal Dockyards for paying workmen on major holidays. [JH annotation: Summary of WH's reply, with procedures for specific holidays or leaves.]
Wants to determine JH's whereabouts for mailing eclipse observation suggestions [see GA's 1850-12-16].
About the possible use of decimal subdivisions of the pound weight on the docks and at the Customs House.
Likes JH's ideas about decimal coinage [see JH's [1851]-1-4]; will send suggestions for eclipse observations.
About JH's poor health; mentions discovery of two asteroids and new rings of Saturn.
Found copy of JH's report that can be sent to Treasury. Complaint about copper coins by local shopkeeper, Mr. [Armstrong?], appears to be attempt for publicity, not authentic problem. Hopes to avoid enquiry by Treasury. Encloses list of Mint officers. Returns letter from G. B. Airy. Benedetto Pistrucci will be at Mint on Friday.
Suggests alterations to JH's proposal to the Treasury concerning production of medals.
Approves reforms suggested by R. L. Sheil. Suggests using Assay department to assay foreign coins during quiet periods. Recommends introducing new coin weighing machine by Mr. Cotton to inspect every coin, not just random samples. Expects difficulty in eliminating private artistic work of William Wyon, chief engraver.
Should slips of Admiralty Manual now be sent from William Clowes & Sons, printers, to Collingwood?
Record of JH and H. D. Harness witnessing turning of matrix of Waterloo Medal by Benedetto Pistrucci. Harness affirmed R. L. Sheil's official release of Pistrucci from responsibility if matrix breaks.
Excellent weather for observations of variable colors [in stars].
Further comments on JH's coinage ideas [see JH's [1851]-1-4].
Advises JH to limit appeals on behalf of worthy causes, such as [T. G.] Taylor's widow, or public may abuse JH's kindness.
Wants GA's opinion about applying for a pension for the widow of the late astronomer at Madras, T. G. Taylor.
Sends coinage statistics from Royal Mint for 1848-50. Similar statistics from foreign mints may be obtained through Foreign Office. Records of silver prices are kept only by Lloyds.
Has made some efforts at suggesting places of employment to T. G. Taylor's son [see JH's 1851-1-11].
Board meeting tomorrow does not require JH's attendance.
Believes the quality of the astronomical work of T. G. Taylor was certainly high [see JH's 1851-1-11].