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?
[Marked 'Private.'] Suggests that JH delay request to include office of master of Mint under Superannuation Act until after government revises Act.
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.
Please send comments on the first draft of the Standards Commission report [see GA's 1853-12-22]; GA wants to prepare a second draft.
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].
Daughter Caroline is preparing for the problems that the Crimean War may bring; JH has applied for an Examinership [see JH's 1854-2-1 to 15].
Comments on Dr. Dodd's views of study of law versus civil law. Wants university study to be as broad as possible. Understanding civil law requires knowledge of general jurisprudence.
Doubts that examiner could live outside London and still fulfill duties.
Doubts that proscribing certain weight usages will be effective, unless the users feel a need to change [see JH's 1854-2-14]
Will act according to JH's advice in future, but believes police at Mint gate were also at fault for not adhering to consistent policy of inspecting parcels carried out by servants and visitors.
Duties of Examiner of superannuation claims for Treasury will not permit JH to live in Collingwood and may be more burdensome than those of Mint. Upset at losing Charles Elouis, who will leave Mint to replace Mr. Watt as superintendent of bullion at mint in Sydney. Concern for daughter Caroline, whose husband, [A. H.] Gordon, leaves before March, leaving her alone in Malta when 'her hour is due.'
Regrets confusion in signing of gate passes that created awkwardness for Mrs. M. Hopes police arrangements will not trouble Mint residents too much.