Left at JH's door recent specimen of fossil breccia from [Aingo?] Island, where WH was detained 50 years earlier. Grateful for manner in which JH handled affair with Benedetto Pistrucci. Attests to Pistrucci's honesty and genius.

Do not make copies of C. K. J. Bunsen's letter to WH regarding Waterloo Medal, except for JH's use or at request of cabinet ministers. If Benedetto Pistrucci had been treated properly by JH's predecessors at Mint, Waterloo Medal could have been finished 15 years ago.

Death of William Wyon. Suggests returning Benedetto Pistrucci to office of Chief Engraver, to which WH recommended Pistrucci in 1816 but from which Pistrucci was removed because he was Catholic.

Conferred with Benedetto Pistrucci before sending WH's letter to JH on Pistrucci's behalf. Asks JH to review JH's decision regarding Pistrucci.

Grieved to hear that JH's recommendation to Treasury does not do justice to Benedetto Pistrucci's public service. Reviews Pistrucci's appointment by Lord Maryborough [William Wellesley-Pole] in 1815. Lists Pistrucci's objections to present appointment at Mint.

Clarifies attitude of Benedetto Pistrucci toward probationary medallist [L. C.] Wyon. Pistrucci objects to JH giving same title to both artists. If JH desires, WH will accompany JH to see John Russell about this matter.

Asks JH to grant permission for WH's son and friends to tour Mint. Hopes business with Benedetto Pistrucci will be settled soon. [JH annotation: JH also wants Pistrucci business settled, but latest developments lead JH to expect anything but a satisfactory conclusion.]

Suggests that JH authorize special payment from Audit office to Benedetto Pistrucci. If JH will not come to Pistrucci's relief, then WH will assist Pistrucci. Is JH trying to reduce Pistrucci into submission?

Private. Benedetto Pistrucci appealed to Lord Derby [E. G. G. S. Stanley]. If consulted, JH will recommend that former distinctions within Engraving department be abolished. If Pistrucci insists on using his former title, he may no longer do so as an officer of the Mint. Will approve pension if Pistrucci chooses to retire.

Benedetto Pistrucci reports that JH refuses to pay Pistrucci. Admonishes JH to treat Pistrucci kindly and prevent Pistrucci from having to beg for a living. Pistrucci also worries that new construction in Weighing Room at Mint will ruin Pistrucci's furnaces and prevent completion of Waterloo Medal. WH criticizes latest changes in Mint policies as injurious to great artists like Pistrucci for the sake of 'free Trade.'

Private. If JH did try to pay Benedetto Pistrucci as 'Chief Medallist,' Audit office would refuse to approve it, because that position no longer exists at Mint. No one opened walls of Pistrucci's studio for repairs; workmen simply requested permission to examine them to see if repairs were needed. Pistrucci was never denied access to dies for Waterloo Medal; he asked once for them when keys were not available and never came back.

Lists injustices suffered by Benedetto Pistrucci under JH's administration. Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] stated that Pistrucci's salary and duties would not change. Urges JH to let Pistrucci keep former title of Chief Medallist as well; otherwise JH will sign Pistrucci's 'Death-Warrant.'

Delay in resolving matter with Benedetto Pistrucci is not JH's fault. JH will not dignify WH's last question with a response [see WH's 1852-4-20].

Will give every consideration to case of Benedetto Pistrucci, but Engraving department is long overdue for changes to bring it into conformity with all other departments in reorganized Mint.