A light hearted letter to CH, together with a few lines for JH's wife, Margaret.

Describes a visit to a friend of JH's youth and her husband, the Dean of Winchester.

Recovering from cold. Wants to visit suburbs while Lou [Margaret Louisa Herschel?] is there.

CH's news that Mrs. Jones is with Margaret Herschel relieves JH's anxiety. Questions treatment of Mr. Wolf's horse.

Will spend weekend at Windsor Castle with Lord Aberdeen's family.

Tells CH about a Crimean War medal being ordered, the Mint not being allowed to design it, but is expected to produce it. JH feels placed in a very difficult position.

Arthur [Gordon?] visited to reveal that Lord John Russell just resigned, expected others will follow, and urged JH to follow their example and 'give up the Mint.' Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] wants to give newly created position of 'President of the Board of Examiners' to JH as a 'parting gift.' Arthur assured CH that JH could perform all its duties from Collingwood. Relates 'abuse' CH overheard in House of Commons yesterday.

Sent JH's resignation proposal to both Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] and W. E. Gladstone yesterday. JH would have welcomed presidency of Board of Examiners one year earlier, but now desires only rest and recovery. Feels 'broken down.'

Recalls asking [Richard] Jones years ago if JH should seek public office. Jones was horrified, but suggested mastership of Mint as only suitable position. After four years in office, JH longs to escape it and return to family.

Relates CH's and Arthur [Gordon?]'s conversation yesterday with Lord Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon] on how to enable JH to resign without public 'mess.' Three weeks ago, Aberdeen would have accepted JH's resignation and appointed William Henry Barton as Master, but now Aberdeen's successor must decide.

Sending various publications by JH on light. [Responding to CH's queries], explains the nature of color and the action of the sun and stars in producing heat and light.