Sends check for salary due to JH for previous quarter. Itemizes taxes and fees deducted. As first non-political appointee to Mastership, JH is eligible for superannuation fund, but HH needs instructions from Treasury about this. Will arrange to receive dies for Waterloo Medal from Benedetto Pistrucci.
Asks JH's approval for conditions that HH will set for [William] Wyon to use Mint equipment to conduct private business as medallist.
Notes on weighing and coining silver. Payment of wages in Coining room.
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.
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.
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.
Board meeting tomorrow does not require JH's attendance.
Obtained silver prices for 1838-39 and 1848, but prices for 1849-50 are not yet available.
Gave permission for F. M. Russell [wife of prime minister] to tour Mint on 30 Jan. Do not be concerned over Benedetto Pistrucci's remarks; JH's note accompanying Pistrucci's letter will be sufficient for Treasury to understand the situation. P.S.: Suggests letting Lady Russell see studio of [William] Wyon.
Letter from Benedetto Pistrucci incorrectly quotes JH as stating that no Mint officer except Pistrucci is capable of handling dies. W. T. Brande may interpret this as lack of JH's confidence in Brande's abilities.
Sends 1849-50 silver prices.
Two books arrived for the Mint library. When are JH and HH scheduled to visit Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood]?
Benedetto Pistrucci insists on purchasing special press for medals. Does JH approve 'indulging the artist' and spending £5 for this equipment?
Forwards letter from Henry Bingley. Will supply JH with records relative to Bingley before JH responds to it.
Family matters take HH away. Postpones discussion of Henry Bingley's letter.
As directed by Charles Wood, HH gave formal notice [of contract termination] to Moneyers and sent Wood's letter to G. F. G. Mathison. Forwarded JH's note to Henry Bingley.
Encloses copy of 5 Feb. 1851 letter from C. E. Trevelyan containing Treasury approval for 'part of' Mint reforms recommended by R. L. Sheil and JH. Treasury solicitors will serve notice of termination to Moneyers. HH sees difficulties if proposed changes are not all adopted simultaneously.
Forwards notices from George Maule [terminating contract with Moneyers and G. F. G. Mathison] for JH's signature. Will call meeting with Moneyers for Thursday.
Legality of reforms at Mint may be challenged if Mint indenture is treated as an obsolete document. Details of appointments of Mint officers. Recommends establishing schedule of salaries for all officers and employees.