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JH's description yesterday of events at Mint led HH to stay away. Surprised that JH wishes to see HH. No one should interfere between W. T. Brande and William Buckle.

C. E. Trevelyan directed that Mr. Smith not be under direction of William Buckle. JH must devote entire morning to settling this delicate matter at Treasury. Please draw up working plan for Coining department. Contingency plan for coining if silver supply is interrupted.

Account for publication of “unfortunate accident that took place on my voyage home from South America.” On 2 July retrieved collection of birds, insects, reptiles, and fishes that had been left at Para while I traveled upriver. On 12th of July embarked in the “Helen” for London, still suffering from fever, with my collections and some live monkeys and birds. On 6th of August “smoke was discovered...and soon filled the cabin;” ship burst into flames and we had to abandon it for life boats. Natural history collections and live animals were completely lost; we steered for Bermuda, 700 miles away. After ten days at sea, almost starved, we were rescued by passing ship 200 miles off Bermuda. . Only things I saved were “my watch, drawings of fishes,” and some notes and journals. Had packed 50-foot leaf of Jupate palm (Oredoxia regia). Mr. Spruce and Mr. Bates were fine when last seen.