Wants to discuss three topics when JH has time to call on CT. [JH annotation: 'Pistrucci; Superannuation; Deficits in the Exchequer credit accounts.']
Call on CT today.
Forwards confidential memorandum by George Arbuthnot concerning JH's letter. Will discuss this with JH tomorrow.
Prefers to send entire £50,000 to Cape in gold coins. Will authorize JH next week to obtain another £20,000 in gold coin from Bank [of England] for other shipments.
Inform CT of present pay scale for workmen in Coining and Melting departments. JH was correct in giving assistance and information to two French visitors. Wants to discuss F. R. Brande and Henry Finch.
JH and H. D. Harness may call on CT tomorrow.
Does monetary part of enclosed document require more attention than political part? [JH annotation: 'monstrous proposal' concerning counterfeit copper.]
Asks clarification of JH's plans for countersigning drafts from Mint.
Believes JH's handwriting is sufficiently clear for official correspondence. Denies request for additional worker to serve as JH's personal clerk.
Supports JH's plan to hire F. R. Brande as supernumerary clerk and Henry Finch to replace Brande, but tell them explicitly that these are not permanent positions.
Approves delay in JH's report on coinage until JH can determine how unusual present demand will affect Mint operations.
Asks JH to call on CT when convenient. [JH annotation: Discussed objection of Lord C [Chandos?=Richard Grenville] to hiring Brande.]
Introduces Deputy Assistant Commissary General Bower, who wishes to learn minting processes before leaving for Australia.
Approves JH's action in transferring £2000 of half crowns to Bank [of England]. Will restrain Commissariat demand for silver coins until present pressure from Bank for coinage is over. Instructions for colonial coinage are obsolete; only new coins should be sent overseas. Plan to produce reserve stock of coins for Commissariat. [JH annotation: calculates minimum reserve stock.]
Permission granted for issue of £50,000. Please return CT's note to JH instructing that only new coins be sent to Colonies.
Encloses letter from War Office. Current crisis in coin production has focused public scrutiny upon reorganized Mint system. '[W]e ... are on trial.' [JH annotation: Pensioners are complaining to War Office that they are not paid, due to lack of silver coins.]
New emergency at Mint, created by demand for gold and silver coins by people and Bank of England. JH unable to cope alone. Directs HH to cancel vacation and return to assist.
[Marked 'Confidential.'] CT will respond to the Times query regarding Mint [production of silver coins]. Plan to meet with CT when H. D. Harness returns. Glad to hear that Mint workmen began 12-hour workdays on 25 Oct.
[Marked 'Confidential.'] Agrees with JH that assay of freshly minted coins may be eliminated [to reduce delivery time]. Keep official copy of JH's letter and send copy to CT. Anticipates no delay in new appointments at Mint when Mr. Forbes retires.
Colonial 'Chest' contains excess of silver coins. Requests that £30,000 be sent from Malta to England.