Explain £47,694 excess of Mint expenses in fiscal year 1851, relative to 1850, shown in enclosed statement.
Asks JH to approve two letters regarding arrangements with W. T. Brande, whose salary is divided between Mint and paymaster general.
Proposes to amalgamate Coining department and Machinery and Die department, with W. T. Brande as superintendent of new Coining and Die department.
Treasury commissioners approved JH's plan to amalgamate Coining department and Machinery and Die department. W. T. Brande is approved as superintendent of new Coining and Die department.
Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] approved new position of W. T. Brande and compensation for Brande's loss of income at Royal Institution, but declined to raise salary immediately for W. H. Barton, new deputy master. Please send to CT details of Brande's former salary. Wood will submit to John Russell [Prime Minister] JH's recommendation to appoint Brande's son [F. R. Brande] to position of supernumerary clerk.
Has found the missing testimonials; if the chosen candidate cannot go, send the next one in line [see JH's 1852-1-9].
Returns Robert Mushet's note. Changed title of Mr. Reynolds's office from melter to "Senior Clerk and Melter.' Adjustments to salary of W. T. Brande.
Requests raise in salary for W. H. Barton, whose prior service was not properly credited during reorganization of Mint.
Returns drafts and estimate. Expects decision soon on claims by Robert Mushet and Mr. Hill.
Reports on progress of the three Herschel sons at Clapham. Asks JH's advice on his plan to construct a telescope. Looks forward to visit from JH.
Writes to inquire as to the whereabouts of the Richard Sheepshanks's papers [see GA's 1851-11-25].
Apologizes for the business of the missing testimonials [see GA's 1852-1-14].
Agrees with papers demonstrating falsity of present methods of correcting barometer for moisture and 'dogma of one gas being a vacuum to another.'
Security bond has been approved for Robert Mushet. Will send bond to JH after Mushet signs it.
Faster steam ships available may solve the time problem for the Sydney University professor [see GA's 1852-1-14].
Believes that war is imminent [see JH's 1852-1-9], that the south of England may well be attacked, and that MH and the girls should be prepared to go north.
Because of strong feeling about the procedure in the R.S.L. Council, JH has decided he will not sign the certificate for William Simms, although JH will support his candidature.
JH having liked RP's book on Egyptian chronology, asks JH for a testimonial for position in Department of Antiquities at British Museum.
Has sent three letters of introduction for JH's son [William J. Herschel?]. Says he will be accepted in the best society because of his accomplishments and name.
Argues cogently against the policy of the Council [see JH's 1852-1-16]; is continuing his work on the standard yard.