Postpones trip to Collingwood to dine with [Elizabeth] Baily on Thursday. Send coach to Cranbrook on Friday instead. Queen is going to Ireland. Annual revenue is good. Thick gloom and darkness over London today.
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Postpones trip to Collingwood to dine with [Elizabeth] Baily on Thursday. Send coach to Cranbrook on Friday instead. Queen is going to Ireland. Annual revenue is good. Thick gloom and darkness over London today.
Cannot come home on weekend. Will try next weekend if [W. H.] Barton's affair can be settled.
About the smoky atmosphere in London, and a letter from son Alexander about his chemical work.
Received order for immediate report on state of coinage in preparation for debate in House of Lords next week. No progress on W. H. Barton's case. Permissiveness in Treasury administration. News of Elizabeth Baily, John and Catherine Bell, and Mrs. Gordon. P.S.: Three-volume novel Adam Graeme at Mossgray [by Margaret Oliphant] is 'beautiful.' JH has read first two volumes.
Birthday greetings. Longs to be with MH. Comments on poet P. B. Shelley.
Postpone paying bills until end of month. Questions MH's birthday festivities. Congratulates Hayley family on remarriage. Poor Mr. Paynder is gone. JH finished third volume of Adam Graeme at Mossgray [by Margaret Oliphant].
Travels in France. Note of JS's discussion with Arthur Gordon about recent problems at Mint and JH's need for intelligent secretary. Possibility of reducing Mint to subsidiary of Treasury. Feels anxiety for JH's sufferings.
Mint business. W. T. Brande now has two jobs. Lyells are back. Mr. Newham reports legal problem determining who will pay for construction at 204 'OHd' Street. Bank balance is low; check records to see when [Jesse] Piper's rent is due. Alexander Herschel's artistic ability. Urges MH to read Margaret Oliphant's Adam Graeme of Mossgray.
Deeply disappointed by Treasury's failure to pay an adequate salary to W. H. Barton for combined duties of deputy master and comptroller. C. E. Trevelyan granted only a junior and inexperienced clerk to assist JH. Feels 'sickened and disgusted' by Trevelyan's pettiness, which is crippling the effectiveness of the Mint staff.
Reviews vexations caused to JH by dealings with C. E. Trevelyan. Notes H. D. Harness's belief that Bank of England is maneuvering to take control of Royal Mint. Fears JH may become bitter about public offices. Encloses copy of JH's letter to MH [see JH's [1853-8-23]].
Organizational changes at Mint. Deputy master declared unnecessary. W. T. Brande was promoted to combined office of deputy master and comptroller. JH protested to C. E. Trevelyan yesterday about low pay of junior clerks.
Is slightly ill, so JH decided not to come home; a few items about members of the family.