Writing on JH's behalf, MH begs JH be excused from writing a memoir of C. F. Gauss, as JH is very ill.
[?]'s model was forwarded. [W. H.] Barton will communicate results back to [?].
Concern for careless work of E. L. J. Ridsdale, who is still on probation as assayer. Explains precedent for letting HF's assistant attend pyx trial.
HF's proposal for new position of assistant resident assayer deviates from procedures for reorganized Mint by avoiding usual course of promotion. Use services of E. L. J. Ridsdale instead. If Ridsdale is incompetent, he must be notified that his probation year is unsatisfactory.
Sudden appointment of Thomas Graham to succeed JH as Master of Mint. Told C. E. Trevelyan that WB should have been considered. Details of gold shipment to Australia aboard Hannibal. Conflict with Lord Panmure [Fox Maule] over Crimean Medal. Report that Queen has approved Kaffir medal ribbon, but War department lost Benjamin Wyon's wax model for medal.
JH is paralyzed and in pain. Appreciates [WB]'s efforts to keep [Mint] running smoothly. Comments on JH's successor. Decision to contract out Crimean medal simplifies Mint's responsibilities. Review Mint structure and systems. Invite bids for Kaffir medal. Disappearance of L. C. Wyon's wax model of Kaffir medal.
Approves HT's choice of H. D. Harness to succeed JH as Master of Mint. Characteristics for which HT should look in selecting JH's successor if Harness is not available.
Mint business. Should WB continue to intervene in hunt for Benjamin Wyon's model [of Kaffir medal lost at War Department]? Still no official letter of Queen's approval for Kaffir Medal.
Sends Mint accounts of last three months for JH's approval. Mr. Ramsay [War Department] still silent on disappearance of Benjamin Wyon's model for Kaffir Medal. Will ask Lord Panmure [Fox Maule] for permission to have Wyon make medal from new model not approved by Queen. Has not yet seen JH's successor, Thomas Graham.
Signs and returns Mint accounts. Notes that two are missing.
Hill introduces courier Thomas Adams, who will pick up JH's parcels. Hopes JH's health is improving. [On verso, signed at Collingwood] Adams's receipt for parcels and one letter, all addressed to officials at Royal Mint.
A note of information about the impending forwarding of all Melbourne University materials to GA [see JH's 1855-3-23].
A letter of information, together with a list of all material, sent with the material, to GA [see JH's 1855-4-13].
Acknowledges receipt of a parcel of material [see JH's 1855-4-13].
Upset by Cambridge Bill now before Parliament. It contains changes contrary to report from [Cambridge University] Commission. W. H. Bateson will write to John Romilly, and GP writes to JH, both seeking letters to Lord Chancellor explaining this problem.
Henry Lawson has presented all his meteorological instruments and his transit instrument to this Observatory. Hopes to study the relation of the atmosphere to the prevalence of disease. Wonders if the Government or some society would be willing to finance assistant in the observatory.
Discusses possibility of JH taking position of a judge for Britain at a scientific exposition in France.
Comments on the action of the Council of the Senate of Cambridge University.
Has recently published a volume on Practical Astronomy and dispatched a copy via Messrs. Trubner for JH. Believes it fills a need as there has been no suitable work available for beginners.
JH's views coincide with GP's views about constitution of [Cambridge] University. Adam Sedgwick, GP, and John Romilly will compose joint letter to Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple], pointing out that present parliamentary bill [to make new statutes for Cambridge] is totally opposed to recommendations [of Cambridge University Commission] and to liberal constitution granted to Oxford University.