Repeats his desire for a pension. Criticizes the efficiency of some of the Mint officials. Complains many others have been granted residences and pensions. Needs a competent worker to harden the dies for the Waterloo Medal.
Discusses the methods for adulteration of alcoholic drinks, including porter, ales and spirits. States that adulteration is far less harmful than the public imagine.
Wishes to improve Slough and encloses a map of proposed alterations for JH's comments. Would like to purchase a portion of JH's garden for a new road.
No summary available.
Is sending JH a book recounting some of CM's researches. Comments on various factors influencing conductance in carrying out experiments in electricity and telegraphy. [Letter illegible in parts.]
Recovering from cold. Wants to visit suburbs while Lou [Margaret Louisa Herschel?] is there.
Sends deciphered code. Explains how CB solved it. [CB note dated 24 Mar. 1846: Technique for deciphering code.]
Regarding his plans for lighthouses. Had a visit from L. F. Menabrea in his absence. Who manufactures the specified telescopes?
[Formal proclamation] JH's request was read to Queen Victoria. Former warrant to JH, issued 17 Dec. 1850, is suspended. Effective this day, Treasury Commissioners and JH may take steps necessary to reform Mint.
Provides JH a sketch of the geological study and mapping being carried on in South Africa by Andrew Bain. Asks JH to bring a geological map and collection made by Bain to the attention of geologists.
Treasury commissioners have approved reform plan for Mint. First step will be to terminate contract with company of Moneyers. Other reforms can be delayed. Make necessary preparations for Mint staff to take over those duties.
Bring H. D. Harness and [J. W.] Morrison to meet CT next week to discuss matter of [Moneyers] Edward Enfield and Robert Rintoul and to fix salaries for Mint officers. Must refer JH's legal question to George Maule, Treasury solicitor.
Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] wants to see JH and H. D. Harness tomorrow regarding arrangement with G. F. G. Mathison.
Treasury commissioners will not authorize changes to Mint Board, mint office, or assay office until solicitors can determine legal ramifications. Changes in Melting department must await counter-proposal from G. W. G. Mathison. JH's plan to maintain other departments on present footing is approved.
George Maule will help JH prepare draft of new organization for Mint to present to Privy Council. Inform Mint officers of their need to post security for their positions.
George Maule will prepare draft of Privy Council's warrant to reorganize Mint. Sends draft of Treasury minutes enabling JH to make all arrangements. Will return G. F. G. Mathison's statement when minutes have been approved. [JH annotation: Returned minutes with note that it and Council warrant invest all powers that JH needs.]
Treasury commissioners have read G. F. G. Mathison's letter. JH is now authorized to proceed with reforms to Mint Board, Mint office, Assay office, Melting department, and Refinery. Offer Refinery to Mathison for private refining business.
Agrees to JH's division of Mint clerks into two classes according to salaries, with additional pay for those selected to be Melter and Assistant Coiner.
CE returns joint petition submitted by Moneyers. Treasury commissioners do not accept Moneyers' claim to be a corporation. Each Moneyer must submit an individual petition for compensation.
Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] wishes to see Moneyers Edward Enfield and Robert Rintoul in person on Saturday. Asks JH to be present also. P.S.: Adopted JH's suggestion to send Moneyers' memorial back to JH.