Make JH aware that G. R. Waterhouse desires position at British Museum vacated by C. D. E. König's death. GW is trying to return quickly from Paris, but delay might suggest that GW is not interested.
Make JH aware that G. R. Waterhouse desires position at British Museum vacated by C. D. E. König's death. GW is trying to return quickly from Paris, but delay might suggest that GW is not interested.
Writes to MH to insist that JH not come to the meeting [see JH's 1854-3-23].
Apologizes profusely for not having written earlier. Thanks for a wonderful stay in England. Has been pressured into new and undesired positions. Sends porcelain tea service from Sèvres.
Has difficulty in providing Mr. Loyd with a pew; would she object if he moves the pew occupied by her servants to a different part of the church? Hopes JH did not catch a chill yesterday.
Visited JH at Mint today. Notes JH's health and recovery. JH reminisced of childhood episodes with William Herschel.
Will always remember the happy day he spent at Collingwood. Spent the evening with Mr. Grant. Has ordered a sea picture for JH. Has obtained the remainder of the Griffith papers.
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]].
Profusely thanks GA for his letter [see GA's 1854-3-23]. The family will keep JH at home. Talks about her interest in a nearby mound as a possible ancient site.
Part of a letter about not having received any hampers from Collingwood, and about some household staff arrangements.
George Peacock is seriously ill; Charles Lyell urged JH to see a hippopotamus that had been brought to London; news of family and friends.
Has received an invitation from Algernon Percy and JH has accepted for MH and a few friends; JH has received a letter offering some lost spoons with JH's arms and crest. JH says this must be an attempt at a swindle as he has lost no such spoons, since they never existed. Urges some checking by MH. [Letter contains a note by MH asking someone to investigate on JH's behalf.]
Great distress about a letter from Charles Pritchard to the effect that JH's son William may not be ready for the entrance examination to Haileybury [to prepare for the Indian Civil Service]. JH is considering working with William to teach him Greek.
Following another letter from Charles Pritchard [see JH's 1850-6-14], it now appears that son William's Latin is deficient; JH will work with William during William's holidays, but is concerned about interruptions, mentioning an invitation to a ball at Buckingham Palace and 'Mrs. [Julia] Cameron's Artist,' who is coming to paint JH.
Went to meet Lord John Russell. JH considers [Mastership of Mint] settled, but do not speak openly of it yet. Carried out MBH's errands in London. Encloses note for daughter Louisa from Miss A. Bryant.
Cannot determine if mastership of Royal Mint will be vacant. R. L. Sheil is in Dublin. Rumors about Sheil's new appointment. Will attend Cambridge University Commission meeting today. [G. G.] Gordon congratulated JH on Mint position. JH's host, Eneas Mackintosh, suggests that JH's son John enter Addiscombe College at age 16, but JH prefers 17. Searching for house in London. P.S.: Mr. Stroud had not heard of Mrs. Jeffrey's notice. Tell JH what to wear for 'Royal presence.'
JH still in suspense about Mastership of Mint. Wants to find house for MBH in London. Describes work that faces University Committee.
Learned from H. D. Harness today that entire Mint is undergoing reorganization. JH expects to devote considerable time to this transition. Admires Harness's capability. Read report yesterday by commission to reform Mint. Will see Lord John Russell tomorrow about Mastership of Mint.
Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] confirmed JH's appointment as Master of Mint today. R. L. Sheil will resign on 1 Dec. JH will be installed on 3 Dec. as first non-political appointee.
Richard Jones is wrong in attacking Mr. Tucker. JH must inform W. H. Sykes that [JH's son] William is going to Madras and not to Bombay. Believes that [W. H. C. Plowden] will change William's assignment. Letter from Lord John Russell has increased JH's work load. John Barlow suggests that MBH, not JH, should become member of Royal Institution. Encloses draft of letter to E. Mackintosh.
Son William is adapting to life and study in London. Dined with R. H. Inglis today and met African explorer J. H. Krapf, who discovered source of Nile. MBH will soon be member of Royal Institution. Please send copy of letter from F. M. Eardley-Wilmot to JH regarding admission to R.S.L. JH blundered in signing it. JH's note to W. H. C. Plowden was not worded correctly. Richard Jones is arranging lodging for JH's son William at Haileybury College.