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[Page 5]
3 Decr. 1787
I have desird my son to visit you & send me an account of the state in which the die & other mechanisms belonging to the demi sol (halfpenny) now is. I approve of the Lions skin instead of the drapery for the bust of Ld Healthfield & shall be glad of an impressions to shew. I have several impressions for the reverse but I will not send them yet as that medal does not press & I shall be content if I can have it 6 or 9 months hence but the affairs of the Copper coinage admits of no delay, the people are so anxious for new Copper money that the minister must determine in Jan. next and as some members of Parliament are resolvd to bring the matter before the house I wish much to have 500 or 1000 of your Coins struck with the inscription on the edge in order to prove that my plan of preventing counterfeit is practicable which they will not believe till they see the peice. It is not necessary that the coin should be struck as every body who has seen your 6 Livre knows your merit as an engraver. I want only the inscription on the edge & the polishd surface to shew the advantage of your press. I would have you lay aside all work but the halfpenny lest the minister should settle the Coinage on the old plan & we should lose all.
[In margin]
Ld Heathfields Medal.
Decr. 17
The business of Coinage is now very serious for me. I beg you to put aside every other work but the halfpenny till you have finishd the two Faces & the inscription on the edge. My mint is Finishd with two rooms for you to engrave in, your house also is servd & painted so I hope you will come to England as soon as you have finishd the halfpenny & struck some.
No. 7, March 7, 1788
I have receivd the Lead on proof of your halfpenny & have given it to the president of the Committee, he wishes me to get some to present to the King, Queen &c, tells me then I beg exactly when I may see you. I have an