London
Dec 2/50
My dear Sir
Many thanks for your kind letter of congratulation. The appointment <1> though not actually made out is in progress and may be considered certain.
We have commenced our work with Cambridge and I have no doubt much useful matter will be elicited and opportunity afforded for effecting or giving room for effecting many improvements. <2>
Believe me Yours very truly
J F W Herschel
Notes:
1. In 1850 Sir John Herschel was appointed Master of the Mint.
2. Herschel was a member of the Royal Commission appointed in 1850 to review the courses of study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.