Thanks for Roscoe's letter of 1 March. Critiques in detail Roscoe's paper on Scitamineae plants; believes it will do Roscoe "great honour" as a botanist he is the first to give a "plausible account" of these genera; a point that could have been alluded to; corrections of punctuation, quotations, spelling, and words for characteristics; asks whether 'Roscoia' is to remain in 'Amomum'.

[Richard] Salisbury has published a "most abusive & lying pamphlet" against "English Botany" ["Generic characters in the English Botany"], which he has ignored, along with two letters received since his last conclusive one. No one is paying Salisbury any attention and are anxious for Smith to keep his silence. Composed new introductory letter for Royal Institution, refuting Salisbury and not honouring him with apparent notice. Transcribes a mocking "motto" for [Salisbury] and [William] Hooker's [(1779-1832), botanical artist] "Paradisus [Londinensis]".

Details reception of Roscoe's paper [on 'Scitamineae'] at Linnean Society; approved by everybody, especially [Jonas] Dryander, who has suggested some changes in terminology after he and Smith went through all the paper's references and specimens. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and [William Townsend] Aiton also praised it, though they are convinced Roscoe could not have had the knowledge and materials and that it was written by Smith.

[James] Sowerby will send Roscoe as many copies of "Exotic botany" as needed but warns him of Sowerby's poor business skills. "Exotic botany" has to become more profitable for Sowerby to take up Roscoe's plan [to tour the country drawing rare plants in private collections]; Sowerby had intended to stop it until publishers Longman and co. agreed to take it on. Transcribes text for Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's FLS nomination certificate.

About to send first 2000 plants of herbarium and wishes them to be purchased by or for a public body, specifically Liverpool [Botanic] Garden; confident of a total of 8 to 10,000 species, "a respectable herbarium, especially with Linnaean authority", excluding fungi, and treated to last as long as the paper.

On Roscoe's advice reprinted the first sheet of "Flora Graeca". Criticises habit for naturalists to use people's names "unchanged in the nominative, but declined", though regrets engraving of 'Salvia sibthorpii' in "Flora Graeca". Questions Roscoe on the authorities he used in his 'Scitaminiae' paper, including 'Canna augustifolia'. Discusses 'Amomum exscapum' following receipt of many new 'Amomum' species from [Adam] Afzelius including 'Grana paradisi'. Has learnt much from original Dutch manuscript of "Hortus Malabaricus" that Linnaeus received with the Surinam plants, including on 'Renealmia exaltata' and 'Amomum repens'. Received new species of 'Hedychium' from [Francis] Buchanan and will put one in Roscoe's Liverpool herbarium along with a duplicate of 'Roscoea', discusses rules for assenting its character. Discusses Correa's idea that every order has one or more genera with irregular and regular flowers, which he has seen confirmed with 'Leguminosae', 'Caryophylleae', 'Saxifraga', 'Celsia', 'Verbascum', and 'Iberis'. Thinks Roscoe should print the synoptical table with his paper [on 'Scitamineae'].

Notes that [Richard] Salisbury's "abusive pamphlet" has been quoted against him in Salisbury's "Paradisus Londinensis"; [William Fitt] Drake's opinion of the matter; resolved to remain silent but desirous for it to be known that the quarrel is about "more essential things than Bot[an]y". [Sir Joseph] Banks' sketch of 'Hura siamensium' and Retzius' description is all they have to identify the plant, a 'Globba'. Plans being made for Drake to obtain a government appointment in Buenos Aires, [Argentina]. Parliament dissolved; confident of [Thomas William] Coke and [William] Windham [(1750-1810), politician] for Norfolk.

Arriving in Liverpool by the end of the week. Thanks Roscoe for his patronage and is happy for him and Taylor to advertise the lectures though anxious for the first one to be held by end of June.

Congratulates Roscoe on his election as MP; excitement of his family. William Smith lost his Norwich seat here thanks to efforts of "contemptible beings". Considers the impact of Roscoe's election on the slave trade, which shows that "even Liverpool can do better without it"; general election excitement. Mr Creery will be glad of Roscoe's election.

Intends to exercise Roscoe's "newly acquired gift of franking in the service of botany"; sends 'Tangionia hypophylla' for John Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden]. Sending Roscoe's 'Scitamineae' paper in several franks. Will ensure Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's FLS nomination certificate is completed.

Norfolk county elections are closing with [Thomas William] Coke and [William] Windham [(1750-1810), politician] "some hundreds" ahead of Wodehouse, and at one of his dinners Coke toasted "Mr Roscoe & the abolition of the slave trade [...] 3 times 3"; Coke's favourable opinion of Roscoe based on his winning the Liverpool election with the motto "no slave trade"; Roscoe should visit Coke and [Andrew] Fountaine to see their libraries, manuscripts, and porcelain.

[Letter possibly incomplete: no signature or valediction]

Asks Roscoe to visit [Alexander] Macleay at the Transport Office to settle urgent questions regarding his 'Scitamineae' paper waiting to be printed; the law only allows Roscoe twelve copies of the paper. Pleased that Roscoe is finding multiple confirmations of his system; resolves to obtain "Flora Peruviana". Hopes Roscoe will encourage [James] Sowerby, who is "in despair about the work" ["Exotic botany"]; the publishers Longman & Co. were to continue it but withdrew on finding the confusion surrounding it caused by Sowerby's poor business skills; [Smith] is keen for the final two parts of second volume to be published.

Informs Roscoe of how much he is "looked up to by the nation" on abolition of slavery, which is very popular with "all parties, clergy & dissenters, quakers, aristocrats & democrats, if good people", though some people fear Roscoe will compromise or fall short of expectations. Principle wish of the people is for "immediate abolition of the procurring slaves from Africa", and for emancipation to follow in time. Roscoe is taking a "decided lead" and it will lead him to greater political consequence as long as [William Wyndham] Grenville [1st Baron Grenville (1759-1834), prime minister 1806-1807] or another abolitionist does not take the glory. Invites Roscoe and family to Norwich for Easter.

Congratulates Roscoe on the "glorious majority in favour of the abolition of the slave trade & the glorious sentiments that came forth on the occasion" and the part Roscoe played. Hopes Roscoe's business will find relief in consultation with William Smith, who is experienced in "arduous & complicated" business; compares them to a pair of horses Lady [Amelia] Hume used to own. Pleased Roscoe has finished his 'Scitamineae' paper and is not concerned that the "Flora Peruviana" were missed, of which copies are available at Sir Joseph Banks' and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's.

Relates his and [William Fitt Drake's] journey from Liverpool to Norwich, with quotes from Petrarch and Rousseau, via Disley, [Cheshire], Buxton, [Derbyshire], Ashbourne, [Derbyshire], Matlock, [Derbyshire], Newark, Cambridge, and [Burghley] House, [Cambridgeshire]. Cambridge [botanic] garden "in a very flourishing state" and [James] Donn [(1758-1813), curator Cambridge Botanic Garden] is in correspondence with [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden], and acquired roots of 'Aletris uvaria' which are now growing in his garden.

Upset to see the plants and books of his late "beloved friend", [Edmund] Davall, before him, and regrets never visiting him in Switzerland. Invites Roscoe to visit Norwich and meet his wife, [Pleasance Smith]. Expecting copy of Roscoe's "Lorenzo".

Until reading account in "Liverpool Chronicle" had been anxious to know truth of the "dreadful reports" from Liverpool, including that Roscoe's house had been burnt down [Roscoe had been caught in a riot orchestrated by local slave traders angry at his part in the abolition of the trade]. Urges Roscoe to resubmit himself as a candidate in the Liverpool election as "resistance to such abominable treatment" and to "set aside the election of y[ou]r adversary supported by violence". Mrs Gascoign told Lady [Amelia] Hume that there was expected to be no opposition to her husband [Isaac Gascoyne] or Roscoe, believes Roscoe can use this to both their advantage.

Staying with his cousins [the Kindersleys]. Roscoe's address [announcing withdrawal from Liverpool election] is admired by all, and Sir Joseph Banks told [Jonas] Dryander it was "the best he had ever seen", though all are convinced he should not withdraw, especially as William Smith has just been reelected. "Astonished & indignant beyond measure" at Roscoe's countrymen._x000D_

His health is good and lung iunflammation cleared following a "good dose or two of James's powder"; comments on "noise & dirt" in Covent Garden now. Roscoe not put into Linnean Society council as he is too far from London, though finds everyone at the Society is disposed to his wishes anyway. [Richard] Salisbury is "quarelling" with everyone, and whilst breakfasting at the Banks' on Sunday they had an awkward, accidental meeting, which passed with "distant civility", and was the first time they have met outside of the Linnean Society._x000D_

[Thomas] Johnes has lost his election and [James] Brodie likely to lose his, "a great loss to me as a franker", but not to the country as he was a "mere Melville tool".

Glad to hear that Roscoe has not been affected by the agitation and anxiety of the last few weeks. Spent much of his time in London with the William Smiths. Looking forward to his visit to Liverpool and Allerton with his mother though it is only a short visit.

Busy with many publications, including: "Introduction to Botany", second part of first volume of "Flora Graeca", second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus", a sequel to "Exotic botany", and others in planning stages. Has undertaken to write the physiological, terminological, and biographical parts of the botanical section of [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", a "pleasant & easy" job, following illness of previous writer, [William] Wood of Liverpool, who is now well enough to resume descriptive part. Will read [William] Wordsworth [(1770-1850), poet] on Roscoe's recommendation. Has just completed 'Clusius' and Peter Collinson [(1694-1768), botanist] for "Cyclopedia".

Disappointed that he cannot accept Roscoe's invitation. Rumoured that Roscoe will become the sitting member for Liverpool. Hopes to accompany his mother to Liverpool in early spring and would like to discuss Roscoe's 'Canna' specimens, figures, and synonyms, particularly species Roscoe made out of 'Canna indica', for intended paper on 'Scitamineae' species.

Sent the Linnean Society a "botanico-physiological" on germination of seeds, disproving Gaertner's "vitellus"; further details. Asks if Roscoe approves with his rule of "shall & will" as he discussed in October issue of the "Athenaeum". Will shortly send Roscoe his "Introduction to Botany" for comment and corrections; hopes it will promote the study.

Hopes Roscoe has had the most recent numbers of "Exotic botany" from [James] Sowerby. Has written a lot for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", and has enjoyed looking at botanical subjects he might not have otherwise studied. Glad Roscoe's Liverpool [Botanic] Garden is flourishing; had hoped to see [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] in Norwich; apologises for delay in sending the herbarium, which is proving "a long & arduous job". [William Fitt] Drake has entered Caius College, Cambridge, with one of the highest scholarships but will still assist Smith half the year. Continuing work on "Florae Graecae prodomus" but struggles to complete more than 10 to 12 plants from 10 o'clock till 3. Compliments to the Roscoe and Rathbone families. Relates a "curious anecdote" about the King of Prussia, Napoleon, and the Empress of Russia at the conference of Tilsit [ending the War of the Fourth Coalition, 1806-1807].

Replies to Roscoe's letters of 15 November and 16 December. Disappointed not to see Roscoe this summer and impatient for Roscoe's notes on 'Canna' species. Last paper of second volume of "Exotic botany" published and hopes to settle a permanent plan for its continuation or a new one like it next spring. Has written papers on British 'Hieracium', "papilionaceous decandrous plants of New Holland", three diadelphous genera, and working on one on 'Arenaria' to resolve dearth of papers at Linnean Society meetings, which are otherwise "very fully" attended. Second parts of "Flora Graeca" and "Florae Graecae prodromus" ready for publication. Thanks for Roscoe's praise of his paper on "shall & will" [in October 1807 issue of the "Athenaeum"] and "Introduction to Botany"; half the edition is sold; will only correct a new edition.

Thanks for Roscoe's political pamphlet [on war with France, see RelatedMaterial below], which he agrees with entirely; further comments. Has completed 3000 species for Liverpool [Botanic Garden] herbarium. [Richard] Salisbury and Andrews, "a rogue & a fool, a happy conjunction!", have combined to criticise Roscoe's 'Scitamineae' principle. Has written to editor of the "Monthly Magazine" about [William Fordyce] Mavor [(1758-1837)], who wrote Botany Report for this month's issue, and who was rejected by Linnean Society; expects it will be published next month.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 1 May. Thanks for Roscoe's notes on 'Canna', though there is not much new information; asks native country of Roscoe's 'Canna latifolia' and any authority used. Doubts whether [James] Sowerby will continue "Exotic botany" as it does not sell enough for a profit, though if he went on slowly it would pay. His work for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia" has increased and now includes the whole botanical part and biographies of botanists following death of [William] Wood; he has accepted as it sells 5000 copies and will help advance botany; he puts an "S" to articles he wishes to be responsible for.

New edition of his "Introduction to Botany" printing but has only made corrections. Intends to produce a new work called "Illustrations of Botany" with figures of new and interesting plants and genera, with possible chapter illustrating and criticising Jussieu's system. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" printing and will finish "Flora Britannica" this winter. As usual will spend September in Lowestoft, [Suffolk]. His health is good but has been anxious for Roscoe's sons' health. Forced to to give up his visit to Lancashire but hopeful for next year. Thanks for Roscoe's second pamphlet, admires the introduction but observes that recent events in Spain are unfavourable for Roscoe's ideas of peace, and "sickens at the old story of subsidising Austria & Co again!".

Discussion of toads: asks after Roscoe's tale of a "toad in a hole in a wall" having just read a similar account in Roesel [von Rosenhof's (1705-1759)] "Historia naturalis rariarum"; his own observations of three live natterjack toads in his possession, 'Bufo terrestius foetidus' of Roesel t24; [Thomas] Pennant's "British Zoology" quotes Sir Joseph Banks on natterjacks but not Roesel.

[Letter probably incomplete: text interrupted, no signature or valediction]

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 14 October. Asks Roscoe's experience of subscribing to Boydell's "Shakespeare" on behalf of his friend, Mr Ives of Catton, who has just been served a writ for £100._x000D_

Asks Roscoe to send, via his mother, any new or curious specimens of 'Maranta', 'Canna', or other 'Scitamineae'; has dried a large ['Canna'] Roscoe sent [James] Sowerby and also has 'lutea', 'flaccida' and scarlet one figured in [William] Curtis' "Botanical Magazine" but ignorant of the rest. Thanks for Roscoe's comments on "Exotic botany". Would encourge Roscoe to critique Jussieu's system, though not for the Linnean Society which is "wisely shy of professed controversy", but would appreciate it for his own book. First 3000 specimens of Liverpool [Botanic Garden] herbarium ready except for catalogue and packing._x000D_

His work on [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia": writes botanists' biographies and the physiological and most of the systematical botany, but only acknowledges the articles he thinks worth owning. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" nearly printed. Glad Roscoe saw his cousins, the Kindersleys. Laments "poor Rathbone's state".

About to send first 3000 specimens of his herbarium for Liverpool Botanic Garden. Glad to hear of [John] Bradbury's intended expedition [to study botany of Louisiana and the Mississippi]. Thanks [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] for specimens of 'Maranta' and the one seed; it is a difficult genus. George Don has found 'Hypericum barbatum' Jacquin "Florae Austriacae" t259 growing wild in Scotland, it will appear in February's "English botany" along with new 'Scirpus', new 'Potamogeton', and pretty new 'Equisetum'. Pleased to hear of Roscoe's work on Abate [Luigi] Lanzi [(1732-1810, Italian art historian].

Concerned for Rathbone's health. Asks Roscoe's opinion of ninth volume of "Linnean Transactions" and his paper on the vitellus [see RelatedMaterial below]. Comments on the "miserable" news from Spain; hopes the country will not be conquered in its mountains.

Congratulations on marriage of Roscoe's son, Edward. Received letter from his sister, Mrs Martin, about the "melancholy accident" which occured at Roscoe's old church last Sunday. His mother is now living with them; they may visit Liverpool this summer. Has not done any work on 'Scitamineae' yet so keeping hold of Roscoe's drawings. Fully occupied with fourth volume of "Flora Britannica" and "Lapland Tour".

Giving a course of lectures on "the Philosophy of Natural History" at the Royal Institution this spring. Asks if Roscoe has read Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] "Travels"; his opinion. Recommends Cobbett's paper for this week, which contains articles on anti-jacobin newspaper and Spanish affairs. [William Fitt] Drake and himself have been working on [Liverpool Botanic Garden] herbarium, will send budget soon. His health better than usual 1this winter. Asks after Roscoe's sons, James and Robert. Intends to attend some of Professor [William] Smyth's [(1765-1849), professor of modern history] lectures at Cambridge in March, Smyth lets Drake attend as a friend

Studied mosses and lichens with Dawson Turner at Yarmouth, [Norfolk], earlier in month, Turner also relieved him from the burden of dealing with "those indefatigable writers and questioners the German naturalists". Turner to publish a book on the "Mosses of Ireland" ["Muscologiae Hibernicae spicilegium" (1804)]. Visited his wife's family in Lowestoft and Saxmundham, [both Suffolk]; discusses the country and weather; the summer has "burnt up this whole eastern country" with no rain from April till September.

Frustrations with printing of "Flora Britannica" and some "knotty points" on mosses; the difficulties with this group chiefly caused by the inaccuracies of preceeding writers; the jungermanniae and lichens will be even more variable and uncertain. The lichen from Roscoe's house is 'Lichen orostheus' of [Erik] Acharius and never observed in this country before. About to send parcel to Roscoe, including his "Tour on the Continent", [James] Sowerby's "Fungi", Paul Jovius de Piscibus, and "an imperfect copy" of Rivinus' botanical plates, which will be a useful addition to Roscoe's collection of "Icones Plantarum". Expecting visit by [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] and has promised him a "harvest" of 'Salix'.

Asks if Roscoe's ['Crinum latifolium'] is not 'Crinum erubescens' of Redoute's "Plantes liliacees" fasc 5, as the 'C. latifolium' figured in Rudbeck and copied from ["Hortus Indicus Malabaricus"] is broader in the leaves and petals. Discusses transformation in [William Fitt] Drake's reading material and political beliefs since meeting Roscoe. Details of Roscoe's election to Linnean Society. Discusses health of Roscoe's son and inflammatory disorders.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 21 April. At Sir William and Lady East's, amidst "vast avenues of limes, beech woods, abounding with rare 'Orchideae', & a most beautiful surrounding country" to escape London; searching for 'Monotropa hypopitys' in woods near Bisham Abbey, comments on history of that place. Thanks for Roscoe's kindness to his friend John Fraser [(c 1750-1811), botanist], although Fraser did not give the 'Cryptogamic' plant Roscoe sent with him. Recently sent packet of seeds to [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden]. Anxious about his brother-in-law, Mr Martin, but not in despair.

Presumes Roscoe's proposed botanic paper will be about natural systems, particularly Jussieu's. Recently received letter from Jussieu, a "very worthy amiable character", though he called the Linnaean system "léze nature". The fashion in the "Banksian circle" is to sneer at Jussieu, [Richard] Salisbury goes but is in much less esteem than he was.

Has just published his "Hafod tour", limited to 100 copies. Has undertaken to finish a "Flora of Britain" in English as soon as possible, to cover the first 23 classes, with a possible separate Cryptogamic volume when "Flora Britannica" is finished. Also contemplating his long projected work on garden plants. New edition of "Hortus Kewensis" printing, Roscoe is "copied implicitly & avowedly" on 'Scitamineae'. Hopes Roscoe agrees with him on spelling of "Linnaeus", for which he cites last "Monthly Magazines", Jussieu, and the French writers. Saw Mr Currie in London.