Proposes Dr [Marcus Elieser] Bloch [(1723-1799), physician and naturalist], of Berlin, with whom he has been in correspondence, as a FMLS. Recommends Bloch's work on fish [see RelatedMaterial below]. Bloch has invited him to become member of the Societé des Scrutateurs de la Nature at Berlin. Intends to send him "Linnean Transactions", requests copies of first and second volumes, so as to also send to Dr Walther of Erlang.

Asks Smith to enquire after the bird-mounter he recommended her, as he has not returned her birds at the promised time, which include the Argos pheasant.

Wyatt [bird-mounter] has returned the birds but considers the charges too high; requests Smith's opinion.

Second volume finished but cannot be sent owing to war; working on manuscript of his travels.

Finally received parcel of Smith's works, all of which find "great favour" here; disappointed no supplement to any has been published. Hopes to receive "Linnean Transactions" vol 2, Smith's "Tour", and the new work Smith mentioned. Requests second volume of "Asiatick Researches" and asks if third part of "Speculi Linnaei" has appeared yet. His recently published work ["Museum anatomicum"] expensive but demand keeping pace with supply. Still awaiting a letter from Sir Joseph Banks.

Has been prevented from sailing to Sierra Leone by unfavourable weather but hopes to depart soon. Pleased that Smith proposes to publish a new edition of Hudson's "Flora Anglica". Claims priority in botanical works as discoverer of plants he found first. Values Smith's letters and friendship and asks him to write to him in Sierra Leone.

In a "kind of torpor" and waiting for letter from Smith to reanimate his existence. Aware that Smith's "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" now published. His last remaining aunt died 31 January of a sudden serious apoplexy at age of 74 and 8 months, having previously been in perfect health. Depressed by his own and his wife's illnesses and threat of invasion by French to his wife and son, and library and herbarium formed at expense of more than a third his patrimony. Asks for Smith's assistance in drawing up plans for a heated greenhouse as no mason or carpenter in his area has an idea of the matter; specifications. Requests copies of Smith's "Tour", volume two of "Linnean Transactions" (1794), and continuation of "English Botany", directions for them to be sent.

Note on left-hand margin of recto of first folio detailing most recent letters received from and sent to Smith.