A recent, "most melancholy" family event delayed his response to Smith's letter. Selling the papers of Lord Chief Justice Coke [Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634)] to Thomas William Coke to relieve Coke of any "supposed obligation", even though he is aware that in the library at Holkham "they will be in their proper place"; asks Smith to value them.

In postscript adds that he intends to retain one manuscript from Coke in the office of Earl Marshall, and one printed book, the "Great Nuremerg Chronicle", as they were the property of Lord Coke and unconnected with law.

Forced to cancel his visit to Smith in Norwich following "sudden and unexpected" death of his father-in-law. Thanks Smith for agreeing to value the eleven volumes of [Sir Edward] Coke's papers [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke, to whom he sold the papers]. Pleased to learn from Smith's former letter that [William] Roscoe's prospects have improved [Roscoe was declared bankrupt in 1816], though sorry his library could not be saved.

Spent her visit to Dolecothy, [Glamorganshire], hunting for curiosities but there were few scarce plants and no lichens or insects. The caves very curious, her father thinks they were used by the Romans. Sending drawing of "some curious gold things" found there in a field above the house [drawing shows pieces of jewellery, including ring, brooches, and chain, probably drawn by Mr Trossavelli].

Thanks for Smith's letter; has nothing to add in reference to [Sir Edward] Coke's papers [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke, to whom the papers were being sold] manuscripts and they are ready for collection. Regretted to hear Coke had been in great danger of losing one of his eyes, observes that individuals "in these large shooting parties" are in constant risk of being shot. Glad to hear of [Thomas] Woodward's good health in his seventy-third year.

Induced to part with the papers of [Sir Edward] Coke [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke] by the propriety of Coke's wish to possess the papers of the "great founder of the splendor of his family". Satisfied with the value Smith set on them.

Confirms details for payment of £100 by [Thomas William] Coke for the papers of [Sir Edward] Coke [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke]. Thanks for Smith's London invitation but his father's health prevents him from leaving Norfolk all spring. Pleased to hear of an improvement in [William] Roscoe's affairs [following a bankruptcy in 1816].

Comments that whilst the Earl of Leicester [Thomas Coke (1697-1759)] left Holkham "magnificently decorated", Coke is right to make improvements. Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke] has done himself honour by presenting a copy of his book ["Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis" (1816)] "to the first botanist in Europe".

Accepts Smith's invitation to Norwich, [Norfolk], and will be happy to also see [William] Roscoe, depending on the date. They have lost a "much valued friend" in death of [Thomas] Woodward.

Regrets that he will no longer be able to visit Smith whilst [William] Roscoe is also visiting, and proposes next month instead.

His family "harrassed" by sickness. Regretted missing [William] Roscoe whilst he was in Norwich, and was unaware until Smith's letter of Roscoe's botany interests. Thinks that Dawson Turner would be "highly gratified" to examine Smith's two chests of "botanical treasures" from the East Indies. Looks forward to hope of visiting Smith in Norwich.

Sends copy of [Lewis David de] Schweinitz and [Johann Baptist von] Albertini's "Fungi Niskienses". Explains the genesis of the work; well received in Europe and by Persoon.

Describes her father's election victory over Mr Vaughan with twice as many votes; her father's chair was decorated with foil, ribbons, and artificial roses made by her mother.

Thanks Smith for cabinet and insects. Will now send drawing of the "antiquities" [Roman jewellery found in field at Dolecothy, including a ring, brooches, chain, and other items, see RelatedMaterial below], and curious specimens found by the gardener. Her birthday yesterday. She has found many curious insects. Greenhouse plants in "high beauty" and she has dried a great number of them well.

Thanks for Smith's letter, glad to find that the plants she sent to [James] Sowerby are so rare. Her sea-bathing here has recovered her "amazingly". She has a lucky hand for catching insects and has been successful in Aberystwyth. Hopes to see Smith and Mrs [Pleasance] Smith in August. Weather has been cold and uncomfortable. In response to Smith's question states that since 30 June she is 12 years old.

Has so far failed to find the '[Lichen] floridus' for Smith. Will preserve Smith specimens of 'Conchium salicinum', though its pods are so hard she will struggle to dry them. Offers to send seed of 'Spartium monospermum' which has sparingly ripened this year. Thanks for seeds of 'Chelone barbata', she has given half to Todd, the gardener, and she will sow other half in spring. Anticipates her garden will be in "high beauty" next summer as her father gave her much manure and a man to take care of them, and she now has her mother's 'Auricula' collections. 'Strelitzia reginae' soon in "high beauty", it has many pods. Asks what the enclosed specimen is, it was found on the hills by Todd two years ago.

Rejoices with Smith on "happy event of peace" and hopes it be permanent; supposes Norwich was "very gay" with illuminations, she only had her dressing room illuminated. Congratulates Smith on his "vocal parties". Requests seeds or root of 'Gentiana verna', being delighted with the account of it in [William] Curtis' "[Botanical] Magazine".

Todd, the gardener, agrees with Smith that the unknown plant must be 'Orobus sylvaticus', and as requested has sent specimen to Sir Joseph Banks. As yet unable to find the lichen Smith requested ['Lichen floridus']. Fears her garden will not look well this summer as the old man who looks after it has a bad fever which is "very prevalent among the labourers". 'Mimosa [snaveolans]' in "high beauty" in conservatory with long pendulant brances covered with flowers of delicate straw colour, it is the most elegant plant there except for 'Graminia'. 'Sitospermum undulatum' going into flower for first time. Her father away.

Thanks Smith for letter and renewal of their correspondence. Delighted by Smith's description of the "real study of botany" and she often regrets that so many make botany consist of "a long catalogue of names & classes, instead of directing the mind to discover the affinity plants bear to each other and their medicinal virtues", and she is convinced that people would have fewer medical complaints it they attended more to simples. Caught in storm of snow and hail on return journey from an excursion to Devil's Bridge, where building work is being carried out on a house two of her father's old servants are settled in.

They intend to stay in London for two months and she is anticipating the "charming music" she will hear at the opera and other amusements. Mr Viganoni will attend her in London so they will have "some delightful concerts".

Note by Thomas Johnes thanking Smith for his criticisms, shall write fully soon.

Received Smith's letters of 25 [April] and 2 May. Mrs Johnes grateful for copy of "New Holland Flora" [Smith's "A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland" (1793)]. Sending seeds of 'Dombeya' to Hafod, [Cardiganshire]. Has enquired after the 'Pultenaea' but fears getting it to Smith as he wishes. Accepts Smith's invitation to join Linnean Society, having previously felt too ignorant to request it for himself. His opinion on a court scandal involving Smith and de Lue, who acted with "illiberal & bigotted servile conduct" towards Smith. Liston safely arrived in Vienna and hopes he has made acquaintance with [Nikolaus von] Jacquin as desired. His family looking forward to seeing Smith.

Thanks for Smith's letter about sale of Lord Bute's collections [John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute (1713-1792)]; he intended to be a large purchaser but circumstances prevent him, so Sir Joseph [Banks] need not fear him. Admiration of Banks. In London soon on "message of the King's about all these Societies"; invites Smith to breakfast so they can become acquainted. His work on [Jean] Froissart [(c 1337-1405), French chronicler] had been progressing well.

Regret at Smith's departure. Found a butterfly she thinks the "great tortoiseshell butterfly", will try to send a specimen. Found a curious bright yellow fungus in the stove house, will send specimen with letter.

His 'Walteriana' dead, killed gardener attempting to lay it. The plant called "Wana Ta", by the person who gave them the seed, is in fact a creeper and none of the seeds Smith sent of it have germinated, encloses leaf of the plant [extant]. Encloses list of medicines [not extant] for Smith to order from Mr Wilson and have sent from London to Aberystwyth, by sea.

Has returned hom from his regiment to ensure all workmen are out before Smith's visit. Intense hot weather: his dry and can no longer be proud of his cascades. Progress of his work on [Jean] Froissart [(c 1337-1405), French chronicler]. Dr [James] Anderson's "capital improvements" for canals; persuaded him to patent some of them as he was also the author of the patent stove but did not get any thanks as Brodie took a patent out for it and Anderson was too liberal and indolent to fight for money. 'Dombeya' doing well.

Smith has outlined his reply on recto of second folio: asks if Johnes is home in September, as he is lecturing till 18 or 20 August and could be detained longer, and asks "of Fraser's 'Monandrous' plant".

Specimen of a leaf, [Smith annotation on label : "'Bigonia'?"].