Has already been promoting Smith's candidature at Cambridge [for botany professorship]. Election at the British Museum [for position of Assistant Keeper of Natural History] has not yet taken place; understands that Sir Joseph Banks is the "real mover" behind the decision and asks for Smith to intercede for him and argue that his "Animal Biography" should not be used to judge his talents, rather his "British Quadrupeds" should be used [Bingley was ultimately unsuccessful and William Elford Leach was appointed].

Since receiving Smith's letter has compared his specimens of 'Pyrola' sent from Sweden by [Olof] Swartz to [Nathaniel] Winch under name of 'Pyrola minor'; they agree, and also agree with 'P. minor' of "Flora Danica", but not with [James] Sowerby's figure; observations. His uncle, [Edward] Robson, hopes to see Smith at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Relates remarks by Sowerby on discrepancies in "English botany" figure of 'Cypripedium'. Smith can figure 'Belula pendula' as species distinct from 'B. alba'; observations.

Writes on introduction of Corrêa. Necessity of European correspondence to supply defect of books during the present "imperfect state of science" in the USA; his sense of honour in having access to the "head sources of the science". Discusses botany of New England, little explored by European botanists; remarks that there are many small differences between American and European species, citing 'Salicornia herbacea', 'Callitriche aquatica', and 'Athusa cyanpium' of which he encloses seeds. Difficulty of exchanging specimens during the present war [War of 1812, conflict between USA and Britain 1812-1815]. Sends seeds of an 'Iris' and another unidentified plant; observations and small ink sketches of components. Printing an edition of Smith's "Introduction to Botany" for his students; not yet enough botanists in USA to induce booksellers to publish large works.

Has applied for position of Keeper of Natural History at British Museum vacant by death of [George] Shaw; solicits Smith's support. [William George] Maton has presented his application to Sir Joseph Banks. Expects to finish his history of Hampshire within the next year and to then devote himself to natural history. Requests Smith to present his application to the Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North].

Regret at imminent end of "English botany": errors to correct, including 'Conferva dissilieus' [see RelatedMaterial below]. Sending his Caithness specimen of 'Fucus crista' to [James] Sowerby.

Whilst investigating respiratory organs of different animals he discovered that the circulation of the butterfly is performed by a heart, and has since observed it in other insects, particularly the garden snail.

Found species of 'Trifolium' near here, hopes it is 'Trifolium squarrosum' Willdenow [Smith has annotated "right HL"]; comparison with Spanish specimen. Also found new 'Verrucaria' and 'Lecidea'; observations.

[Spec 12 written in pencil on verso of first folio]

Encloses lichen resembling 'Lichen leucomelas' found at Babbicombe, [Devon], for Smith's opinion. Tempestuous weather but his brother's health improving.

[Smith has annotated 'Lichen leucomelos' on recto of folio]

Found 'Aristolochia clematitis' in flower at Oxford Botanic Garden, discussion with gardener, notes on enclosed specimen [extant]; found 'Tipula plumicornis' in some of the flowers. Wishes Smith success in his application for botanic chair at Cambridge [University]. Concerned at reports of death of Revd Hornsted. Met Dr [George] Williams, Oxford Professor of Botany, at the Oxford garden. His commitment to natural history; has named his recently born daughter "Linnaea".

Specimen of 'Aristolochia clematitis'.

Flattered that [William Jackson] Hooker has consented to the enclosed 'Jungermannia' being named after him ['J. hookeri'], hopes it will appear in "English botany" [Smith has noted "EB t.2555" on recto of second folio]; description, including habitat.

["Spec 18" written in pencil top of verso of first folio]

Sends numbers as usual and encloses £15 note. Also sends a little bit of ulmin on elm bark, finds similar substance on oak, hornbeam, and horse chestnut and asks Smith's botanical friends to look out for it; has recommended it to the Society of Arts as excellent for finishing in water colours, in same way that Sir Joshua Reynolds [(1723-1792), painter] used 'Asphaltum' in oil.

Requests Smith to revise enclosed 4 numbers of "English botany" and number enclosed in last.

Just received "Flora Glottiana" and one of [George] Don's "Fasciculi of Dried Plants" for Smith. [William Elford] Leach has been recommended by [Dawson] Turner and [William Jackson] Hooker to get certificates signed by Linnean Society members in support of his candidacy at the British Museum, will add his name if this happens.

Transcribes extract from letter by [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford, in which he recommends Smith take up continuation of "Flora Rustica", now that interest in agriculture as a science is well established; his own thoughts on subject.

Unable to make out the flowers on Sir Thomas Gage's specimen of 'Trifolium squarrosum', will hope for an earlier gathered specimen next year.

Announces publication of part one of "Theophrastus [Eresii de Historia]", though the costs are such he cannot send Smith or Sir Joseph Banks copies. Asks after concluding volume of "Flora Britannica" and continuation of "Flora Graeca". Just returned from a tour in Cornwall.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 8 March [1813] and "valuable packet of plants". Offers to procure Smith any Northumberland or Durham plants not currently in Smith's herbarium, now that "English botany" is drawing to a close. Encloses specimen of 'Utricularia intermedia' [extant] for English habitat for plant, 'Utricularia vulgaris' grows with it; 'Rosa rubella' found on sea coast of South Shields, Durham.

Requests specimen of 'Senecio sylvatica'; plant so named in his catalogue as common in this neighbourhood is 'Senecio lividus' of Willdenow and "English botany". Asks if Smith received specimens of 'Saxifraga hirculus' and 'Sagina maritima'.

Specimen, labelled, "'Utricularia intermedia'"; references to 'U. minor' and 'U. vulgaris minor'.

Observing by last number of "English botany" that Smith is beginning to be short of plants has gleaned his herbarium for plants which he now encloses, listed: 1. 'Gnaphalium' from Skye; 2. 'Senecio lividus' for its habitat, frequent Newcastle; 3. 'Viola grandiflora' of the gardens; 4. 'V. amano' Ben Lawers; 5. female 'Salix arenaria'; 6. 'S. andersoniana'; 7. 'S. rupestris'; 8. 'S. incubacea'; 9. 'S. septentrienalis' L'Héritier; 10. 'S. mysinites'; 11. 'S. rubra'; 12. 'S. mollissima'.

Observations on 'Ribes spicatum'. 'Draba incana' in "English botany" is "ten times too large". Will procure 'Rosa rubella' with flowers and fruit this summer. Will send the packet to Smith via [James] Sowerby; would not have written by post "but to prevent it laying six months in his museum".

Sent Smith parcels of plants via [James] Sowerby on 26 July and [Dawson] Turner; if lost can send more should Smith continue "English botany". Sends further plants for Smith's opinion, including a rose like 'Rosa collina', and 'Salix' specimens. Received 'Angelica archangelica' by [James] Backhouse from banks of the Skerne in Durham; thinks it indigenous. Asks to be remembered to Turner and [William Jackson] Hooker.

Requests specimen of 'Rosa micrantha'. Just received a vist from Smith's old correspondent, Mr [John] Harriman. 'Erica vulgaris' with very hoary leaf and double flowers grows on Bagshot Heath, in "Flora Britannica" without habitat. Finds it curious how long plants continue to grow in the same place; example of 'Eryngium campestre'.

Botany still in its infancy in America, with only a scattering of amateurs and European "travelling gardeners" collecting for the gardens and nurseries of Europe. Introduces [Jacob] Bigelow, only botanist of merit he has met in his two years in America, except for [Henry] Muhlenberg.

Invites Smith to Holkham to meet the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University]; certain a personal introduction will further his interests at Cambridge.

Submits two papers from the delayed "Acta Gorenkenia" for "Linnean Transactions": Baron Marschall von Bieberstein's commentary on 'Serratula', and a communication by Mr Stevens, notes on plates and plants for latter.

Has sent [James] Sowerby 'Carduus tuberosus'. Relates how a grandson of Dr [Nehemia] Grew [(1641-1712) pioneering of plant anatomy] introduced himself. Hopes to soon send to Sowerby an 'Oenothera' in flower from Mexico. Recommended Smith's "Introduction to Botany" as the best introductory work for a friend's sons.