Delayed in responding to Smith by "extreme hurry & agitation" of his new employment [MP for Liverpool], from which he feels a "depression of spirits". Corrected sheets of his 'Scitamineae' paper but was unable to include plants from [Henry Richard Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron] Holland's [(1773-1840)] copy of "Flora Peruviana".
Shares same sentiments as Smith on African slave trade and assures him he will not compromise; the bill is currently in the Lords, where if it passes its success in the Commons is guaranteed. Has not yet been able to visit [James] Sowerby. Unable to accept Smith's invite to Norwich as he must return to Lancashire.