Addresses Smith as "one of the most successful and scientific cultivators of Natural History of which England can boast", informing him that a natural history museum funded by the government has been established here, by order of Lord Charles Somerset [(1767-1831), colonial administrator], and of which he has been appointed a superintendent. Offers to send Smith and Linnean Society any botanical, zoological, or mineralogical specimens required. Concedes that whilst considerable attention has been paid to this part of the world's botany a great deal remains to be done, alluding to new discoveries such as 'Crapula', 'Mesembryanthemum', 'Aloe', and 'Colyledon'. An application has been made to attach a botanic garden to the museum.

Deserves explusion from Linnean Society from his neglect of it; unsure whether it noticed his memorandum on red viper or if [Thomas] Rackett received his letter on it. Seriously ill for last three years with low nervous disorder which leaves him uninterested in anything, thinks the complaint unusual and lists symptoms: barely able to stand though appetite and digestion good, pulse strong, gaining weight, looks as well as 10 years ago and memory nor judgment failing yet. Has beautiful plants of 'Chrysanthemum indium' like the figures in "Hort Trans" and very successful with "Arach pear".

Sends letter via Dr [William Jackson] and Mrs Hooker. Thanks for Smith's letter of 28 January; sorry to hear of death of his "excellent nephew" in India and comments on the "numerous instances" of similar losses of "our young & adventurous friends in the Western world".

Overwhelmed by the literary work he has undertaken, even though he has almost finished work on [Alexander] Pope [(1688-1744), poet] and the third part on "penal jurisprudence". Third and fourth parts of his "Monandrian Plants" about to appear; notes on 'Maranta', 'Phrynium', and 'Thalia', settled by communications from West Indies; 'Myrosma' cultivated abundantly in Martinique and they expect it at [Liverpool] Botanic Garden, worries it might be a 'Phrynium'; an 'Alpinia auriculata' appearing in his next number, along with figure of [Robert] Brown's 'Hellenia cerulea'. Thanks for Smith's good wishes respecting his son, Thomas, who has settled indepently with his "little family" in Camden Town.

[Letter possibly incomplete: no signature or valediction]

Apologises for delay in responding to Smith; he has been in a state of "unaccountable indolence & debility" with his only exertion being the publication of his "Monandrian Plants"; retierates principal point of the work, being to ascertain precise limits of genera 'Maranta', 'Phrynium', and 'Thalia', and settling points on 'Castus'. Received letter from Thomas William Coke; was anxious to hear of Coke's feverish attack. Hopes to meet Smith again soon.

Declines offer of Secretaryship of the Linnean Society and explains his decision. Pleased that Smith's health has improved and his progress with the third volume of "The English Flora". Sending Smith his appendix to "Captain Parry's 1st Voyage" and his contribution to the botanical appendix of "Captain Franklin's journey". Pleased that Smith is to adopt Brown's proposals for 'Cruciferae', and comments on [Augustin Pyramus] de Candolle's work on the same.

Thanks for third volume of "English Botany" although so engrossed with Indian plants unsure when he will focus on British plants again. Will send a copy of his commentary on the eighth part of the "Hortus Malabaricus", is making progress with copying the ninth part and writing the tenth, envisages the whole being completed in another year. Sends a copy of his "Indian Genealogies" for Smith's friend. Explains why he has used Latin instead of English botanical terms in his commentary. Outraged by the "monstrous innovations and unnecessary slang" lately introduced into the Linnaean language and the improper manner in which new names are being manufactured. Will soon see [William James] Hooker in Glasgow.

Mortified that Smith has not yet received his catalogue of Heaths. Gratified by Lady Morley's [Frances Morley (d 1857), 2nd wife of 1st Earl of Morley] favourable opinion of the book. Anxious to begin his collection of 'Salix' at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire, and would value Smith's assistance. Has [William Jackson] Hooker's "Flora Scotica" but not acquainted with work of Seringne [?]. Hopes to see Smith the next time he is in London.

Queries on 'Thea' for his dissertation on same: asks why Linnaeus' named two species, 'Thea bohea' and 'T. viridis', asks that Smith consult Linnaean specimens.

[Smith has noted his reply of 12 February 1825] Relates his findings following examination of Linnaeus' specimens; confusion caused by the Chinese sending specimens of species of 'Thea' and 'Camelliae' to Europe under guise of different teas; has never been able to find any specific difference between 'T. bohea' and 'T. viridis'.

Invites Smith and his party to Ham Green, following the completion of his lectures [at the Bristol Institution].

Concerned by reports of Smith's ill-health. Slow recovery of health of her daughter, Susan. Mr Corrie an invalid all autumn but now recovering. Dr John Johnstone writing a "Life of Dr [Samuel] Parr" [(1747-1825), writer]; granted access to his letters and family papers by Parr's grandaughters.

On instruction of Legislature of Jamaica encloses copies of a Report of the House of Assembly and Resolution of the House on establishment of a botanic garden in Jamaica [extant]. Investigations to be carried out on how the soil of the island will support new vegetable cultivation or further of indigo, tobacco, and mulberry; lists skills required of curator of the garden, requests Smith's opinions.

Manuscript copies encloses copy of report of the House of Assembly, 14 December 1824, and resolution of the House Assembly, 16 December 1824, on establishment of a botanic garden.

Asks if Smith concurs with [William Jackson] Hooker on appointment of [James] MacFadyen [(1800-1850), physician and botanist] as curator of the Botanic Garden in Jamaica, as the Legislature wishes him to appoint someone recommended by Smith.

Sorry that [Robert] Brown has declined Secretaryship of the Linnean Society, as he would have "done so much honour to the Society"; [James] Bicheno is willing to accept the post if offered; [Edward] Barnard also expressed an interest, but majority of Council favours Bicheno. Departure of [Alexander] Macleay a "great loss" for the Society but the colony [New South Wales] will benefit, as "such a man is much wanted there"; [Joseph] Sabine has been called out on his proposed portait of Macleay.

He has moved to Hale End, [Essex], invites Smith to stay when next in London.

Thanks for Christmas turkey. Will ask [James] Bicheno what Smith said respecting Turner's explusion. Requested further information from [William] Borrer on 'Salix tetrapla' Walker. Wished to proposes Mertens as FMLS but afraid to in consequence of Dawson Turner's "slander", will attempt again next year.

Expects Smith will have trouble with cryptogamia; thinks the public expects Smith to give the whole vegetable kingdom ["English Flora"].

Invites Smith to them at Hale End, [Essex].

Attended funeral of Thomas [Forster, his brother]. [James] Bicheno suffering from temporary ailment which prevented his seeing Smith at Hale End. Sending mourning rings.

He has been very ill for the last 9 months. Thanks for turkey; pleased to hear the Smiths will visit in the spring. The 'Vicia' Smith mentioned is [John] Sibthorp's 'V. angustifolia', not the 'V. lathyroides' of [William] Hudson; will write further on the 'Cnicus', it grows near Tunbridge Wells, [Kent]. Recommends [Robert] Brown as first choice or [James] Bicheno as second for Linnean Society Secretaryship, or [Edward] Barnard.

Thanks Smith for naming 'Cnicus forsteri' after him, but concerned there are too many 'foresteris' already. Smith's definition very good, answers his queries about the plant. His daughter, Harriet, has just married and is moving to Devon. Directions to his house for Smith's spring visit.

He has been staying in Devon with his daughter. Glad to hear Smith's health better. Invites the Smiths to stay with them in Walthamstow, [Essex]. Account of his time in Devon, found 'Scirpus holoschoenus' and 'Teucrium scordium'. His health bad again. Thanks for Smith's "new edition".

Happy to host the Smiths from 15 October; thanks them for calling on his family at Binfield, [Berkshire]. His health much better than it has been for a long time.

[Smith has annotated "his last letter!"]