Received Smith's letter of 4 [January 1784]. Apologises for tone of his last letter, which he knew would give Smith pain, but felt compelled to write it for love of his family [on purchase of the Linnaean collections]. Believes it is out the reach of their abilities to attain the collections, especially considering the "no small non-inelegant house" required to house them, and the claims of the rest of his children. Pleased that Smith has consulted Dr Pictairn and other "judicious friends"on value.