Enjoyed John Shepherd's [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] Norwich visit. Imparts news of the Taylors. Impressed with Shepherd's observational skills, having identified weeds in his garden as 'Sagittaria', 'Mecurialis annua', 'Potamogeton densum', and several others. Shepherd has promised to supply Roscoe's garden with Norfolk 'Verbascum pulverulentum', 'Verbascum triste' ("Flora Graeca"), and Lily of the Valley from seed gathered in local woods. Believes Shepherd's correspondence with Lady [Amelia] Hume and Lady de Clifford [Sophia Southwell] will be "mutually useful". Asks Roscoe's opinion on Latin declination of name "de Medicio, Mediceorum".

Thanks for parcel from Smith. Delighted by John Shepherd's [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] account of his visit to London and Norwich, and the acquisitions of "the first importance" and connections he has made. Praises Smith's "Tour of the Continent", of which the observations and opinions accord with his own, and believes the "well tempered zeal for national liberty, that love of science & predilection for works of art" will render it highly interesting to all who feel "for the true dignity & happiness of mankind". Confirms Smith's declination of word "Mediceorum" and discusses the usage. Distressed by public affairs; "was there ever such an instance of the insanity of mankind as the present war".

New year greetings, in Latin. Busy with his literary and business work, especially correcting and proof reading. Thanks for Smith's present of books of last year, delighted with Smith's "Tour of the Continent". Asks Smith to value works of Columna [Smith sent copies owned by Edmund Davall to Roscoe as a prospective buyer]. Smith should ask of Messrs Cadell and Davies a poem called "The Press", written by his printer, and published as a specimen of typography and to show the excellence of its mechanical execution and engravings.

Asks Smith to consult on possibilities of his 16 year old son, James, being placed with [Samuel] Taylor to learn practical farming. At [Liverpool Botanic Garden] two new houses have been completed and filled with plants and five more to be finished; [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator of the garden] says when complete it shall challenge "all the kingdom in point both of elegance & convenience".

Waiting to hear from Samuel Taylor whether he can take on Roscoe's son, James, as student of farming, as he has just taken on another pupil. Glad Roscoe received books. [William Fitt] Drake became severely ill with inflammation of lungs and fever after [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] left Norwich; very concerning on account of both his parents dying young of consumption and his being at a "critical age"; his membership of the rifle corps has added to the anxiety, though thinks Drake will be safe from dangers of "idleness, a taste for drink, & low company" which face other young men.

Intends to publish third volume of his "Flora [Britannica]" soon; the "labour of the mosses was very great" and anticipates many corrections from "hardworking Germans", he knows no one who will follow his "systematic niceties". Flattered by Roscoe's praise of his "Tour of the Continent". Gives value for Columna's works, including prices paid by Sir Joseph Banks and [Edmund] Davall, whose copies they are and which Smith is selling. They have begun work on Roscoe's herbarium but unsure of progress. His bust "much approved, & arrived very safe".

Studies botany during intervals from his work but has only an "imperfect" acquaintance with current state of botany in Britain, having been absent for nearly 20 years, but presumes he would be able to supply many desiderata; desires to establish a correspondence with Smith, exchanging plants for botanical information.

He is now at sea on a voyage to St Helena, recovering his health, but intends to immediately return to his station at Fort Marlborough, Sumatra. Sends drawings for Smith's interest [not extant], describes and makes observations on each: seed of camphor tree [Smith has part transcribed this paragraph]; a possible 'Brucea', used as an "intense & powerful" bitter; seeds. Difficulties of collecting.

West coast [of Sumatra] has been in possession of the nutmeg and clove plants for some time and extensive plantations are now flourishing, and outproducing the Dutch. He has also cultivated the coffee of mocha and 'Cacoa', the latter having arrived from South America via the Philippines. Productive botanic garden also placed in his care, where most of the tropic fruit flourish, including 'Cinnamon' of Ceylon, 'Cassia', and tea. Expects the English settlements on Sumatra to rise from obscurity to great "commercial & political importance".

Satisfied with the terms for placing his son, James, with the farmer [Samuel] Taylor. Sent his other son, Robert, to a public school at Macclesfield, [Cheshire], after to the "great terror of all the family" he had a "violent fit of Chemistry". Sends banknotes as payment for the "two rare works of Columna" sold by Smith. Pleased bust of Smith is liked as he greatly values the original model given him by [George] Bullock [(1783-1818), sculptor]. Reminds Smith of his promise to visit Liverpool again, and hopes Smith's work on a herbarium for Rocoe is progressing. Thanks for election as FLS. Offered some "very interesting" medals by Mr Stevenson.

"Unhinged" by his trip to London and return journey to Allerton [Hall, near Liverpool], where he enjoyed the "attractive company" of his friend [Henry] Fuseli [(1741-1825), painter]. Looking forward to Smith's planned trip to Liverpool next year. Received Smith's letter of 6 [June] containing parcel of Indian seeds collected by Captain [Thomas] Hardwicke. Hopes Smith has seen his son, James, at Norwich; asks his opinion of James' health.

Rejoices with Smith at "the happy event which has just taken place". Thanks Smith and his wife for the "kind & continued attention" they have shown James, his son, [studying under Samuel Taylor, farmer, in Norfolk]. Looking forward to seeing Smith in Liverpool and eulogises their friendship. Sends regards to Mrs [Susannah] Taylor and [William Fitt] Drake.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 25 July. Spent a month at Lowestoft, [Suffolk], with family of his wife [Pleasance Smith]; she and [William Fitt] Drake have both regained their health following seabathing, and on return to Norwich they saw the Kindersleys. His sister [Fanny] now in Liverpool and is happy in the connections she has formed, hopes Roscoe has met her. Looking forward to his lectures in Liverpool next summer, for which he has prepared a new course of lectures. Plans to dedicate "Exotic Botany" to Roscoe, due to appear 1 December. Asks if Roscoe has seen Captain [Thomas] Hardwicke; Smith sent seeds of his to Roscoe. Hopes [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] sent Lady [Amelia] Hume and Mr Cooper of Norwich the plants he promised. Asks Shepherd to prepare a collection of uncommon Botany Bay, Cape, and West Indies seeds to be sent to the Empress in France [Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763-1814), wife of Napoléon Bonaparte] and requests confidentiality, though it it will be sent publicly through the Trade Office. Hopes his sister gave Shepherd the "parrot tulip" bulb._x000D_

Asks Roscoe's opinion of the criticism Smith's "Flora [Britannica]" received in November edition of the "Monthly Magazine". Asks after progrerss on Roscoe's "[Life and Pontificate of] Leo [the Tenth]", informs him of progress of [Thomas] Johnes' translation of Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler]. Working on "Prodromus Florae Graecae" this month. Recommends Sims' and Konig's "Annals of Botany", to which he intends to send a paper on the "Decandrous Papilionaceous plants of New Holland"; believes he has found a way to classify them. Encloses part of 'Humea elegans'.

His joy at receiving a letter from Smith. Pleased Mrs [Pleasance] Smith recovered her health through sea-bathing; Liverpool is "the most frequented bathing place in the kingdom". All his Liverpool friends "charmed" with Mrs Martin [Smith's sister] but concerned she is walking too long. Flattered by Smith's proposal to dedicate "Exotic Botany" to him.

Responds to points in Smith's previous letter: has not seen Captain [Thomas] Hardwicke, though received seeds and letter from him; [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] sent Lady [Amelia] Hume plants two months ago, and she sent back specimen of 'Humea elegans'; Shepherd hopes to send Cooper cuttings of 20 kinds of 'Passiflora' in the spring, their collection has considerably increased; safely received parrot tulip roots; will soon send packet of seeds from the gardens; observed the "minute criticism" [of Smith's "Flora Britannica"] in the "Monthly Magazine" and agrees the author must be handled "with tenderness". His "[Life and Pontificate of] Leo [the Tenth]" [(1805)] in final parts of fourth volume. Ordered "Annals of Botany" with "Exotic Botany". Glad of progress in his son [James, placed with Norfolk farmer Samuel Taylor] and [William Fitt] Drake.

Insists on sending Roscoe his ["Exotic Botany"] instead of him ordering it through booksellers, insisting it is not a return for copies of Roscoe's "Lorenzo" and "Leo"; relates anecdote about Sir Richard Jebb [first baronet (c 1729-1787), physician] to illustrate this. Thanks Roscoe for his concern about health of Smith's sister, Fanny [Martin], but assures him she is "naturally very strong". Responds to questions in Roscoe's previous letter concerning Captain [Thomas] Hardwicke, Mr Cooper, and [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden].

Defends his response to "the poor coxcomical "butterfly"" in the "Monthly Magazine" [criticism of Smith's "Flora Britannica"], which is to be first article in magazine next month, by reason of the same persons letter on the language of Linnaeus in 5th volume of magazine. Looking forward to receiving Roscoe's "Leo" and is enjoying [Thomas] Johnes' translation of Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler]. Hopes Roscoe will enjoy "Annals of Botany", to which he has sent a paper for the third number, due in January. Transcribes proposed title page for "Flora Graeca", in Latin, asks Roscoe's opinon. Praises maturity of James Roscoe. [William Fitt] Drake sends his compliments.

Praises Smith's "Exotic Botany"; flattered by the dedication. Criticises Smith for his treatment of "the poor snail" [Smith's response to criticism of his "Flora Britannica" in the "Monthly Magazine"] and thinks [William Fitt] Drake would have handled it better; applauds Drake's appearance in "Annals of Botany". Approves Smith's title page for "Flora Graeca". Saw Frederick Smith [Smith's brother] in Liverpool; looking forward to visit by Smith and Mrs [Pleasance] Smith.

Sending a parcel to Roscoe containing "Exotic Botany"; thanks for his flattering letter. Defends his response to Mr Caley in the "Monthly Magazine" [who had criticised Smith's "Flora Britannica" and Linnaeus' use of language]; he seldom quarrels, but when he does "it is best to do it decidedly, & have done with it", and is happy that he has had so few literary quarrels, aside from with Lamarck and [William] Curtis.

Rejoices with Smith on the "happy events" [probably birth of a child to Smith's sister, Mrs Fanny Martin, resident in Liverpool] and was delighted to meet Mrs Smith [Smith's mother]. Has discussed Smith's upcoming Liverpool lectures with Mr Martin; anticipating Smith, Mrs [Pleasance] Smith, and [William Fitt] Drake's stay at Allerton. Admires plan and execution of Smith's "Exotic botany", but believes it needs better advertisement. Expects his "Leo" to be published in London in May.

Letter to Smith delayed by work and a feverish cold but has seen Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs Martin [Smith's sister], and their son. Subscription for Smith's Liverpool lectures has opened headed by Prince William Frederick [(1776-1834)], the Mayor, Dr Brandreth, and 30 more; confident the subscription will match or exceed the last course. His book "Leo" complete, gives his opinion of it.

Sends Roscoe a budget about the "plantae scitamineae" and Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] "Indexes to Willdenow" as completed. Describes his his return journey from Liverpool to Norwich via Huntingdon, Cambridge, including the botanic garden, and Ely, including the cathedral.

Transcribes an attack made by [Richard] Salisbury on himself in fifth number of his "Paradisus Londinensis"; defends himself and transcribes the passage from "Exotic botany" which apparently provoked Salisbury, and details involvement of [Edward] Rudge and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Salisbury also "sneered" at [Étienne Pierre] Ventenat's "Jardin de la Malmaison", confirming his suspicions of Salisbury's deceit, though if nothing else occurs still intends to reappoint him vice-president of the Linnean Society next year as he has "always been attentive & useful".

Sends Roscoe his paper on Norwich botanists, and two pods of vanilla from his journey to Italy. Convinced Raphael's picture of the Holy Family at Okeover [Hall, Staffordshire] is an original; description. "Exotic botany" reviewed much more favourably than Roscoe's "Leo" in Baldwin's "Literary Journal". Colonel [Thomas] Hardwicke to visit. The "Monthly Review" speaks "very differently" of his biographical paper, from Salisbury's account in "Annals [of Botany]". Reminds Roscoe of his "purposed assistance" with "Exotic Botany".

Laments [James] Currie [(1756-1805), physician and author] and Clarke, who both died shortly after Smith left Liverpool. Remarks on positive change in character of his son, James, following his return to Allerton after long absence [training under Samuel Taylor of Norfolk, farmer]. Thanks for Smith's letter of observations and specimens; convinced his system will withstand criticism but has struggled to write dissertation on it.

Has learnt via [William Fitt] Drake that after receiving a "very violent" letter from [Richard] Salisbury, Smith has terminated all further intercourse; [Roscoe] glad Salisbury has shown himself publically, thus making the split justifiable and proper.

Reports on unexpected docking of "The Investigator" at Liverpool on way to Plymouth, and encounter with the two naturalists [Robert] Brown and [Ferdinand] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist]; their collections could not be opened or seen but informed they found only one Scitamineae, an 'Alpinia'. Smith has a start on them with "Exotic botany".

Postscript on left-hand side of verso of first folio: returns "valuable specimen" of the "Arur. Cardamom", keeping the other specimens for present.

Sending Roscoe full copies of letters between [Richard] Salisbury and himself, via his sister [Fanny] Martin. Asks whether [Robert] Brown and [Ferdinand] Bauer's [(1760-1826), botanical artist] thought his "Exotic botany" was "hostile, or unfair to them"; states that he bought all the New Holland specimens, and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert the drawings, twelve years before the expedition was proposed, but is keen to avoid a quarrel and will avoid publishing the same plants. Brown likely to be made resident librarian of Linnean Society with salary, which now has new premises in Gerard Street.

Sends copy of his paper from seventh volume of "Linnean Transactions", which "Squire Alias" criticised so much. Has a carbuncle [on the eye] but recovering well.

Replies to Smith's letter of 20 November: yet to see the letters [copies of acrimonious correspondence sent between Richard Salisbury and Smith] but is glad to hear that Smith has acted with the "most decisive conduct" and believes the estrangement must be "absolute & total". [Robert] Brown and [Ferdinand] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist] do not feel threatened by Smith's "Exotic botany", though they were surprised on being shown the first numbers by [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden]. Prevented from sending Smith his dissertation on the "Monandrian plants".

Hopes Smith's health is good. Intends to send copy of his Monandrian essay but busy correcting his "[Life and Pontificate of] Leo [the Tenth]" for second edition; defends the book against criticism in journals and "Critical Review" by stating the critics' ignorance of the period.