On advice of [William] Withering is sending a specimen of the "creeping fig", with fruit. [Francis] Masson [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector] called it 'Ficus pumila' but Abbé Correa [José Corrêa de Serra] calls it 'Ficus repens', it grows abundantly in greenhouse of Royal Botanic Garden. Saw Correa and the "unfortunate [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet" [who was forced to leave Paris and then Madrid], who disembarked in Lisbon after becoming concerned by reports of patrolling French cruisers. Has attempted to get Broussonet passage on the King's ship but Captain Rodney has strict orders against carrying French passengers. Broussonet agrees the fig is 'Ficus repens'. Sir Henry Vane, baronet, has taken charge of it on the "America".

Received Smith's letter of 16 December, unfortunate timing as [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet might then have travelled on the "Boston". Abbé Correa's [José Corrêa de Serra] friendship with Broussonet has caused him to be superseded in the previously promised position of public librarian, amongst other "mortifications". The emigrant Dukes of Luxembourg and Coigny took umbrage with Broussonet and applied to "the Council" to have him sent away. Explains that Portugal is under a "weak, irresolute though arbitrary" Prince [John (1767-1826) regent of Maria I, later João VI] surrounded by a "corrupt, ignorant, bigoted, intriguing court", laments confinement of Duke de Lafoens [John de Braganza, uncle of Maria I] who may have imposed some order. Is sure Mr Walpole would undertake Sir Joseph Banks recommendation in protecting Broussonet and obtaining leave for him to stay as long as convenient. However, knowing the the inconvenience he has caused Correa, Broussonet has resolved to leave for Gibraltar immediately, carrying a letter to Mr Pinto, the secretary of state; another from Mr Walpole, with his letter to General Rainsford, and the admiralty order. Anxious to hear of him, observes that "once a man's affairs get into a wrong train, it is often so difficult to set them right again". Ordered Smith's "Tour" as soon as he heard of it.

In consequence of Smith's "considerations" at the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden about the "'Aloe' alias 'Agave'" sent to Portugal for the flower stalk of one. Gives description of its size and cutting. Sending a branch of it to Smith along with a 'Melancia', watermelon, and Portugal onions.