Sends copies of his discourse on opening of the Liverpool Royal Institution for distribution. Details of two courses of lectures by [Thomas Stewart] Traill [(1781-1862), physician], on natural history, and Mr Campbell, on ancient and modern literature, from January to May; invites Smith to lecture in June and July, depending on his engagements. Taking an active part in public concerns of the Institution as a "counterpoise" to his troublesome business matters.

Asks when Smith can visit Liverpool, as [Thomas Stewart] Traill [(1781-1862), physician] finishes his course this week and Mr Campbell is not free to lecture until latter end of June, so the interval time is free for Smith's lectures. Explains the lecturer's fees, which are based on two guineas for each subscriber, with a certain amount being guaranteed. Will endeavour to have Smith nominated Professor of Botany. His business affairs continue to improve and will soon be reestablished.

Read Smith's Cambridge pamphlet with "equal impatience & pleasure"; believes it will eventually gain him the position [of botany professor]. Transcribes notice for the "Liverpool Mercury" announcing Smith's upcoming course of lectures on botany and vegetable physiology at Liverpool Royal Institution; requests further details from Smith; the subscription for non-proprieters will be two guineas. Sorry to hear Lady [Pleasance] Smith will not be accompanying Smith to Liverpool.

Thanks for letters from Smith and William Smith regarding the sale of his picture collection; their purchase by the [Liverpool Royal] Institution is not yet settled but will take up William Smith's offer of assistance in selling them if they do not. Sending Smith a copy of his pamphlet and asks his opinion, which he implicitly relies on; defends himself against possible detractors.

Praises Smith's Cambridge pamphlet, which he thinks "unanswerable in argument" and will do much good; highlights chapter three and difficulty of explaining one's religious opinions, and Smith's defence of botany. After long debate it was decided to appoint permanent professors [to the Liverpool Royal Institution] and Smith was nominated professor of Botany, however there is no salary and renumeration based on arrangements made with the committee; requests Smith's repsonse. Thanks for Smith's letter and favourable opinion of his pamphlet. Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery and planned excursion with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert; asks Smith to recommend the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden to Lambert so they can acquire an off-shoot of his just-flowered Peruvian 'Canna [iridiflora]'. The Garden is setting up a hothouse entirely for 'Scitamineae', to be supplied by Dr [William] Carey [(1761-1834)] of Serampore, [India], and [Nathaniel] Wallich of Calcutta, [India].

[Note in Smith's hand] recording date of letter, "yes".

Business affairs keeping him very busy but keeping as clear as possible from politics, and is not attending this evening's meeting of the Liverpool Reformers to address the Prince Regent for reform; his literary undertakings have also been neglected. Following the receipt at the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden of many 'Scitamineae' plants from the East Indies he has begun reexamining the family; many are mentioned by [William] Roxburgh and are new to this country; convinced 'Canna' will expand from 12 to 20 distinct species. Hopes Smith enquired of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert about his '[Canna] iridiflora', still a desiderata for them.

Following study of 'Maranta' and Smith's article on 'Thalia' in [Abraham] Rees' "New Cyclopedia"drops his proposal of a new genus detached from 'Maranta' and concedes they all belong to 'Thalia', referring to 'Maranta casupo' and 'M. casupito' of Jacquin "Fragmenta Botanica" tab 63, 64, 69, 70; 'M. gracilis' and 'M. obliqua' of [Edward] Rudge; 'M. lutea' of Jacquin; and a plant in [Etienne Ventenat's] "Jardin de Malmaison".

Slow progress at the Liverpool Royal Institution but the classical and mathematical schools are respectable and a natural history collection is being established under [William] Swainson, who has promised a collection of insects, and they are hopeful for a course of botany lectures by Smith.

Sends collection of plants from the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden for use in Smith's lectures, and a small collection of duplicate 'Scitamineae' plants from [Nathaniel] Wallich, which have also been sent to Sir Joseph Banks, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, and [Edward] Rudge; includes 'Hedychium' and 'Roscoea'. He has been studying the former and with help of Smith's "Cyclopedia" article has made twelve distinct species, of which he will shortly send an account. Discusses Wallich's plants, some of which were unnamed, and from which he has identified four new species of 'Roscoea'. Glad Smith and Lady [Pleasance] Smith are to visit albeit for a short time, and will endeavour to make Smith's new appointment deserving of his acceptance [Professor of Botany at the Liverpool Royal Institution].

Just received copy of [William] Roscoe's "Leo X"; thanks Smith for introducing them to each other and praises Roscoe's character. Intends to visit Roscoe at Allerton [Hall, Roscoe's home near Liverpool, Lancashire] this September or October, asks Smith to accompany him. Has given Roscoe four dozen manuscripts to be bound.

Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law] remains "very lame" and will have a long recovery but his general health is good. [Liverpool Botanic] Garden going on well. [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] intends to send Smith a curious 'Cryptogamian' plant via John Fraser [(c 1750-1811), botanist], who has just returned from a 3 year expedition in America with thousands of new and valuable plants; they are being sent to Chelsea via canals; Fraser spoke warmly of Smith.

Considering writing botanical paper on "a subject so critical that no one else dare venture upon it" [comparison of systems of Linnaeus and Jussieu], which will complete his public image as being "heretic in religion, a sceptic in history, a malcontent in politics"; intends to quote Smith in support of Linnaeus.

Sends sketch of his paper on "natural & artificial arrangements of plants" to Smith [see RelatedMaterial below]; comments and remarks on contents.

Sends the 'Cryptogamous' plant found by Henry Shepherd, brother of John Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] for Smith's opinion. Shepherd thanks Smith for parcel of seeds. Allerton undergoing great changes including completion of modern elevation and sweeping away of old gardens. Anxious to see Smith's "Tour to Hafod". Asks for details of plan, extent, and price of "Flora Graeca". Still regrets cessation of "Exotic botany"; urges Smith to consider an edition of the works of Linnaeus, of which Smith is the only possible editor. Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law] making little progress in his recovery.

Confined to his house for the last three weeks but almost recovered. [Liverpool Botanic Garden] has purchased [Thomas] Velley's herbarium, including his marine specimens. Asks if his "Rocket against the French botanists" [paper comparing systems of Linnaeus and Jussieu, see RelatedMaterial below] has been read yet; thinks he can now fully explain the distinction between a natural and artificial system; wishes the animosities between Britain and France could be confined "within such harmless limits" but the business of "cutting throats" now seems to be a permanent state of society. Published some brief observations on speech by Lord [Thomas] Grey [de Wilton, 1st Earl of Wilton (1749-1814)] and has collected his political tracts into a volume, will send copies for Smith, William Taylor, John Taylor, and Samuel Taylor.

[Liverpool Botanic] Garden flourishes; [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] has "collected more plants than he cou[l]d probably have done in a voyage round the world". Sorry to hear that so many of the country's finest [plant] collections are being broken up and dispersed; symptomatic of the state of the nation led by ministers who "ride it like an ass, with nails for spurs, & a bludgeon for a whip".

Notes that his his paper on classification [see RelatedMaterial below] has been read at Linnean Society; confident his principles are correct, and confirmed by Smith's assent, but could have given better examples. Critiques Count [Johann Centurius] Hoffmannsegg's [(1766-1849), naturalist] "Flore Portugaise" [(1809-1840)], which quotes Smith; plates coloured well but the system shows need to adhere to an established plan of arrangement so botanists can understand each other; discusses further.

Expecting his copy of Smith's "Tour of Hafod". He has been devising a method for putting an "effectual end to the African slave trade" and also looking into the state of the arts during the Middle Ages for a memoir. Looking forward to Smith's Lancashire visit.

Comments on plans for establishment of botanic garden in Norwich and assures Smith that establishment of such a place is achievable on almost any scale; explains Liverpool Botanic Garden financing and costs. A garden is also being established at Hull; believes that "the union of science & pleasure which these institutions afford to the inhabitants of large towns" will lead to their being generally adopted. Congratulates Smith's mother, happy to hear of [William Fitt] Drake's good fortune. His son James just returned from tour of Scotland.

His concern for Smith's family and mother following a "calamity" and "insane" conduct of a Russian. Held a dinner at Liverpool for [Henry Peter] Brougham [first Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868), lord chancellor, at this time prospective MP for Liverpool]; the Lords present "spoke with great spirit" and letters from principal members of both Houses of Parliament were read; believes the meeting will draw connection between the "commercial & manufacturing interests & the nobility & great proprietors of the land" closer, which is essential for the prosperity and safety of the country. Quotes stanza from Thomas Gray's [(1716-1771), poet] poem "A Long Story" in declining Smith's invitation to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke].

Hopes to visit [Thomas William] Coke at Holkham, [Norfolk], in October after parliamentary election where they hope to return [Henry Peter] Brougham [first Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868), lord chancellor] and [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician]. Trearing his sprained knee with leeches and astringents, which will limit his outdoor pursuits but as Smith has no "voracious appetite" for this will be content with his company.

Prevented by his knee injury from joining Smith in his visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]; suggests postponing until spring. Mortified by Liverpool election result.

His knee injury worse and confinement with rheumatism or lumbago across the "loins" prevents him from paying Smith and [Thomas William] Coke a Christmas visit. Has written and printed a review [see RelatedMaterial below] of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] Liverpool election speeches in response to his continual "attacks and sneers against all peaceable people". Repairs to his library and new additions, including a frieze in distemper by Michaelangelo under a picture of his master, Ghirlandaio.

Still confined with his rheumatism; abandons his intended visit to Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] and Norfolk. Prepared an account of improvements at his Chat-Moss farm for the Board of Agriculture. Compiling a catalogue of his pictures, drawings, and prints; discusses del Sarto copy of a portrait of Leo X and his cardinals by Raffaelli.

Hopes Smith received his review of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] speeches, which he wrote to be "obnoxious to so powerful a party both in politics & literature". Sends verses of his own composition for [Pleasance] Smith as thanks for the medicine recommendation; no relief from external stimulants of hot salt-water baths and frequent blisterings. Recently acquired Lord Bute's copy of Rumphius' [(1627-1702), botanist] ["Herbarii Amboinensis"].

Wishes Smith success in his Cambridge candidature [to become professor of botany]; has written to [William] Smyth [(1765-1849)], the history professor, in support of Smith. Remains lame but his sciatica pain reduced. Praises Smith's "New Doctors" song and epigram on Holkham. Fears they will not meet this year. Spending a few days at his Moss farm; recently sold 1000 acres to Willis Earle, and his son, James, has undertaken a large lot; farming now become his chief business, pictures and other works of art his amusement, and abhors politics and seldom reads books.

Has written to Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University] and [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician] in support of Smith's Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship]; does not doubt Smith's success. His knee recovering but cannot yet commit to a journey to Norfolk. Has ordered [William] Roxburgh's "Asiatic researches" paper on 'Scitamineae', in which he appears to have partially adopted his [Roscoe's] arrangement but without acknowledgement, and eleventh volume of "Linnean Transactions" containing his paper ['On Artificial and Natural Arrangements of Plants']; his concerns about the paper. Will look out Smith's biography of [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis [(1732-1808), botanist] in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".