Having spent last 17 of 18 springs in London he "received high gratification" from spending the last one in the country. His son has developed an interest in botany. Intercedes for [William] Travis [(1771-1851)] of Scarborough, who regrets no longer being a FLS and claims to have been struck out by a friend's blunder and is prepared to pay his arrears, vouches for him as "indefatigable in seeking improvement in his medical profession [...] and attends to every branch of natural history" and [James] Sowerby knows him as "a zealous naturalist".

His son bought a book on mineralogy by Aiken, dislikes it much and wishes there was a good manual on it. The Downton and Grange pippins of his new Herefordshire apple trees bore fruit this year; some fruit cracked, as did many of his pears. Foxley crab and Golden Harvey had fine blossom but no fruit. Siberian crab "took beautifully" on espaliers. Has started wearing flannel next to his skin as his son has done so for several years and he does not remember when he last had a cold.

Looking forward to visit of Smith and [William] Roscoe from Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] to Narford. Thanks for ticket to the Norwich Ball.

Flattered by gratification Smith and [William] Roscoe received from their visit to Narford. Comments that whilst the English "for more than a century have been in the practice of purchasing minor curiosities in Italy, the French, "at one fell swoop", carried off the best statues, pictures, and the rarest books and manuscripts from the Vatican. Praises Roscoe. Will visit Smith in Norwich, [Norfolk], in the winter.

Sorry to have missed opportunity of meeting [William] Roscoe. Her admiration for Roscoe: considers him "the friend to human welfare, as well as the philosopher, the accomplished scholar, and the Poet", and praises his efforts in abolishing the slave trade.

Sent Smith his criticism of [William] Roxburgh's 'Scitamineae' paper in "Asiatic Researches" to be presented to Linnean Society, though unsure whether the section on 'Canna' and description of three species of 'Alpinia' in Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's "Chinese Drawings" should be omitted.

Disgusted at the "arrogance, conceit, & bloodthirstiness" of his countrymen and is withdrawing himself as much as possible from political associations and public affairs. Recently made additions to his library from late Mr Willett's sale.

Hopeful for Smith's Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship]; discusses possible impediment of Smith not belonging to the university and concludes his success will have a "favourable effect on the interests of science in general". Before it is printed asks Smith to review his paper critiquing [William] Roxburgh's paper on 'Scitamineae' in "Asiatic Researches"; unsure whether to omit descriptions of new genera from Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's "[Chinese] drawings". Resigned to not seeing Smith in Liverpool this summer.

Responds to Roscoe's letter [of 27 June 1814]. Certain his campaign [for Cambride botany professorship] will not be affected by his not being a member of the University; lists previous examples. Hopes to be knighted at the next levée and enter Cambridge after the vacation; has ensured the knighthood is to be given him as president of Linnean Society. He could claim an MA degree in two years but "scientifically" values his Leyden degree more, and only wants the professorship on basis that he is best to fill it. Does not think any alterations to Roscoe's paper are needed, and that Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's plants should remain for others to judge. Fears [William] Roxburgh is dying at Chelsea.

At request of [Thomas William] Coke invites Roscoe to visit Holkham; he is intending to visit again soon with the Bishop [of Norwich, Henry Bathurst (c 1744-1837)] to continue examining the manuscripts, including historical Italian manuscripts copied at Florence and Venice, and printed books "inestimable in value & number". Papers report Roscoe is in Paris researching, but letter from his sister, Mrs Martin, informs him Roscoe is at his Moss farm and in good health.

Laments death of Dr [Henry] Reeve, a "most heavy loss, public & private, in every point".

Received Smith's letter of 3 [October] too late to accompany Smith and the Bishop [of Norwich, Henry Bathurst (c 1744-1837)] to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke], but the return of his sons, William and Robert, from France frees him to visit from beginning of November.

Plans for their visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]: advises Roscoe to leave for Norwich after 6 November and for them to set out for Holkham on 1 December; further details and questions regarding the visit, including trip to [Andrew] Fountaine at Narford [Hall, Norfolk].

Describes his journey after leaving Smith at Narford [home of Andrew Fountaine], travelling from Ely to Cambridge, before journeying on to Allerton [Hall, Lancashire] through a tremendous storm which on returning home he found had ripped up trees of 60 or 80 years growth. At Cambridge dined with Professor [William] Smyth [(1765-1849), historian] and recommended Smith to him [for his Cambridge botany professorship candidature] but he is under a "promise"; hears from multiple sources that Smith is considered the best qualified for the position, but rivals have either been ahead of Smith in their applications or are taking advantage of "supposed indecision" on Smith's part; St John's College the most adverse to Smith, but he believes if Smith maintains his high ground he will either succeed or "attach no small share of disgrace to the university".

Will send Smith tracings of [Charles] Plumier's [(1646-1704), botanist] drawings, but only copy two of the 'Scitamineae' not given in [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Fragmenta". Thanks Smith for the visits to Holkham and Narford [homes of Thomas William Coke and Andrew Fountaine, respectively]; on his return found his wife in much better health.

Hopes Pleasance has allowed her "light to shine before men, & women too" [following Smith's knighthood on 28 July 1814]; announcements in newspapers; their cards are done; lists those who attended the ceremony; reactions of friends and servants; he is now obliged to call and leave his card at many places, which otherwise he would not now do. Intends to visit Spring Grove [Sir Joseph Banks' home in Isleworth, Middlesex]; visiting a Mr and Mrs Paterson near Edgware; seeing Lord Essex's Cashiobury, [Hertfordshire], [George Capell-Coningsby, 5th Earl of Essex (1757-1839)]. Account of a fair and celebrations in Hyde Park. Bought a "pretty set of tea china".

[Letter incomplete: lower third of second folio cropped, presumed destroyed]

Death of George Don, on 14 January [1814], of a putrid sore throat; he has left a widow and 6 children in poverty, 4 of which are incapable of working, and the 2 eldest boys unfit to continue work on Fofar Botanic Garden or sell the plants. Addresses Smith as the "guardian of British Botany" and asks him to suggest means to alleviate the family's distress.

Informed by his friend Sellackie of Smith's intention of publishing the "Flora Britannica" in English soon ["English Flora"]. Induced to send specimens of the large 'Rhinanthus' described by [John] Ray, which grows plentifully on Stockton Common; its differences from 'Rhinanthus crista-galli'. Found two species of 'Myostis' in this neighbourhood [Yorkshire] agreeing with Hooker's 'M. sylvatica'; offers descriptions and specimens, and Yorkshire habitats for rare plants.

Characters of 'Rhianthus crista-galli' and 'Rhianthus rayi'.

Hopes that the "general peace" approaching Europe will extend between USA and Britain [in reference to War of 1812, conflict between USA and Britain 1812-1815]. Published an edition of Smith's "Introduction to Botany", and is printing a "Florula Bostoniensis", of which he encloses a few pages [extant] to assist with queries in this and his former letter. Lists 11 doubtful specimens, requests Smith's opinion [Smith has annotated brief responses].

Manuscript pages from "Florula Bostoniensis": description of 20 species.

Requests permission to dedicate his work on conchology, written to Linnaean principles, to Smith. History of the work; similar works have been prohibited by expense of engravings. Intends to write a work on "General Conchology"; intends to copy all from nature and not engravings. Will show his drawings to the Linnean Society so specific names can be determined, thus avoiding future disputes; asks Smith's opinion and requests terms of admission. Transcribes newspaper advertisement for the first work.

Corrected Smith's papers. Tried to see Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844)], advises Smith to write to him "without delay" [presumably in reference to Smith's Cambridge botany professor campaign].

Hopes to see Smith in London. Details of Mrs Stoddard's case regarding dispute over manor of Kirkland, [Cumberland]. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in London and in much better condition than he expected; he has been in a "most alarming mental state". His plan for binding "English botany".

Thanks for gift of partridges, which are very scarce this season. Encloses letter addressed to his friend Mr Stoddart from a French Count, recommends Smith establish a correspondence. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert has come to London in a state of nervous irritation similar to previous complaints of his.

Received Smith's letter of 9 [August 1814] but unfortunately state of his health since arrival in London prevents him from enjoying the society of his scientific friends, more so as Smith was to be one of them. Feeling stronger since the effects of the mercury subsided and as he expects a few years longer life hopes visit Smith in Norwich soon. They are giving up plans to go to Scotland and will either stay in London or go to France for the winter.

Madagascar specimens received from Sir Joseph Banks, wishes Smith had taken his share on leaving town, and still awaiting the Indian specimens from Banks, asks how to make selection available to Smith. Has not heard anything respecting [Francis] Buchanan from the fleet just arrived.

[Note in different hand addressed to Roxburgh, Prospect Place] List of 4 species of 'Ophioglossum': 'O. filiforme', 'O. scandens', 'O. flexuosum', and 'O. furcatum'; asks Smith if they should be contained in the same genus or placed in 'Lygodium' or any other new genus.