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".

Discusses plans for proposed visit by Smith, [Thomas William] Coke, and Dr Parr to Allerton in September. Intends to write further on 'Scitamineae' plants; asks Smith to provide details of plant they examined in [Edward] Rudge's "Plants of Guiana" and [Etienne Ventenat's] "Jardin de Malmaison" and provides rough ink sketch and comments on appearance. Will not comment on the "astonishing events we have lived to see in the political world". Has not seen Smith's mother in Liverpool yet.

Less busy than he was when Smith was recently staying and going to London tomorrow to switch from bankers Sir J Erdaile and Co. to Jones Loyd and Co. He has been entertaining the Archdukes John [Johann (1782-1859)] and Lewis [Louis (1784-1864)] of Austria for last three days; comments on John's character; they are also going to Scotland and Holkham to see [Thomas William] Coke, showed them his unfinished portrait of Coke. Apologises for any anxiety he may have caused Smith recently. Asks Smith to send the 'Canna' drawings to London.

Postscript in left hand margin of verso of first folio: Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law] has separated from his partners.

Thanks for Smith's sympathy [on failure of his banking house]; speculates causes including the great employment of capital following the opening of the American trade and immense exports of Liverpool merchants, most of whom kept their accounts with them, although though most direct and immediate cause was from the least expected quarter [unspecified]. Confident that his and his partners' property will cover all debts and leave a disposable income for themselves and consoles himself with the thought of being freed from his many obligations. Was unaware that [Thomas William] Coke, Lord Derby [Edward Smith-Stanley], and others had been applied to. His family bear it well.

Current state of affairs [following failure of his banking house]: they have appeased the "great mass" of their creditors and pleaded for time to convert their funds to money; surprised and consoled by the kindness and confidence they have met with, following a meeting on recommencement of business which was "unanimously asserted to" by the 400 in attendance, some refractory persons remain. Comments on support and friendship of Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law]. Allerton, his library, and art collection are all to be sold, but as they will fully discharge his obligations he does it with pleasure.

Current state of affairs [following failure of his banking house]: has dispatched catalogues of his books, drawings, and prints and expects sale to be well attended; Lord [George John] Spencer has already expressed an interest; transcribes a sonnet on being parted with his library. Business of their bank increasing again and if not for the commerical depression they would quickly recover what they had lost, discusses the particular risks of Liverpool banking ventures.

Pleased by Smith's improved health and opportunities to see [Thomas William] Coke and Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke]; his own delight at making acquaintance of Lord [George John] and Lady [Lavinia] Spencer [(1762-1831)], who have invited him to spend Christmas at Althorp, [Northamptonshire]. Invited Dr Francis [Buchanan] to Allerton but his ship embarked early. Dispatched parcel of manuscripts to Coke at Holkham, [Norfolk].

Pleased [Thomas William] Coke is satisfied with the books he bought at sale of his collections, including particularly fine manuscript of the Bible, and the pitcures he bought are the "cream" of the collection; Hargreaves has made a miniature copy of the "Head of Christ" by Leonardo da Vinci. Keen to meet Smith at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]. Congratulates Mr and Mrs Reeve. His daughter, Jane, recovering but still source of anxiety.

[Letter incomplete: first folio cropped, presumed destroyed]

Thanks for Smith's congratulations and refers him to Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law] for all information on subject [presumably a recovery in his affairs]. A reconciliation has occured between them and their friends at Greenbank, renewing friendship of 30 years.

Everything Smith said of [Thomas William Coke] has been fulfilled, and still hopes to meet Smith at Holkham, [Norfolk, Coke's home]. His studies and pursuits have been interrupted by the dispersal of his library, though he has long suspected that collecting literary and artistic curiosities has an unfavourable effect on original efforts, and now plans to focus on several unfinished labours.

Pleased by addition Smith has made to the [Liverpool Botanic Garden] herbarium. A Botanic Garden in Glasgow is on the verge of being established, with a public subscription of £4000 to be raised, to which the College has given £2000; delighted by spread of botanic gardens to large towns and considers possibility of same in Norwich. Thanks for gift of Smith's "Compendium [florae Britannicae]"; keen to see his "historical & critical" article in [Rees'] "Encyclopedia".

[Robert] Southey [(1774-1843), poet and reviewer] is a "miserable figure" and unsure whether his letter to [William] Smith "excites more pity or disgust" [after Smith made critical remarks on Southey's youthful play "Wat Tyler", which had just been published against his will]; the world "too indulgent" of "these converts who play tricks with their personal identity"; praises Smith's rebuke. His daughter Jane fully recovered.

Disappointment of [Thomas William] Coke and his friends at the "rancour of the Norw[ic]h mob" against Coke [and the Corn-Law, which has made a second appearance; it originates solely in the corn-bill, and as he is a great corn grower he has become a target even though he is in favour of free export and import; concludes Coke is not safe in Norwich, and he is taking action against a "most diabolical handbill".

Lord [Thomas, 1st Viscount Anson (1769-1818)] and Lady [Anne Margaret (1779-1843)] Anson left London suddenly to attend their 9 year old son, reportedly dying. He came to London on 22 May and was unanimously elected Linnean Society president for the thirtieth time; Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley made the Society drink his health twice. Intends to attend last Linnean Society meeting on 17 June and possibly the opening of Waterloo Bridge on 18 June, and will spend the rest of summer in Norwich with visits to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke], and Lowestoft, [Suffolk]. Sent dried plants by waggon from Norwich on 23 May [for Liverpool Botanic Garden herbarium]. Glad Roscoe likes [Aylmer Bourke] and [Catherine] Lambert; "she is very pleasing". Sir Joseph Banks presided at Royal Society and club, he is lame but well. Asks after payment for plants.

Read Smith's dissertation on the present systems and state of botany with great pleasure and agrees with all his opinions; compliments the content and the style. He is still interested in debate over natural and artificial systems; wishes that Smith had written in in defence of Linnaeus in "Linnean Transactions". Smith's plant specimens [for Liverpool Botanic Garden] arrived in excellent condition and at a "very reasonable a price"; directions for Smith's payment. Wrote to [Thomas William] Coke on the spread of "the diabolical spirit" in the people of Norwich to "classes far above the mob", but certain that common sense will prevail. Concerned by Smith's report on Lord [Thomas, 1st Viscount Anson (1769-1818)] and Lady [Anne Margaret (1779-1843)] Anson. Mrs [Catherine] Lambert has given birth to a daughter and is in good health.

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".

Establishing [Liverpool Royal] Institution at Liverpool for "education & lectures on a large scale embracing the whole circle of literature, science & the arts", with a proposed capital of £30,000, to which £22,000 is already subscribed, and a building with lecture, school, and exhibition rooms has been prepared, at cost of £10,000. He is to give an introductory lecture followed by courses by Dr [Thomas Stewart] Traill [(1781-1862), physician] and Dr Gose. Solicits Smith's future interest to hold a botanical course, though the financial incentive will not be great; proposed financing of lecture courses.

Opening of [Liverpool Royal] Institution and his Introductory Lecture delayed by the "awful calamity which has involved all the country" [probably death of Princess Charlotte (1796-1817), only child of the Prince Regent, on 6 November 1817, which led to widespread grief and mourning]. Hopes Smith has seen their Report. Discusses plans for appointment of a Classical tutor and asks for Smith's and Mr Valpy's opinions and recommendations; they are also planning a Mathematical School and discussing whether to nominate professors or obtain as and when the best instructors possible; offers any future botany nomination to Smith. The Botanic Garden is in "high condition" under [John] Shepherd's [(c 1764-1836)] care.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 18 November. Recovered from the most obstinate bowel complaint he has ever had, which confined him for three weeks. His hard work on [Abraham Rees'] "Cyclopedia", which is now coming to a close, prevents him from saying much on the "sad loss" of the Princess [Charlotte (1796-1817), only child of the Prince Regent]; wonders at possibility of a subscription for a national memorial, as with Waterloo subscription, with a school attached.

Congratulates Roscoe on opening of the Liverpool [Royal] Institution; anxious to see Roscoe's lecture in print; he and Mr Valpy do not know of anyone for the [Classical] tutor. Depending on his engagements accepts Roscoe's proposal [for Smith to lecture on botany]. Coke family "much shocked" by the sudden death of Lady [Elizabeth] Albemarle [(d 1815), first wife of William Charles Keppel, 4th Earl of Albemarle (1772-1849)] at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke], from a miscarriage. Glad that Franklin's letters have been published.

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.

Describes his return journey from Liverpool, which included a stop at Matlock, [Derbyshire], to climb on Cromford Moor, "often celebrated in "English Botany"", for the first time since 1792; saw many lichens but concludes the dry summer has prevented their fructification. Has informed [Thomas William] Coke about Roscoe's intended visit. The Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North] delighted by his Cambridge pamphlet; finds it curious that four Oxford bishops approve of his candidacy for Cambridge botany professorship.

Received a "curious work" by Sprengel ["Plantarum Umbelliferarum" (1813)] in which 'Umbelliferae' is reformed as successfully as 'Scitamineae' was by Roscoe; transcribes a Greek quote referring to himself. Encloses packet of New Holland fern seeds. Lists stipulations if the [Liverpool Royal] Institution should invite him to lecture again, would also stay two months to study the Botanic Garden for a long held project on garden plants.

[Letter possibly incomplete: no signature or valediction]

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.