Replies to Roscoe's letter of 21 April. At Sir William and Lady East's, amidst "vast avenues of limes, beech woods, abounding with rare 'Orchideae', & a most beautiful surrounding country" to escape London; searching for 'Monotropa hypopitys' in woods near Bisham Abbey, comments on history of that place. Thanks for Roscoe's kindness to his friend John Fraser [(c 1750-1811), botanist], although Fraser did not give the 'Cryptogamic' plant Roscoe sent with him. Recently sent packet of seeds to [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden]. Anxious about his brother-in-law, Mr Martin, but not in despair.

Presumes Roscoe's proposed botanic paper will be about natural systems, particularly Jussieu's. Recently received letter from Jussieu, a "very worthy amiable character", though he called the Linnaean system "léze nature". The fashion in the "Banksian circle" is to sneer at Jussieu, [Richard] Salisbury goes but is in much less esteem than he was.

Has just published his "Hafod tour", limited to 100 copies. Has undertaken to finish a "Flora of Britain" in English as soon as possible, to cover the first 23 classes, with a possible separate Cryptogamic volume when "Flora Britannica" is finished. Also contemplating his long projected work on garden plants. New edition of "Hortus Kewensis" printing, Roscoe is "copied implicitly & avowedly" on 'Scitamineae'. Hopes Roscoe agrees with him on spelling of "Linnaeus", for which he cites last "Monthly Magazines", Jussieu, and the French writers. Saw Mr Currie in London.

Visiting Claude Scott. Thanks for Roscoe's letter of 18 June and paper [see RelatedMaterial below], which is "new & satisfactory", but cannot subscribe to the declaration that it is chiefly derived from his [Smith's] works, will suggest other alterations. Frustrated in attempts to spend July in country near London. The plant Roscoe sent is 'Bryum ligulatum' "English Botany" t 1449. "Flora Graeca" to be published in 10 volumes with 100 coloured plates in each, released in half volumes at price of 12 guineas for first two, to become successively cheaper; further details.

Roscoe's paper [see RelatedMaterial below] has occupied all the meetings of the Linnean Society this season butis now finished. Death of [Jonas] Dryander a "great loss to us all in his way". Keen to get his part of [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia" forward, till [William Fitt] Drake can relieve him from part of it, who is now ordained and is settling near him in January; asks if Roscoe has seen his biographies of famous botanists.

Enjoying good health this winter. Expects to see Roscoe take his seat again in Parliament under a new ministry. Invites Roscoe to come to Norfolk and visit Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] for the pictures, statues, drawings, books, and charming company. Sends via Mr J Thornley. [William] Roxburgh has described all the East Indian 'Scitamineae' according to Roscoe's system.

At [Thomas William] Coke's request encourages Roscoe to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]; describes the delights there including pictures, statues, books, drawings, manuscripts, and prints. Anxious for Coke and Roscoe to become private and public friends, which would be valuable if Roscoe or his son became MP for Liverpool this year as rumoured. Additional incentives of Coke's farming skills and knowledge and visiting [the Smiths] in Norwich.

Looking forward to seeing Roscoe. Saw [Thomas William] Coke at Norwich Sessions Ball. William Smith won Norwich election; further details including failure of other party's "grossest avowed bribery" and changing candidates from Paterson to Harvey.

Plans for their visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]: proposes meeting Roscoe at Swaffham, [Norfolk], so they can arrive at Holkham together; his mother proposes that his sister, Mrs Martin, accompany Roscoe south before going onto Norwich; Dawson Turner will meet them at Holkham and they will also visit [Andrew] Fountaine at Narford, [Norfolk], to see his Raphael "pots & pans" and Italian manuscripts.

His sister Mrs Lloyd nearly well; he cares little for her husband. Recommends that Roscoe travels to Norfolk in his own chaise, as coaching across the country is "bad & tedious".

Disappointed by Roscoe's postponement of Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] visit and Liverpool election results; plans to devote himself to botany and hopes to see Roscoe at Holkham in the spring. His sorrow at Roscoe missing out on meeting Coke; praises his character. [Andrew] Fountaine has offered Roscoe the entire use of his Italian manuscripts copied at Florence, and opportunity to look over the finest collection of Raphael ware anywhere except at Loretto, [Italy].

Disappointed Roscoe is not visiting Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] this spring on account of his rheumatism, but as it is "unusually prevalent" lately confident that he will find the relief others have and is determined for Roscoe to visit him this year. No recollection of the picture Roscoe spoke of in his previous letter [of 27 February] but offers identification advice. Has not received Roscoe's review of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] speeches. He has written three hymns for a new collection being made at Norwich. Preparing for his London visit in April. Comments on his wife's handwriting.

Sends Roscoe a "song" of nonsense, "The New Doctors", he wrote to amuse his wife and epigram on pleasures of Holkham [both on verso of second folio].

Encourages Roscoe and Mrs Roscoe to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] this autumn. Thanks for Roscoe recommending his Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship] to Professor [William] Smyth [(1765-1849), historian]; lists his many "warm & weighty friends", including: the Vice-Chancellor, the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel], the Masters of Caius [Martin Davy], Downing [William Frere (1775-1836)], and Pembroke [Joseph Turner (1747-1828)], the Provost of King's [Humphrey Sumner], and others.

Professor [Thomas] Martyn has offered to resign whenever best suited; details of the three part position and plan for securing the professorship. Asks Roscoe to recommend him to the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University], hopes that he will act in favour of "whiggism & science, against mere old-fashioned espirit de corps". There are no legal obstacles or subscriptions against him but fears the Rutland interest or the Bishop of Ely [Bowyer Sparke (1759-1836)] being used against him. Coke is obtaining interests of Duke of Bedford and Lord Hardwicke; asks Roscoe to gain support of [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician]. Recommends his biography of [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis [(1732-1808), botanist] in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".

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".

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].

Has had letters from [Thomas William] Coke and [Andrew] Fountaine on their pleasure at meeting Roscoe. Describes recent extreme weather. Thanks Roscoe for his efforts advocating him at Cambridge [in his candidature for botany professorship]; aware of prejudice of St John's College but has support of [Charles Howard, 11th] Duke of Norfolk [(1746-1815)] who has great influence there. Expecting [William] Smith next week as steward of their ball, and they are to have a common hall "to give a kick to the income tax".

Thanks for Roscoe's letter of 8 April, parcel of [Charles] Plumier [(1646-1704) botanist] drawings and book for Lady [Pleasance] Smith. Staying at his cousins the Kindersleys house; his wife at Lowestoft caring for her invalid parents._x000D_

With [Thomas William] Coke saw a picture of Napoleon being crowned king of Italy, painted at Milan, being sold for £1500. Details his and Coke's plans for their Lancashire visit and possibly Hafod, [Cardiganshire, home of Thomas Johnes]; invites Roscoe to join them. No comment on public affairs as it is all in the papers, excepting that there "still seems a backwardness for war". He is halfway through his lectures, which are well attended by a "very elegant & fashionable audience". Deaths of Dr [Joseph] Brandreth [(1746-1815), physician], and one of Mrs Reeve's sons. His mother thinking of travelling to Liverpool. Pleased that Roscoe is binding some of Coke's manuscripts. Received great encouragement from Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel] regarding Cambridge [his candidature for botany professorship].