Pleased to hear that Smith may be joining his mother on a visit to Mrs Martin [Smith's sister] in Liverpool. Relieved to be free of political life, especially as he has attained his "one great object", the abolition of the slave trade, and pleased to return to his botanical and poetical pursuits. Recommends [William] Wordsworth's [(1770-1850), poet] new poems, which he listens to "with a pleasure something like that of an infant to the prattle of an old woman", and are to be read in "listlessness & leisure".

Glad to hear that Roscoe has not been affected by the agitation and anxiety of the last few weeks. Spent much of his time in London with the William Smiths. Looking forward to his visit to Liverpool and Allerton with his mother though it is only a short visit.

Busy with many publications, including: "Introduction to Botany", second part of first volume of "Flora Graeca", second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus", a sequel to "Exotic botany", and others in planning stages. Has undertaken to write the physiological, terminological, and biographical parts of the botanical section of [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", a "pleasant & easy" job, following illness of previous writer, [William] Wood of Liverpool, who is now well enough to resume descriptive part. Will read [William] Wordsworth [(1770-1850), poet] on Roscoe's recommendation. Has just completed 'Clusius' and Peter Collinson [(1694-1768), botanist] for "Cyclopedia".

Disappointed that he cannot accept Roscoe's invitation. Rumoured that Roscoe will become the sitting member for Liverpool. Hopes to accompany his mother to Liverpool in early spring and would like to discuss Roscoe's 'Canna' specimens, figures, and synonyms, particularly species Roscoe made out of 'Canna indica', for intended paper on 'Scitamineae' species.

Sent the Linnean Society a "botanico-physiological" on germination of seeds, disproving Gaertner's "vitellus"; further details. Asks if Roscoe approves with his rule of "shall & will" as he discussed in October issue of the "Athenaeum". Will shortly send Roscoe his "Introduction to Botany" for comment and corrections; hopes it will promote the study.

Hopes Roscoe has had the most recent numbers of "Exotic botany" from [James] Sowerby. Has written a lot for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", and has enjoyed looking at botanical subjects he might not have otherwise studied. Glad Roscoe's Liverpool [Botanic] Garden is flourishing; had hoped to see [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] in Norwich; apologises for delay in sending the herbarium, which is proving "a long & arduous job". [William Fitt] Drake has entered Caius College, Cambridge, with one of the highest scholarships but will still assist Smith half the year. Continuing work on "Florae Graecae prodomus" but struggles to complete more than 10 to 12 plants from 10 o'clock till 3. Compliments to the Roscoe and Rathbone families. Relates a "curious anecdote" about the King of Prussia, Napoleon, and the Empress of Russia at the conference of Tilsit [ending the War of the Fourth Coalition, 1806-1807].

Disappointed not to see Smith in Lancashire this year. Resolved to never stand as MP for Liverpool again. Will send Smith his notes on 'Canna'; pleased he is investigating 'Scitamineae', expects his own system to be overturned. Enjoyed and agrees with Smith's "grammatical paper about shall & will" [in October issue of the "Athenaeum"]. Pleased that publication of "Exotic botany" is proceeding; after seeing [James] Sowerby in London expected the quatro edition to be continued and the octavo given up.

John Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] has made valuable acquisitions from stoves and conservatories of London, including: Norfolk Island pine, multiple species of 'Banksia', several 'Nymphaea', hopefully 'Cyamus nelumbo', and many new Monandrian plants. Compliments both Mrs Smiths, Mr and Mrs James Taylor, and Dr [Henry] and Mrs Reeve.

Thanks for Smith's "Introdutcion to Botany"; praises the preface, Mr and Mrs Ratham have complimented it with "terms of the warmest approbation", and has already lent his copy to Mr Price, MP for Radnor, an amatuer botanist. Requests to be informed as soon as the herbarium Smith is preparing for Liverpool Botanic Garden is prepared; their finances are much improved and are nearly out of debt with an income of 900 guineas, aided by creation of 100 additional shares. Certain a second edition of Smith's new book will soon be demanded.

Replies to Roscoe's letters of 15 November and 16 December. Disappointed not to see Roscoe this summer and impatient for Roscoe's notes on 'Canna' species. Last paper of second volume of "Exotic botany" published and hopes to settle a permanent plan for its continuation or a new one like it next spring. Has written papers on British 'Hieracium', "papilionaceous decandrous plants of New Holland", three diadelphous genera, and working on one on 'Arenaria' to resolve dearth of papers at Linnean Society meetings, which are otherwise "very fully" attended. Second parts of "Flora Graeca" and "Florae Graecae prodromus" ready for publication. Thanks for Roscoe's praise of his paper on "shall & will" [in October 1807 issue of the "Athenaeum"] and "Introduction to Botany"; half the edition is sold; will only correct a new edition.

Thanks for Roscoe's political pamphlet [on war with France, see RelatedMaterial below], which he agrees with entirely; further comments. Has completed 3000 species for Liverpool [Botanic Garden] herbarium. [Richard] Salisbury and Andrews, "a rogue & a fool, a happy conjunction!", have combined to criticise Roscoe's 'Scitamineae' principle. Has written to editor of the "Monthly Magazine" about [William Fordyce] Mavor [(1758-1837)], who wrote Botany Report for this month's issue, and who was rejected by Linnean Society; expects it will be published next month.

Immersed in politics; his new pamphlet on proposals to open negotiations for peace in 1807 is currently printing [see RelatedMaterial below], it also contains a definitive answer to his critics. The mayor of Liverpool, a "bigotted & furious ministerialist", held a meeting "in commendation of the present men & measures" [in relation to the war with France]; he [Roscoe] opposed this and offered an opposing address which was "carried by a great majority", but the mayor carried the original address. Both addresses were presented to the public for signatures; his [Roscoe's] address "favourable to peace & moderation" gained almost 15,000 whilst the mayor's struggled for half that amount. The enraged opposition has been issuing handbills and anonymous letters; transcribes example of one sent to himself.

Recently sent [James] Sowerby a specimen of 'Canna latifolia' for "Exotic botany" but he had drawn it before; will soon send his thoughts on the genus. Urges Smith not to give up "Exotic botany", which could now be carried on in just the quatro edition. Thanks Frederick Smith [Smith's brother] for merino wool coat.

Reflects on Smith's visit to Liverpool and their new acquaintance; considers Smith a "friend of very early days, but lately found".

Expects [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] to go to London to look through the nurseries in October. He and Shepherd lately studied difficult 'Pancratium', 'Crinum', and 'Amaryllis' and now thinks the '[Crinum] americanum' they saw at Lord Derby's is '[Crinum] latifolium' of Linnaeus and 'Amaryllis latifolia' of L'Héritier. Will hopefully be able to see Smith for a few days at Norwich. Would like to establish a regular correspondence with Smith, or if he is busy, his "deputy", [William Fitt] Drake.

Three pages of botanical notes on the different species of 'Canna', including 'C. indica', 'C. coccinca', 'C. pateus', 'C. lutea', 'C. latifolia', 'C. glauca', 'C. flaccida', 'C. angustifolia' Willdenow, 'C. juncea', with details of authorities, varieties, and publications.

Comments on criticism of his paper on 'Scitamineae' made by [Richard] Salisbury and Andrews in "Transactions"; the former spoke well of it except for the figure of 'Curcuma' but the latter was more rude with "much less reason".

Engrossed in politics and expecting to print new pamphlet shortly, but he does not enjoy it. Hopes Smith will establish "Exotic botany" properly; comments on its value as a "periodical vehicle for diffusing sound opinions & Linnaean principles, when they are so frequently disregarded or avowedly attacked", especially as "English botany" is finishing and never had a place for "more general observations"; believes that "heresies" in botany should be opposed by "orthodox doctrines", otherwise "the antipope Jussieu will dethrone our true Pontif Linnaeus"; criticism of Jussieu's system.

Visit by Mr and Mrs Martin [Smith's brother-in-law and sister] with "little Frederick"; pleased to hear Smith may visit Lancashire in near future.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 1 May. Thanks for Roscoe's notes on 'Canna', though there is not much new information; asks native country of Roscoe's 'Canna latifolia' and any authority used. Doubts whether [James] Sowerby will continue "Exotic botany" as it does not sell enough for a profit, though if he went on slowly it would pay. His work for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia" has increased and now includes the whole botanical part and biographies of botanists following death of [William] Wood; he has accepted as it sells 5000 copies and will help advance botany; he puts an "S" to articles he wishes to be responsible for.

New edition of his "Introduction to Botany" printing but has only made corrections. Intends to produce a new work called "Illustrations of Botany" with figures of new and interesting plants and genera, with possible chapter illustrating and criticising Jussieu's system. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" printing and will finish "Flora Britannica" this winter. As usual will spend September in Lowestoft, [Suffolk]. His health is good but has been anxious for Roscoe's sons' health. Forced to to give up his visit to Lancashire but hopeful for next year. Thanks for Roscoe's second pamphlet, admires the introduction but observes that recent events in Spain are unfavourable for Roscoe's ideas of peace, and "sickens at the old story of subsidising Austria & Co again!".

Discussion of toads: asks after Roscoe's tale of a "toad in a hole in a wall" having just read a similar account in Roesel [von Rosenhof's (1705-1759)] "Historia naturalis rariarum"; his own observations of three live natterjack toads in his possession, 'Bufo terrestius foetidus' of Roesel t24; [Thomas] Pennant's "British Zoology" quotes Sir Joseph Banks on natterjacks but not Roesel.

[Letter probably incomplete: text interrupted, no signature or valediction]

Offers to send specimens of four distinct species of 'Maranta' from Liverpool Botanic Garden, which with Jacquin's 'M. lutea' completes all he knows of the genus. Regrets cessation of "Exotic botany" not only for [James] Sowerby's "excellent" figures but for disseminating "true sound Linnean principles" at a time when they are attacked in other publications; convinced a quatro edition could be successful; Smith's "English botany" by far the "most scientific & perfect Flora in any language or country" but it is ending soon and "Exotic botany" would be more worthy of Smith's skills and more widely appreciated in other countries. Offers his opinions for Smith's proposed "Illustrations of Botany" and chapter on Jussieu's system.

Agrees with Smith that events in Spain have ruined all "ideas of peace" and any effect his pamphlet might have had on the public; criticises the triumphalism of the war party; believes Napoelon might have only attacked Spain as an additional point of offence against Britain; fears the consequences, either the further extension of his despotism, or a complete revulsion in the affairs of Europe. Glad of Smith's good health; describes bad health of his sons.

Recent social events in Liverpool. [Liverpool] Botanic Garden is "flourishing" and almost out of debt so can now make a final arrangement for Smith's duplicate Linnaean herbarium.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 14 October. Asks Roscoe's experience of subscribing to Boydell's "Shakespeare" on behalf of his friend, Mr Ives of Catton, who has just been served a writ for £100._x000D_

Asks Roscoe to send, via his mother, any new or curious specimens of 'Maranta', 'Canna', or other 'Scitamineae'; has dried a large ['Canna'] Roscoe sent [James] Sowerby and also has 'lutea', 'flaccida' and scarlet one figured in [William] Curtis' "Botanical Magazine" but ignorant of the rest. Thanks for Roscoe's comments on "Exotic botany". Would encourge Roscoe to critique Jussieu's system, though not for the Linnean Society which is "wisely shy of professed controversy", but would appreciate it for his own book. First 3000 specimens of Liverpool [Botanic Garden] herbarium ready except for catalogue and packing._x000D_

His work on [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia": writes botanists' biographies and the physiological and most of the systematical botany, but only acknowledges the articles he thinks worth owning. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" nearly printed. Glad Roscoe saw his cousins, the Kindersleys. Laments "poor Rathbone's state".

Sending this letter with Smith's mother. Committee of Liverpool Botanic Garden has accepted Smith's offer of duplicate Linnaean herbarium. The same Committee also carried his other proposal to send John Bradbury on a botanical exploration of Louisiana and the great branches of the Mississippi for three years; he is to take his two sons of 21 or 22 years old, one to accompany him in his travels and the other to be at a garden in New Orleans cultivating the plants and sending them live to England; asks for Smith's advice to make the most of the opportunity, in return Bradbury will get Smith anything he wants from America. Bradbury leaving in two or three months.

Replies to Smith's letter of 17 November; he is in the same situation as Mr Ives respecting Boydell's Shakespeare; his experience._x000D_

[John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] is to supply Smith with specimens of all 'Canna' and 'Marauta' in [Liverpool Botanic] Garden; sends drawings of two 'Canna' and a 'Maranta arundinacea' with dissection of flower, to be returned._x000D_

Linnean Society right to avoid controversy, but the object of his enquiry would be to compare the [Linnaeus and Jussieu] systems and not to detract from their merits. His current interests, including acquisition of new prints and drawings, and perusal of works of Abate [Luigi] Lanzi [(1732-1810, Italian art historian], just returned by [Henry] Fuseli [(1741-1825), painter]. Intends to look at Smith's work for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia". Sorry to not have become better acquainted with the Kindersleys whilst they were in Lancashire.

About to send first 3000 specimens of his herbarium for Liverpool Botanic Garden. Glad to hear of [John] Bradbury's intended expedition [to study botany of Louisiana and the Mississippi]. Thanks [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] for specimens of 'Maranta' and the one seed; it is a difficult genus. George Don has found 'Hypericum barbatum' Jacquin "Florae Austriacae" t259 growing wild in Scotland, it will appear in February's "English botany" along with new 'Scirpus', new 'Potamogeton', and pretty new 'Equisetum'. Pleased to hear of Roscoe's work on Abate [Luigi] Lanzi [(1732-1810, Italian art historian].

Concerned for Rathbone's health. Asks Roscoe's opinion of ninth volume of "Linnean Transactions" and his paper on the vitellus [see RelatedMaterial below]. Comments on the "miserable" news from Spain; hopes the country will not be conquered in its mountains.

Gratifiation at herbarium Smith sent to Liverpool [Botanic Garden]; the garden is progressing but he doubts whether botany will "ever make any effectual progress" in Liverpool area.

Received letter from [William George] Maton on 'Amomum repens', the true cardamon; agrees with Maton's inclination that from the drawing in [David] White's paper on subject read at Linnean Society it is a new genus, with reference to "Hortus Malabaricus" vol 11 tab 5&6; advises caution until Smith's idea of it being an 'Alpinia' is removed. Hopes Smith is continuing with his 'Scitamineae' research, about which "much remains to be done"; they have many at the Botanic Garden but they rarely flower. Anxious about Smith's brother.

Congratulations on marriage of Roscoe's son, Edward. Received letter from his sister, Mrs Martin, about the "melancholy accident" which occured at Roscoe's old church last Sunday. His mother is now living with them; they may visit Liverpool this summer. Has not done any work on 'Scitamineae' yet so keeping hold of Roscoe's drawings. Fully occupied with fourth volume of "Flora Britannica" and "Lapland Tour".

Giving a course of lectures on "the Philosophy of Natural History" at the Royal Institution this spring. Asks if Roscoe has read Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] "Travels"; his opinion. Recommends Cobbett's paper for this week, which contains articles on anti-jacobin newspaper and Spanish affairs. [William Fitt] Drake and himself have been working on [Liverpool Botanic Garden] herbarium, will send budget soon. His health better than usual 1this winter. Asks after Roscoe's sons, James and Robert. Intends to attend some of Professor [William] Smyth's [(1765-1849), professor of modern history] lectures at Cambridge in March, Smyth lets Drake attend as a friend

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.

Studied mosses and lichens with Dawson Turner at Yarmouth, [Norfolk], earlier in month, Turner also relieved him from the burden of dealing with "those indefatigable writers and questioners the German naturalists". Turner to publish a book on the "Mosses of Ireland" ["Muscologiae Hibernicae spicilegium" (1804)]. Visited his wife's family in Lowestoft and Saxmundham, [both Suffolk]; discusses the country and weather; the summer has "burnt up this whole eastern country" with no rain from April till September.

Frustrations with printing of "Flora Britannica" and some "knotty points" on mosses; the difficulties with this group chiefly caused by the inaccuracies of preceeding writers; the jungermanniae and lichens will be even more variable and uncertain. The lichen from Roscoe's house is 'Lichen orostheus' of [Erik] Acharius and never observed in this country before. About to send parcel to Roscoe, including his "Tour on the Continent", [James] Sowerby's "Fungi", Paul Jovius de Piscibus, and "an imperfect copy" of Rivinus' botanical plates, which will be a useful addition to Roscoe's collection of "Icones Plantarum". Expecting visit by [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] and has promised him a "harvest" of 'Salix'.

Asks if Roscoe's ['Crinum latifolium'] is not 'Crinum erubescens' of Redoute's "Plantes liliacees" fasc 5, as the 'C. latifolium' figured in Rudbeck and copied from ["Hortus Indicus Malabaricus"] is broader in the leaves and petals. Discusses transformation in [William Fitt] Drake's reading material and political beliefs since meeting Roscoe. Details of Roscoe's election to Linnean Society. Discusses health of Roscoe's son and inflammatory disorders.

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.