Thanks for turkies and buns. Comments on Smith's article on botany in the "Scotch Encyclopedia" [Rees' "Cyclopedia"], which he had previously neglected to peruse; admires his defence of Linnaeus' natural classes but considers De Jussieu's system superior. Comments on the "immense" improvement in botany since he first started studying it, citing Smith and [James] Sowerby's "English botany", which would have saved him years of labour.

[Note in Smith's hand] this letter printed in "Selection of the Correspondence of Linnaeus" vol 2 p.577.

Sends specimens of American locust and Hessian fly from Judge [Richard] Peters [(1743-1828)], president of the Agricultural Society of Philadelphia, and seven papers also from Peters on these subjects.

[Francis] Boott unexpectedly returning to England. He has invited Boott to work on his "Flora of New England"; as yet they are novices in the science and have much to gain from Smith's advice; similarities and differences of New England and European floras. State of science in USA "rapidly progressive" but not yet advanced enough to support the "luxuries of science", such as coloured engravings of American plants; he is making the experiment in his "Medical Botany", sends plates via Boott. Sends pencilled sketch of an 'Orchis grandiflora', close to 'O. fimbriata'. Corrêa is Portugeuse Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington. Requests that the plants he sent Smith for determination be reserved for his and Boott's flora; some have since been published in Elliott's; further query on the two 'Rubus'.

Professor of Physic will not oppose Smith giving lectures or using the Physic garden, and confident that if Smith's other friend exerts himself another curator of the garden will be gained in Smith's favour [in reference to Smith's campaign for Cambridge botany professorship]. Advises Smith to come in person to look over his interests. Asks if Smith is to make any alterations to "Flora Britannica" as he intends to have his bound.

Encloses paper on vegetable physiology for the Linnean Society; requests that it be returned if not suitable.

[Smith has annotated "paper returned']

Sending box of plants for Smith's opinion, numbered list of contents with his own observations, including: 'Lotus decumbens' or 'L. debilis', 'Cnicus heteroclitus' or 'C. elegans', 'Verbascum virgatum', a 'Malva', and others.

Thanks for Smith's letter; glad Smith determined 'Lotus angustifolius', which was his original name for it, has cultivated it for years. Discusses 'Cnicus heteroclitus'; small sketch in ink of root. Lists desiderata taken from "Flora Britannica" of plants he would like to cultivate.

Will assist Smith's nephew, Edward Smith, any way he can, though business currently slow. Studying 'Rubus', list of species he has found here.

Forwarded Smith's letter to Mr Napier. Pleased Smith will be at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Hears from [Alexander] MacLeay that [Thomas] Marsham is unwell; hopes this is not a ruse to avoid payment of the money Marsham owes the Society. Smith's information about [Edward] Rudge "without a shadow of foundation".

Thanks for Smith's letter and his notice of her drawings of 'Fungi'. Hopes Smith will visit her if he comes to Derby, or [Francis] Boott if Matlock, [Derbuyshire]. Forwards further drawing of a 'Rhizomorpha' and section of the reservoir in which it was found growing by Mr Bainbrigge of the Infirmary. Apologises for not previously sending drawing.

Sends plants from [Olof] Swartz for confirmation. Thanks for Smith's remarks on his "Flora Londinensis" work. About to publish a periodical work on "exotic mosses"; requests specimens.

Disappointed not to see Smith at Norwich, [Norfolk], and of making further acquaintance following their meeting at Holkham [Hall, Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]. Shortly leaving for Europe, his itinerary; requests introductions. Forwards letter from [David] Hosack.

Proposes to visit Smith at Norwich, [Norfolk], before leaving for Gottingen, [Sweden].

Has been touring Europe but nowhere has delighted him as much as Britain. His impressions of Paris: thinks the French have "not only hung up their harps but hung themselves up also", and though there are as many French here as previously, and there is hardly French character enough about Paris for it to be called the capital of France; great influx of English.

Sorry Smith is unlikely to be in London as early as expected on account of ill health. Will not attend Linnean Society anniversary dinner on 24 [May] as the state of his health compels him to avoid "as much as possible hot & crowded rooms", but will attend the meeting to be admitted as FLS.

Will communicate what Smith says of 'Trifolium macrorrhizum' to [George] Sinclair.

Asks if Smith can procure a copy of the "Parody of the Nicene Creed" written during period the French Revolution and lately reprinted at Norwich, as the suspension of the Habeas Corpus act is about to be discussed in the House of Lords and the report from their committee relies upon "the mischief that has been done by blasphemous publications".

Expressed his sentiments on renewal of the Suspension Bills [in House of Lords] last night, and in commenting on the evidence explained the circumstances of the parody on the Nicene Creed without mentioning names; Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844), Home Secretary 1812-1822] denied ever having seen or heard of the publication but if it can be ascertained that it was sent to him it will be of "some importance".

Forwards book by [Jean Vincent Félix] Lamouroux [(1779-1825), botanist] Smith purchased off him. Requests Smith's opinion on enclosed 'Ulva' specimen [Smith annotation: "merely 'Fucus saccharinus' rather longe!"]. He has been in Shropshire this summer, studying the larch beetle , which "continues its ravages"; in correspondence with [William] Kirby on subject and will present paper to Linnean Society.

Finally decided that Smith has no claim under the estate of White, Cochrane & Co [publishers] farther than the payments already made by the agreement of "Flora Britannica". The present proprietors of "Flora Britannica" have no objection to corresponding with Smith about completion of the work.

Account: Smith to estate of White Cochrane & Co.

A further dividend is to be made on the estate of White, Cochrane & Co. [publishers], instructed to write to Smith requesting £44 14s, being the balance due from Smith to the estate.

[Smith has briefly annotated his reply at bottom of verso of folio]

Acknowledges receipt of £42 8s 6d from Smith, which balances his account with White & Cochrane's [publishers] assigness. Sorry that Smith's "property has been so sacrificed in consequence of the Bankruptcy, which otherwise no doubt would have produced a considerable profit".