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Invites Smith to visit her the next time he is in London. Apologises for long delay in correspondence, caused by her "nervous disaffection" and ill health, and had meant to respond to Smith's letter congratulating her on "the blessing of Peace". Sorry to hear Smith's old complaint has returned.

Proposes that a toast be made to her late husband, [Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd marquess of Rockingham (1730-1782), prime minister], at the Linnean Society Anniversary meeting on 24 May, as his birthday was also 24 May and he was a "rising botanist of great promise" and "a most attach'd disciple of Linnaeus". Thanks for present of dried fruit and biscuits, which have now regained their "peculiar taste & good quality" following "those cruel times of real, or pretended scarcity", though does not believe that any flour have yet or perhaps ever will return to same quality as before. Praises the sermon Smith sent her, which reminds her of something in [James] Saurin [(1677-1730), French preacher]; details of a sermon she will send in return. Apologises for legibility of letter as her eyelid complaint has returned.

Sending Smith specimens of a possible 'Ajuga pyramidalis', received from William Gibb, gardener to Lord Seaforth of Braham Castle, Dingwall, Scotland, desires opinion. Despairing of acquiring the ptarmigan eggs in spite involvement from the Marquess of Huntly.

Thanks for 'Salix' cuttings, some of which have taken root. Arrangements for paying his Linnean Society subscription arrears. Dissatisfaction at not having received a Society anniversary meeting invitation for some years.

Requests Smith's support for William Smith, who is standing as Parliamentary candidate for Norwich with Mr Fellows. Cannot think Smith has much partiality for the present members after the "bullbaiting business".

Concerned to hear Smith so ill since leaving London. Distressed by death of a "beloved and affectionate brother". The Linnean Society now has its charter; [Thomas] Marsham, [Jonas] Dryander, and himself are to meet on the subject but fear they will be able to do little without Smith's presence, asks when he is arriving in London.

Formal notice requesting Smith's attendance at Linnean Society meeting on 11 May [1802] to consider the directives in the Society's recently granted charter.

[Additional letter on second folio, also by Macleay]: After meeting with [Thomas] Marsham and [Jonas] Dryander they found that no summonses could be issued for the Dinner until the members of the Society be reelected, and as Smith's presence for such is not essential they made it the earliest day possible; his summonses was only to comply with a direction in the charter. Hopes Smith will be well enough to attend on 17 May [1802] for settling the bye-laws, and asks that he prepare an address to the Society upon its meeting as a chartered body.

Account of Linnean Society meeting [following granting of charter]: 12 met, only absentees being Smith, Lord Dartmouth [George Legge], and [John] Symmons; all Fellows, Honorary Members, and Associates reelected except those in arrears, and the business of the Foreign Members deferred until meeting next Monday, which he hopes Smith will be able to attend.

Has made a 'gymnostomum' of 'Bryum alpinum'. Surprised to hear that Smith had not received the true 'Bryum verticillatum' from himself as he recalls after [James] Dickson had given the public "a very different one for that species" he had sent specimens to Smith, [Samuel] Goodenough and Dickson. Sends several more specimens of 'Bryum'.

Difficulties of correspeondence in the war; greetings and news; desiderata.

Has visited [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford's plantation of 'Salix russelliana' but only successful in obtaining female catkins. The late and incumbent Dukes of Bedford and their interest in the species. Thanks for drawings of 'Mentha odorata' and 'Tetraphis pellucida'. Sends specimen of a 'Primula', referred to as the black Cowslip in Worcestershire; requests Smith's opinion.

'Salix russelliana', in the opinion of Abbot and [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford, is not a native of Bedfordshire. Notes on its habitat and "quickness of growth", is known to agriculturists as "Leicestershire" or "Dishley willow". Hopes that Smith's health will have improved following his six weeks in Liverpool.