Received Smith's letter of 18 [November 1786]; their delight at Smith's account of his travels. Sharp start to winter in northern Europe. Dr [John] Hope dead, succeeded by Dr Rutherford. Various enquiries after Smith's "Thesis"; [Nicholas] Gwyn praises the Latin. Norwich news. October issue of "Monthly Review" very high in its praise of Smith's last publication. Reported that convicts are not to be sent to Botany Bay as the country is so extensive it may prove "too big for control", so are sent to New Norfolk Island. Price of silk falling.