Sent Smith his criticism of [William] Roxburgh's 'Scitamineae' paper in "Asiatic Researches" to be presented to Linnean Society, though unsure whether the section on 'Canna' and description of three species of 'Alpinia' in Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's "Chinese Drawings" should be omitted.

Disgusted at the "arrogance, conceit, & bloodthirstiness" of his countrymen and is withdrawing himself as much as possible from political associations and public affairs. Recently made additions to his library from late Mr Willett's sale.

Death of George Don, on 14 January [1814], of a putrid sore throat; he has left a widow and 6 children in poverty, 4 of which are incapable of working, and the 2 eldest boys unfit to continue work on Fofar Botanic Garden or sell the plants. Addresses Smith as the "guardian of British Botany" and asks him to suggest means to alleviate the family's distress.

Informed by his friend Sellackie of Smith's intention of publishing the "Flora Britannica" in English soon ["English Flora"]. Induced to send specimens of the large 'Rhinanthus' described by [John] Ray, which grows plentifully on Stockton Common; its differences from 'Rhinanthus crista-galli'. Found two species of 'Myostis' in this neighbourhood [Yorkshire] agreeing with Hooker's 'M. sylvatica'; offers descriptions and specimens, and Yorkshire habitats for rare plants.

Characters of 'Rhianthus crista-galli' and 'Rhianthus rayi'.

Shock at death of George Don, asks that if one of the last plates for Smith's "elegant work" [presumably "English Botany"] is one of Don's discoveries he should be commemorated in it.

Asks Smith to procure her two or three lemon trees for her conservatory. Hopes to see Smith in London, and in better health than when he and Mr Ives last met.

His daughter, [Sophia], married on 5 November. Asks if Smith could include all the "perfect plants" furnished by George Don before closing "English Botany". Realises that cryptogamic research is endless, and has never been examined as closely as now by the likes of Smith, [Dawson] Turner, [William Jackson] Hooker, [William] Borrer, and others, but many are not aware of the precise differences defined by Smith. Believes the Allies' delay in crossing the Rhine and taking Antwerp will allow Buonaparte to escape, as he always does.