Received Smith's letters of 27 January and 11 April, pleased that the parcel sent to Smith has arrived. Fears that the new war will impede their literary intercourse [resumption of war between Britain and France]. Has sent Smith and Sir Joseph Banks copies of Acharius' "Methodus lichenum". Congratulates Smith on acquisition of [Edmund] Davall's herbarium, will take up offer to send items from it, in particular Regnier's 'Polytrichum pulverulentum', and the roses.

Discussion of roses: thanks for Smith's observations on his roses ['Rosa caesia', 'R. spinoissima n', 'R. multiflora', and 'R. arvensis'], agrees that his 'Rosa arvensis' may be a different species but distinct from his 'R. canina' and 'R. collina', believes this is Jacquin's. Currently cultivating 30 rose species, requests ripe fruit of the 'R. arvensis' in the autumn.

Observations on enclosed specimen of 'Malaxis monophyllos' [in Smith herbarium], when it is found with two leaves it is 'Ophrys latifolia'. Will endeavour to acquire some of [Georg] Wahlenberg's [(1780-1851)] Lapland discoveries for Smith, remarks that he is a superior traveller to any other who have visited "those remote regions". Asks Smith's opinion of [Antonio] Cavanilles arrangement of filices. Has received letter from Cavanilles in which he states that he has discovered the true seeds of ferns and mosses, which shall overthrow [Johann] Hedwig's theory of the sexes.

Received Smith's letter; has looked out some of cryptogamic specimens gathered last summer, sent several to [James] Sowerby.

Numbered observations on enclosed 18 specimens [some extant], including: 1. 'Dicranum ovale' [Smith annotation: "may be 'Dicr. ovale'']; 2. a new 'Dicranum' [Smith annotation: "laid in surely new - leaves like 'Gymnostomum ciliatum', might be called 'pilaceum']; 3. 'Bryum maritium' [Smith annotation: "surely 'Bryum dealbatum'"]; 4. 'Fissidens polycorpus' of Hedwig [Smith annotation: ''Dicr. polycarpum' right"]; 5. specimen [Smith annotation: "too imperfect, may be 'Tortula mucronulata'"]; 6. specimen [Smith annotation: "postponed"]; 7. specimen [Smith annotation: "not 'Gymnostomum curvirostrum'']; 8. specimen [Smith annotation: ''Dicranum purpureum''; 9. 'Dicranum cerviculatum' or 'D. heteromallum' [Smith annotation: ''D. subulatum'']; 10. 'Dicranum longifolium' or 'D. scorparium' var. [Smith annotation: ''D. fuscescens']; 11. specimen [Smith annotation: ''Lichen luridus'']; 12. specimen; 13. specimen [Smith annotation: 'Lichen exiguus']; 14. specimen [Smith annotation on specimen label: ''Tortula ungiculata' Fl. Brit"]; 15. 'Bryum nivales'; 16. nondescript 'Hypnum' called 'H. elegans' in his herbarium; 17. 'Splachnum urceolatum' [Smith annotation: 'mnioides', not 'urceolatum']; 18. 'Splachnum gracile' [Smith annotation: 'tenue'].

Desires Smith's opinion; will send another package which will include 'Bryum nudum'. Note on cover in Smith's hand: "all laid in that are material".

5 numbered specimens of cryptogams: 7, 2, 8, 13, 14, some also named.

Numbered observations on enclosed cryptogam specimens, several of which he thinks are common: 1. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y of 'commune'"]; 2. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "'gracile'"]; 3. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "very near 'commune', I should think it that but for the nodding capsules"]; 4. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "new - original 'strictum' of Banks"]; 5. 'Polytrichum hercynicum' [Smith annotation: "good"]; 6. 'Splachnum' resembling [James] Dickson's 'tenue' [Smith annotation: "true"] ; 7. 'Phascum' [specimen extant] [Smith annotation: "'patens'?"]; 8. 'Splachnum rogosum', previously sent to Dickson 9 and 4 years ago.

Numbered observations on enclosed plant specimens: 1. a new 'Elymus', proposes name 'E. alpinus' [Smith annotation: "surely only 'Triticum caninum' [...] Tis no 'Elymus', returned the specimen"]; 2. an 'Anthemis' which he calls 'A. hybrida'.

One specimen, labelled, "no.7 'Phascum patens'?"

Has sent some specimens for Smith's opinion, as well as the 'Orthotrichum piliferum', 'Saxifraga', and 'Potentilla' specimens he sent some time ago; would have sent the others before now but the death of his son, James Brodie Don, on 27 April "embarrassed" his feelings for some time.

As previously discussed he intends to publish a "Hortus Siccus", but after [James] Brodie pointed out the opposition he would likely face from [James] Dickson, has decided to only publish in Scotland; intends to publish 4 times a year containing 25 specimens, asks Smith to provide names of any interested parties.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Sisymbrium tibliori' [Smith annotation: "'Sisymbrium monense' laid in"]; 2. 'Crataegus' [Smith annotation: "'Crataegus oxycantha' laid in]; 3. a 'Lichen' [Smith annotation: "new, laid into deal cabinet"]; 4. 'Crataegus' found with no.2 [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y"]; 5. 'Lolium hybridum', believes nondescript, sent to [James] Dickson 1795 [Smith annotation: "'L. arvense'"]; 6. 'Carex' [Smith annotation: "may be new 'C. salina' Sw[artz]"]; 7. 'Aira' differs from 'aquatica', like 'Poa retroflexo' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y'].

Recently saw 'Assium petrafilium'. Observations on 'Valeriana pyrenaica', found 1782 and 1804. Will send a new 'Galium' and other things soon.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Hieracium cerinthoides', possibly a variety 'H. cerinthoides' of Linnaeus [Smith annotation: "'cerinthoides' laid in"]; 2. a one year old plant of 'Thalpsi incanum' and 'Sagina morina' [Smith annotation: "burnt"]; 3. a lichen which [Dawson] Turner thinks new [Smith annotation: "see letter of June 7 1803"].

Ill with an inflammatory sore throat for a fortnight. At Smith's request will attempt to provide specific distinction between 'Thlaspi incanum' and 'T. campestre'; numbered observations on differences [also labelled specimens of stem leaves and silicles of each].

Thinks that 'Epilobium cordifolium' seems to stand between 'E. alpinnum' and 'E. montanum'; numbered observations supporting his claim. Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Galium' seeds, either 'G. lemnius' or new; 2. a 'Phascum', probably 'P. nitidum' [Smith annotation: "i.e. 'axillare' right"]; 3. a 'Poa' [Smith annotation: "'glauca' Fl. Brit.? laid in"]; 4. a 'Lichen' possibly 'L. sedum' in fructification [Smith annotation: "'orostheus'? laid in"]; 5. a 'Myostis'.

Believes he sent [James] Sowerby a good specimen of 'Fissidens polycorpus' of Hedwig.

Labelled specimens of 4 stem leaves and silicles of 'Thlaspi incanum'; 2 stem leaves and silicles of 'T. campestre'; 'Phascum nitidum' [Smith annotation: "i.e. 'axillare' right"]; and a piece of bark with lichen fragments.

Encloses specimens of a rare 'Galium' and two 'Sagina'; observations. Observations on 'Poa alpina', 'Lolium arvensis', and 'Eriophorum alpinum' [Smith has annotated in margins]. Thanks Smith for introduction to [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet.

Separate note on specimen of 'Scirpus multicaulis' [specimen extant].

Has not received any answer to his previous letters, would be glad to have his queries answered.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Filago acaulis' [Smith annotation: "not at all like 'Filago acaulis'"]; 2. 'Hypnum riparioides' [Smith annotation: "right, but not rare"]; 3. possible 'Byssus lepro-viride' of [Alexander von] Humboldt distinct from 'Botryoides' [Smith annotation: "surely 'Botryoides'"]; 4. 'Spalchnum' species [Smith annotation: "'lingulatum'"]; 5. 'Bryum', in family 'Dicranum' [Smith annotation: "'D. virens' Schwartz new!"]; 6. 'Bryum ovatum' [Smith annotation: "'Gymn. ovatum'"]; 7. species of 'Eriophorum' like 'angustifolium' [Smith annotation: "'Erioph. polystachium'"].

Observations on 'Erigeron alpinum' found 6 miles from Perth; 'Linnea borealis' and 'Serapias grandiflora' of Lightfoot found in woods near Perth, as well as 'Boletus labyrinthiformis'. Asks Smith's opinion of specimen of plant "taking possession of the leaves of 'Pisum sativum' [Smith annotation: "'Aecidium'?"].

Suprised to find that on opening his specimen of 'Splachnum uncelatum' it separated, so doubts it is the same as 'S. lingulatum'.

Sending copy of his book ["Methodus qua omnes detectos lichenes secundum" (1803)]. Understands Smith has not yet received specimens he sent via [Olof] Swartz. Requests copies of "Linnean Transactions". Will send lichen specimens, illustrations, and descriptions to Linnean Society.

Specimen attached, labelled in Smith's hand "'Conferva fodinar[...]' 'Conferva brownii?' Dillw.".

Difficulties of sending living plants to England from his current location. Is sending cuttings of 'Salix caprea' male and female, 'Salix rosmannifolia' female, and 'Pyrus salicefolia'. Discussion of roses sent earlier, at least two different species of 'Rosa cinnamomea' and comparison with those in Linnaeus' "Species Plantarum". Married with a son, domestic affairs have delayed various publications.

'Bryum cirrhatum' the same as 'Bryum dicksoni'. Has recently sent [James] Sowerby 'Allium carinatum' but cannot find 'Hypnum polycarpon' in fruit so unable to send it for drawing. Asks to be remembered as having found and ascertained 'Hypnum polycarpon' and offers to send more specimens if needed.

A box of "excellent" biscuits, only just discovered to have been sent by Smith. General fear of invasion by Napoleon but "united heart and hand to oppose it". Thanks Smith's mother for Christmas turkey, hopes Smith will recover his health soon.

Asks Smith to thank Dr [Henry] Reeve for his thesis as due to long illness has been unable to do it himself, and to let Reeve know his library is open to him any time. Remarks on Smith's visit to Liverpool; compliments [James] Currie's talents and desires introduction to [William] Roscoe. Happy to offer Smith his assistance with "Flora Graeca" if needed. Experimenting with rearing turkeys in Lincolnshire, asks Mrs Smith to send a Norfolk turkey once a fortnight for comparison. Lady Banks would like a large box of Valentine cakes.

Describes the pleasure she receives from her long friendship with the Smiths. Discussion of their friends. Has lately been reading Cowper, describes her feelings respecting him and Calvinism.

Returns two of Smith's 'Gymnostoma' specimens but not the 'astivum'. Also returning Smith's manuscript of third volume of "Flora Britannica", was only able to read as far as 'Grimmia' but has marked parts he feels need attention. Does not object to giving the name 'scottianum' to the 'Dicranum' instead of the 'Grimmia'. Is about to examine Dillenius' collection at Oxford. Does not agree with Smith's junction of the three genera under 'Grimmia' or that 'Bryum nudum' belongs there, nor Smith's renaming of three species of 'Grimmia'. About to write to [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855)] about Dr [William] Turton's [(1762-1835), conchologist] "Enchiridion".

[On separate folio] Notes several other areas in "Flora Britannica" requiring Smith's attention, including: 'Grimmia', 'Gymnostoma', 'Spachna', and 'Bryum'.

Gifts from Madame Buonaparte. His "Jardin de Cels" and "Jardin de Malmaison". Smith's books wanted for Panthèon library.

Offers to return item he is copying, should Smith require it. [James] Sowerby's inaccuracies with 'Stewartia' were caused by his preoccupation with sons' illnesses; transcribes 'Stewartia' description from "Flore Boreali-Americana". [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert well, though his 'Renealmia' only flowered once with him. Congratulates Smith on his discovery of "the long lost 'Globba'", and pleased to hear he is studying the "dark things" in 'Scitamineae'. Lord Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill] sent Sowerby a new 'Metrosideros' and the grand 'Hydrangea quercifolia', latter imported by Lyons who also imported 'Arabis hispida'.

Since returning to England [William] Roxburgh has changed name of 'Renealmia calcaratum' to 'R. spicatum' in his manuscript, assigning no reason, but offended that [Henry Charles] Andrews [(fl 1794-1830)] has published it.

After spending a few days in Liverpool is confident that natural history will receive adequate encouragement there and that the provision for botany is already "sufficiently splendid". Believes that the establishment of the Botanic Garden will provide for more than just cultivation and botanical arrangement. Remarks on Liverpool's advantages, especially its location for "obtaining the productions of the West".

He is anxious for specimens of seeds, seed vessels and woods, and all vegetable curiosities of foreign growth to form a collection to illustrate "the natural growth & philosophical character & useful application in the arts of different plants". Pleased to hear that "Flora Graeca" has gone to the printers, and although disappointed Smith did not go with Collingswood for the publication is sure that Taylor will serve him well. His electioneering temporarily suspended on account of summer holiday. Recommends Mr Hudson, an Oxford academic. A painting apparently to be sold.

A disagreement at Oxford involving Dr [George] Williams and a new professorship [possibly the Aldrichian chair of anatomy and physiology, founded 1803]. It is opposed by his son, [Edmund Goodenough (1785-1845), headmaster and dean of Wells], but he has written to him pledging his own support for Williams. Unsure of his son's objection unless it is the wish of the Dean of Christ Church, whom he generally has to second on account of multiple kindnesses shown to him.

Smith's forty-five 'Salix' species make him impatient for the remained of "Flora [Britannica]". Nobody interested in botany in Rochester and the dryness of the area is not favourable for the fructification of mosses; however there are "great tracts of wood" and Lord and Lady Darnley have a hothouse, greenhouse, and "an idea of an arboretum". Found a new plant in a hothouse called "Egyptain 'Amaryllis'" which flowered in February to be a 'Pancratium' "caule biflora", refers to [Johan Jacon] Dillenius' "Hortus Elthamensis". [Thomas] Marsham wrote suggesting to leave him out of the Linnean Society Council and vice-presidentship for next year; happy to comply as long as he is not "let down improperly". Hopes Smith's reception at Frogmore [the Queen's country house in Berkshire] will be followed with fresh invitations.