Congratulates Smith on his upcoming marriage. Anxious that Smith may not have received the letter and patterns of poplins he sent. Comments on medals for Smith and [Thomas] Woodward. Relates the progress of a 'Datura' brought over from England which is now in blossom although has no scent. Did not realise that the "Flora Britannica" had already been begun, was hoping Smith would first complete the translation of the "Iter [Suecicus]" and hopes a map of the journey will accompany it, and the "Iter Lapponicum". Unsurprised by the bad harvest in England as "the weather till August was so wet and cold". Presumes Smith sees the Abbé Correa [José Francisco Corrêa de Serra], asks to be remembered to him.

The poplins, also known as tabinets, have been sent, discusses the order, fabrics, and arbitary nature of fashion, and sends an additional piece of "strip'd and spangled tabinet". Tells Smith to not bother getting franks for him as it causes more delay than it is worth. Reviews Thunberg's "Travels", finding most of it new to him not having read Kompter or [Peter] Kolben [(1675–1726) astronomer and traveller], but a particular grievance is with the paucity of attention given to 'Champaca' in fourth volume.