Last wrote to his father on 24 April [1787]. Account of his [and William Younge's] journey from Rome to Bologna, via Loreto; has never left any place "with half so much regret"; details of the route and country, including holy shrines of Loreto, and visit to Ancona. Account of their time in Bologna. Setting out for Venice shortly, and then Milan. He is "never better than when travelling or running about", and has not had a cold for a very long time.

Received Smith's letters of 26 March and 11 April [1787]. Anxious for Smith's safety on account of the "jealous government" of Venice and "cut throats" of Lombardy; indebted to their Milan friends Messrs Malanot and Maghit for the kindnesses they showed Smith. Books received for Smith. Concern for his silk trade. Molly Standard [Smith's house attendant] is with child by the man who courted her; Smith's mother will either find someone new or have Molly return after she is better. Dispute between Sir Thomas Beevor and Mr Hobart.

Received Smith's letter of 7 May [1787]. Their eagerness that though Smith is on the way home he should not pass up any opportunities to improve his knowledge and taste and form useful connections. News of "cousin Thomas Smith" and complications in a romantic attachment to Miss Smith; complications in will of Mrs Smith of Sheffield, [Yorkshire]. Has been following Smith's route through Italy in Abbé Richard's book.

Confusion over Stelarzani business, following letters from [Giovanni Antonio] Scopoli and Seraphin Volta. [Charles Louis] L'Héritier [de Brutelle] is in England being difficult with specimens. Value of [Olof] Swartz's herbarium, "the best botanist [Banks] has seen since dear Solander's death". Appointments at the British Museum and comments on Richard Penneck, Keeper of the Reading Room. Proceedings at the Royal Society; an account from [Sir Frederick William] Herschel of volcanoes burning on the moon.