Reports general concern at Smith's illness at the Linnean dinner. Thanks for seeds, fears he will fail to raise them with his present gardener, asks if Smith knows anyone who will successfully cultivate them. Political news: government still without a complete administration, seems likely it will consist of the old ministers but with some new and able men.

Thanks Smith for revising his paper on 'Bertolonia'. Hopes Smith has received the other papers he sent on two new species of lobster; a new species of 'Echensis'; and a new species of tuber. Observes that "a sort of fatality" seems attached to [Franciscus] Cupani's "Panphyton Siculum", with Cupani, Bonanni and Chianelli, and now himself failing to finish their work on it; asks for Smith's assistance in getting it published in London. Asks whether any English publishers would take up three of his manuscripts: "Flora Sicula", "Sicilian Zoology", and "Critiques des Genres". List of nine botanical works he would like Smith to acquire for him.

Sending his "Monography of the genus Callitriche" in addition to the "Description of a new species of Echeneis" sent with his last letter. Asks to be informed of recent botanical and zoological developments in England and Europe, including the publications of [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon and [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow, "Hortus Kewensis", and Smith's "Flora Britannica" and "Flora Graeca". Details of his own intended publications "General generic criticism; or alphabetical criticism of all the generic names of botany & zoology" and "Order of plants". Impossibility of publishing in Sicily.

Reports ongoing negotiations in formation of a new ministry following the "assassination" [of Spencer Perceval (1762-1812), Prime Minister from 1809 to 11 May 1812, on which day he was shot and killed by John Bellingham]. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert brought [Thomas] Nuttall [(1786-1859) explorer of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, USA] to the club, he has returned with much botanical and entomological information. A riddle in reference to Revd John Rudd.

Has sent parcels for Smith and Sir Joseph Banks with Professor [Jöns Jacob] Berzelius, [(1779-1848)], chemist, who is coming to England. Smith's parcel contains: third volume of "Flora Ind. occidentalis"; "transactions" of the Royal Academy of Sciences from 1809 to 1811; his "Synopsis filicum" for either [William Jackson] Hooker or Smith; and six volumes of "Swedish Botany", a gift of the Academy to the Linnean Society. Hopes Hooker received the letter he sent before he left Europe [abandoned plans for travelling to Ceylon with Sir Robert Brownrigg]. Curious to know how far [Robert] Brown's "Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae" has advanced, hopes to establish an exchange with him. Swedish Academy of Sciences, of which he is now the secretary, is keen to have full set of "Linnean Transactions" and the second part of Brown's "Flora". [Erik] Acharius has published his "Lichenographia universalis" and has still not received any thanks for the collection he sent to the Linnean Society.

[Georg] Wahlenberg's recently published "Flora Lapponica" has doubled the number of plants described in Linnaeus' "Flora Lapponica", it includes 30 plates and a large botanico-geographical map. [Alexander von] Humboldt, von Bruhl and W have proceeded on similar principals and plans for their own works. Asks after progress of "Flora Graeca", "English Botany", and [Dawson] Turner's "Historia fucorum".

Discusses specimens of 'Triticum' previously sent to Goodenough, encloses specimen of 'T. alpinum', very rare. Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 2. nondescript 'Bromus' like 'B. sylvaticus'; 3. 'Aira' like 'A. caespitosa', proposes name 'A. gromerata'; 4. a new 'Statice', proposes name 'S. alba' or 'S. subulata'. Asks Goodenough to forward this letter to Dr [James Edward] Smith.

"Indefatigable" [George] Don sends Smith "packet after packet of rich stores". Don wants his [Goodenough] opinion on his new 'Avena pubescens' but will submit to Smith instead. All is quiet in this neighbourhood now; the "riots & murders in this part of the world originated in those shameful Parliamentary speeches we have heard of late, and in the intemperate conduct of our Magistrates".

Separate note on identifying features of enclosed specimens.

Three specimens of 'Avena'.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: a 'Draba' found on Ben Lawer; 2. a very rare 'Saxifraga'; 3. an 'Arundo'; 4. nondescript 'Meum', proposes name 'M. acherealeucum'; 5. a 'Caltha', proposes name 'C. ficarioides'.

Numbered observations on enclosed plants: he has been collecting the indigenous 'Avena' for last 3 years and recently found another addition to the flora along with 'A. planiculmis', describes it and proposes name 'A. poafolia', 'A. pilosa', or 'A. alpina'; 2. a 'Festuca', appears new; 3. another nondescript 'Festuca' resembling 'F. duriuscula', proposes name 'F. repans'; nondescript 'Lamium', proposes name 'L. intermedium'; two 'Hieracium', like 'H. alpinum' but never produce more than one flower.

'Festuca'; another 'Festuca'; a non descript 'Lamium'; two 'Hieraciums'.

Thanks for drawings and "curious residium of burnt banknotes". Thinks it would be more valuable to keep the copyright of "English botany" as a perpetual source of income rather than selling it. Returning drawings for "English botany" no.244 and "Flora Graeca", finishing the third fasciculus. Has named and returns Sowerby's Labrador plants, except 'Swertia rotata' and true Linnaean 'Campanula uniflora', and his Irish 'Agrostis'. Requests return of German book on fungi. Sends specimens of 'Carex salina' and 'C. ustulata', with another 'Eriophorum' from "indefatigable" George Don.

[Draft of Sowerby's reply, in pencil:] Sends plants and drawings.

Sends new British plants for determination. Has heard through [Joseph] Sparshall that at least three people have died from eating poisonous fungi; frustrated that there is not "more Philanthropy shown on this head", suggests text for a handbill outlining dangers of 'Agaricus virosus'.

Going to the seaside to recruit his strength after a long illness so only able to send half a dozen of Winch's desiderata of rarities; writing to Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] for 'Galium witheringii'. Thanks for the mosses. [Dawson] Turner and [William Jackson] Hooker both well, but like himself have "very little time for correspondence, except of the most urgent kind".

[On recto of second folio] Various lists of plants sent January 1811; July 1812; 26 July 1813; 6 October 1813; "sent to Sowerby", letter sent to Smith 13 May 1813; some notes [in Winch's hand, 3 pp, see RelatedMaterial below].

Thanks for supply of turkeys. Mr Brown visiting Smith on the subject of 'Tetradynamie', praises Brown for the work he has achieved on it. Would like [Sir William Jackson] Hooker to inform Banks where to obtain the "Keland[?]" book with a view to a new translator. Dr Wright visiting Banks and informs him the garden in Edinburgh will advance very fast with the new gardener.

Will always receive those friends Smith recommends to him. Would be glad for the "turkey treaty" to begin again. [Sir William Jackson] Hooker has settled his affairs with respect to his ill-fated voyage to Ceylon. [Robert] Brown and [William Townsend] Aiton working on "Hortus Kewensis".

Sends seeds.

Busy with the National Schools for the Education of the Poor. Received Smith's shilling in the post and notes it was not tampered with; wishes others were as careful as Smith in ensuring their correspondence is not chargeable to the recipient, as the "vain-glorius Lancaster" [probably John Lancaster (1778-1838), Quaker and public education innovator] did to him in sending a copy of his "seditious" speech in Ireland and an Irish newspaper. Refuses to join the Linnean Dining Club as he does not wish to have his carriage waiting so publicly outside the British Coffee House, the chosen venue for it. Unsurprised to read that "riot & robbery stalk abroad uncontrolled", and even expected it considering how the upcoming generation of men educated upon Lancaster's plan were kept from religious notions and now have a "very general indifference with respect to all religion". No Linnean Society news, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "enamoured of being in the Chair". Currently preparing two arduous sermons.

Hopes Smith will be able to preside at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Asks if anything has been done about the Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] being elected an Honorary Member of the Society. Forsees "dreadful evils" following the "atrocities which have taken place", makes him lament more the death of [Thomas] Dampier [(1749-1812)].

Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] unanimously elected an Honorary Member at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Fifty-three attended the dinner, including Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North], Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley, Sir Nash Grose [(1740-1814), judge], Sir George Staunton, Sir Thomas Frankland, Mr Poulter, [Thomas] Woodward, [Dawson] Turner, [John] Davies of Trinity College, [Thomas] Hoy [(c 1750-1822)], [Thomas] Marsham, [Alexander] Macleay, [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855)], Forster, [William George] Maton, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, Symonds, and [Thomas] Rackett. Account of speeches and toasts. Sorry to see that older members such as [James] Dickson, [John] Fairbairn, and [John] Francillon [(1744-1816), jeweler and naturalist] did not attend either the morning or evening. [Abraham] Rees [(1743-1825)], [Robert] Hodgson, [Thomas Andrew] Knight, and Davies Giddy attended in the morning but not evening, and Sir Abraham Hume, Lord Valentia [George Annesley], and the Bishop of Salisbury [John Fisher] [(1748-1825)] promised to attend in the evening but did not.

Pleased to hear that Smith is recovering from his fever with medicines and sea air but asks why, given his propensity for fevers, he has not found a preemptive remedy to be applied at the first signs of one. An abundant harvest expected in Cumberland. Has used his entomological knowledge to cure his farmer's fears timing when to bring in the hay after observing that any approach of rain brings out insects such as 'Tabanus pluralis'. Enquires after the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". His given his son, Edmund, Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Glad that Smith is to finish settling the Linnean Society's business with the Prince Regent. It never rains all day in his part of the country. Takes it for granted that America will have to be classed as an enemy but hopes peace will be preserved [War of 1812, fought between Britain and USA over British interests in North America, 1812-1815].

Brief description of 'Gnaphalium sylvaticum' of "Flora Britannica" found whilst walking on an old moor "now unfortunately under the plough". Asks if he was correct regarding 'Astragalus campestris', and [George] Don's 'Carex nivalis'. International affairs: America's "avowed friendship for Buonaparte", Russia's retreat from the French, and Spain's lack of spirit after all the assistance Britain has given.