Returns letters, which "scarcely contained anything of interest enough for a regular translation".
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The Linnean Society of London Collection
The scientific and personal correspondence of James Edward Smith (1759-1828), purchaser of the collections of Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) and founder of the Linnean Society of London in 1788, was presented to the Linnean Society between 1857 and 1872 by his widow Pleasance Smith (1773-1877). Since then, it has been complemented by additional series. The collection was catalogued, conserved, and digitised from 2010 to 2013, thanks to the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Letters can be searched through Ɛpsilon, with links to images and summaries available on the Linnean Society’s Online Collections (http://linnean-online.org/smith_correspondence.html).
Returns letters, which "scarcely contained anything of interest enough for a regular translation".
Suffering from a nervous debility caused by overwork; fears he will be unable to take up invitation to Norfolk. Preparing to publish a memoir of Monandrian plants and would like Smith's opinion on his figures. Received letter from [Nathaniel] Wallich giving an account of his expedition to Nepal and Singapore, the diseases he suffered, and the "immense acquisitions" he has made, which form the most valuable collection of living plants the Liverpool Botanic Garden has ever received, including 'Scitamineae' roots which are already shooting thanks to being packed in moss; he did not have time to write to Smith. Rejoices with Smith on marriage of his "amiable niece".
Visited Rev [John] Mitford, " a most liberal clergyman, learned & accomplished, a great friend of liberty, & a venerator of [Roscoe] & all [his] works", whilst staying with Lady [Pleasance] Smith's aunt in Saxmundham, [Suffolk]; he has a "choice garden" and a fine library, and is an elegant poet; offers Roscoe "important" papers on [Alexander] Pope.
Hopes to meet Roscoe at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke], where he can see Coke's "truly worthy lady" [Anne Amelia, nèe Keppel (1803-1844), Coke's recently married second wife]; dates for his intended visit; will attempt to introduce Mitford. Eager to discuss 'Scitamineae' plants with Roscoe. So pressed by his "[English] Flora" that he will have to work on the index at Holkham; currently on roses and briars.
Thanks for letter from Smith and enclosure for [George] Sinclair, which he has delivered. Pleased to hear of improvement in Smith's health; amendment of his own health goes on slowly. Pleased to hear that Lady Ann Coke [second wife of Thomas William Coke] take so much interest in botanical and horticultural pursuits.
Charged by [Nathaniel] Wallich to inform Smith of his successful explorations in the East: he has gathered a "glorious" collection of plants from Singapore, Penang, and Nepal for the East India Company, including 3000 new species, nearly 200 of which are ferns. Received Nepalese seeds from Wallich but [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836)] of the Liverpool Botanic Garden has not expressed an interest in them.