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.