Smith's letter and enclosure for [Richard Griffin, 2nd Baron] Braybrooke [(1750-1825)] delayed; hopes Smith has not lost anything which Braybrooke "could do in the case". His son on a tour of Ireland; young men of this day cut off from continental tours and "perhaps do well to see the more of their own country". Experiencing a cold summer; fruit all backward but they have more grapes than they can eat from vinery and has not eaten "such invaribly good melons as in this year - orange cantaloupe, & green fleshed Egyptian", credits Mr Knight's frames which "give equal depth from the glass to the plants throughout", two rough sketches in ink of new and old beds. Has only been shooting three times but gratified by accomplishment of his fancy for gun with vertical barrels instead of horizontal, explains previous difficulties making this work and the solution made by Forsyth.

[Richard Griffin, 2nd Baron] Braybrooke's [(1750-1825)] second son, George Neville, convinced to return to his intended path of the Church and ultimately head of Magdalen College, Oxford, after being offered Sir Stephen Glynne's [8th baronet, (1780-1815)] vacant living at Flawarden, Flintshire, £3-4,000 per annum.

Amused with a 'Ranunculus' being taken for Fiorin grass; does not trust Dr Richardson's account of 'Agrostis stolonifera' which he has always taken as indicator of barren soil, Dary's report of this grass in his Lectures does not give a better opinion. Received seed of Guinea grass from [James] Brodie; grew under glass but did not flower.

Discusses apples: Siberian crab a most beautiful variety, delicious made into tarts; of his Herefordshire patent apples of golden pippins and Ribston pippins only two Grange are forthcoming; and a Ribston is in good health a year after being treated for canker with turpentine. Figs in pots not worth their room in vinery and following Mr Knight's experience will try mulberries.

Saw willow bonnets in York whiter and finer than the straw ones. Encloses specimen of willow sent by Mr Nicholas from Wiltshire. Just read of death of Dr [William] Gretton [(1736-1813), master of Magdalen College], the mastership will probably be held for George Neville. Summarises letter from [Alexander Gordon, 4th] Duke of Gordon [(1743-1827)] stating he shot a one horned, one testicled stag, and as deer castrated with or without their horns either never shed them or never produce them this deer must have been wounded in velvet for the defficient horn was a small hump, illustrated with small ink sketch. Davy has been shooting and fishing at Gordon Castle and he is to go "vulcano hunting" in Europe, Berthollet has insured his favourable reception in France.

A fruit basket brought from Vicenza, [Italy], by Mr Dawnay has frustrated several local basket makers, but he and his son managed to succeed in replicating it. Expects his son [on tour of Ireland] to arrive at Holyhead, [Anglesey] soon, he has been away for 8 weeks.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 22 September and basket of plants, they have the 'Corchorus' which is "very beautiful" and thrives well outside. Recently visited Weymouth, [Dorset], where they now intend to annually spend the spring months, the only unpleasant ones at Hafod. Regrets never having accepted [Thomas William] Coke and Smith's invitations to Norfolk. Expects his journeys to London to become less frequent in future.

Nothing can be done in Parliament, and the "late disgraceful business of the Princess [Charlotte] of Wales [(1796-1817)] has shown all parties in base colours"; thinks it is the fault of the "two great leaders" being taken away, dreads a "general crash".

Ill-use by his relations has left him anxious to dispose of the reversion of Hafod to some "rich man of taste". He has made so many improvements that Smith would not know the place.

[Note in pencil states that Johnes was 66 years old on 2 September 1813]

Anxious for Smith's success at Cambridge [candidature for Botany Professorship] and regrets inability to assist. Thinks it "very handsome" of the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University] to remain neutral, he is the only member of the royal family he feels attached to. His mother recently died, though she had long been lost to him through the "machinations & lies of others", and only found out accidently through an acquaintance, and not his family. Offers to try and acquire Welsh votes for Smith.

Does not think any minister will "dare to continue a war in support of the Bourbons", otherwise fears war at home, and comments on what a fall Napoleon has had. Thinks that Napoleon's brother Lucien "has chosen a wider plan"; hears great things of his poem "Charlemagne" and a female acquaintance of his is translating it into English. They had a wet autumn but now frost setting in.

Still confined with his rheumatism; abandons his intended visit to Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] and Norfolk. Prepared an account of improvements at his Chat-Moss farm for the Board of Agriculture. Compiling a catalogue of his pictures, drawings, and prints; discusses del Sarto copy of a portrait of Leo X and his cardinals by Raffaelli.

Hopes Smith received his review of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] speeches, which he wrote to be "obnoxious to so powerful a party both in politics & literature". Sends verses of his own composition for [Pleasance] Smith as thanks for the medicine recommendation; no relief from external stimulants of hot salt-water baths and frequent blisterings. Recently acquired Lord Bute's copy of Rumphius' [(1627-1702), botanist] ["Herbarii Amboinensis"].

Disappointed Roscoe is not visiting Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] this spring on account of his rheumatism, but as it is "unusually prevalent" lately confident that he will find the relief others have and is determined for Roscoe to visit him this year. No recollection of the picture Roscoe spoke of in his previous letter [of 27 February] but offers identification advice. Has not received Roscoe's review of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] speeches. He has written three hymns for a new collection being made at Norwich. Preparing for his London visit in April. Comments on his wife's handwriting.

Sends Roscoe a "song" of nonsense, "The New Doctors", he wrote to amuse his wife and epigram on pleasures of Holkham [both on verso of second folio].

Wishes Smith success in his Cambridge candidature [to become professor of botany]; has written to [William] Smyth [(1765-1849)], the history professor, in support of Smith. Remains lame but his sciatica pain reduced. Praises Smith's "New Doctors" song and epigram on Holkham. Fears they will not meet this year. Spending a few days at his Moss farm; recently sold 1000 acres to Willis Earle, and his son, James, has undertaken a large lot; farming now become his chief business, pictures and other works of art his amusement, and abhors politics and seldom reads books.

Encourages Roscoe and Mrs Roscoe to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] this autumn. Thanks for Roscoe recommending his Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship] to Professor [William] Smyth [(1765-1849), historian]; lists his many "warm & weighty friends", including: the Vice-Chancellor, the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel], the Masters of Caius [Martin Davy], Downing [William Frere (1775-1836)], and Pembroke [Joseph Turner (1747-1828)], the Provost of King's [Humphrey Sumner], and others.

Professor [Thomas] Martyn has offered to resign whenever best suited; details of the three part position and plan for securing the professorship. Asks Roscoe to recommend him to the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University], hopes that he will act in favour of "whiggism & science, against mere old-fashioned espirit de corps". There are no legal obstacles or subscriptions against him but fears the Rutland interest or the Bishop of Ely [Bowyer Sparke (1759-1836)] being used against him. Coke is obtaining interests of Duke of Bedford and Lord Hardwicke; asks Roscoe to gain support of [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician]. Recommends his biography of [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis [(1732-1808), botanist] in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".

Has written to Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University] and [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician] in support of Smith's Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship]; does not doubt Smith's success. His knee recovering but cannot yet commit to a journey to Norfolk. Has ordered [William] Roxburgh's "Asiatic researches" paper on 'Scitamineae', in which he appears to have partially adopted his [Roscoe's] arrangement but without acknowledgement, and eleventh volume of "Linnean Transactions" containing his paper ['On Artificial and Natural Arrangements of Plants']; his concerns about the paper. Will look out Smith's biography of [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis [(1732-1808), botanist] in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".

Using leeches on his bad knee again. Cataloguing his books. Pleased to hear that Smith met the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University] at Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke]; the Duke's character and his efforts to interest him to Smith's Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship]. Concerned to hear of Coke's illness.

Sending Smith a full critique of [William] Roxburgh's 'Sciatmineae' paper in 11th volume of "Asiastic Researches". Thanks for East India seeds. Will write to Dr [Martin] Davy of Cambridge recommending Smith's candidature. Has little to say on his "wind-plough" as yet, it will be finished next month and is a scheme of his bailiff, Stannard.

Disputes Smith's attribution of 'Fragaria indica' as a new genus in "Linnean Transactions" and [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", countering Smith's observations with his own, taken from his own plant given him by Lord Valentia [George Annesley]. Would like to show Smith his collection around 1000 hardy herbacious perennials, would be grateful if Smith could suggest anyone with whom he could exchange. Toured Scotland in 1811 but did not make any botanical discoveries. Has [John] Mackay's [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] Irish 'Saxifragas' from Edinburgh. List of plants and their habitats.

As "English Botany" is almost finished asks Smith to reconsider the genus 'Circaea', encloses a specimen from a Yorkshire plant and a 'Circaea alpina'. Through comparison with Linnaeus, [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow, and [William] Withering, believes 'Circaea alpina', 'Circaea intermedia' and 'Circaea lutetiana' are all distinct. Contests the validity of separate genera for 'Potentilla' and 'Tormentilla' when 'Potentilla reptans' and 'Tormentilla reptans' have the same flower. Thinks that 'Geranium lancastriense' and 'Geranium sanguineum' are distinct, his observations. Would like to be introduced to [George] Don's successor. List of rare British plants, hopes for assistance from Smith's friends in acquisition, [some of the names are marked by circles with dots in the middle].

Butt puzzled by a 'Rubus' which grows in a nearby wood, gives descriptions in Latin of three varities and in English of his variety, which he thinks may be a hybrid of raspberry and blackberry, would like Smith's observations.

Wishes Smith success with his Cambridge candidature. Agrees with Smith that "the small 'Circaea'" is 'Circaea alpina' but thinks it differs from that in "English Botany". Has not made any further observations on 'Rubus'. 'Glechoma hederacea' is known in his neighbourhood as "ground ivy" and "robin-run-in-the-hedge", a tea is made from it for "scorbutic complaints".

Received Smith's letter of 7 May. Remarks on Indian weather and seasons. Has visited Agra and Allahabad. Now in the Gorakhpur district, where he plans to finish his survey, followed by a short trip to Hurdwar and then returning to England via Calcutta next year. Has been collecting the flowers of 'Scitamineae' orchids and 'asclepiades' in spirits as dried specimens are not satisfactory and the want of an appropriate terminology prevents a full description. His collection is large and various, eager to show Smith so as to have a new terminology for fructification developed. Concerned its bulkiness will result in high duties but hopeful of meeting with a Lord of the Treasury as obliging as the Marquess of Blandford was on the last occasion.

Requests the following 'Orchidaceae' specimens from the Linnean Herbarium when Smith comes to London: 'Orchis tripetaloides', 'Orchis sancta', 'Orchis flava', 'Orchis tipuloides', 'Satyrium aculatum', 'Satyrium pedicellatum', 'Satyrium hians', 'Ophrys cernua', 'Ophrys camtschatea', 'Serapias capensis', 'Limodorum altum', 'Epidendrum amabile', and 'Epidendrum pusillum'. Additionally requests unsettled 'Epidendrum' and 'Arethusa biplumata', [Francis] Buchanan's "two fine 'Epidendra' figured in "Exotic Botany"", and syngenesious plants 'Barnadeisa spinosa', 'Atractylis purpurea', 'Atractylis mexicana', 'Stachelina ilicifolia', 'Perdicium magellanicum', 'Sphaeranthus chinensis', and 'Jungia ferruginea'. Sir Joseph Banks slowly recovering from his attack of gout.

Sends handwritten extract from "Mem. de l'Institut", 1807 4, on [Étienne Pierre] Ventenat's genus 'Poiretia'. His name 'Hovea' is after the Polish traveller Anthony Pantaleon Hove, a friend of William [Townsend] Aiton who has collected for Sir Joseph Banks' herbarium. Hopes Smith has a productive visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]. [William Elford] Leach to succeed the late [George] Shaw at the British Museum. Banks in good health but has lost the use of his legs.

Informed in confidence that [Charles] Konig will most likely become Keeper of Natural History at British Museum in consequence of his "great exertion" in arrangement of the Greville minerals. [Bingley] believes he has great friends in the Museum, having heard of [George] Shaw's death less than 24 hours later.

Pledges his support to Smith for situation of Professor of Botany [at Cambridge], though his name has long been taken off the boards for voting. Asks for Smith's continued support in his campaign for Keeper position, and to interest Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North], Archbishop of Canterbury [Charles Manners-Sutton (1755-1828)], and Sir Joseph Banks to his cause.

Lists the candidates for [Charles] Konig's now vacant position [for Assistant Keeper of Natural History at British Museum]: Dr [William Elford] Leach, Mr Wood, Mr Lawrence, and Mr Thompson; requests information on Leach and Thompson. Transcribes letters of support from the Bishop [of Winchester, Brownlow North] and Lord Malmesbury [James Harris, 1st Earl of Malmesbury (1746-1820)]. Will support Smith's application for Professor of Botany [at Cambridge], asks for particularls of "Flora Graeca" so as to better argue Smith's claim.

Has already been promoting Smith's candidature at Cambridge [for botany professorship]. Election at the British Museum [for position of Assistant Keeper of Natural History] has not yet taken place; understands that Sir Joseph Banks is the "real mover" behind the decision and asks for Smith to intercede for him and argue that his "Animal Biography" should not be used to judge his talents, rather his "British Quadrupeds" should be used [Bingley was ultimately unsuccessful and William Elford Leach was appointed].