Fears invasion by French but concedes that Bonaparte "will have been so far a benefactor to Englishmen that he will have taught us the value of the blessings Providence allows us". A 'Myrtus', the only one to grow between three attempted by her and Lady [Sophia] de Clifford, has flowered. A 'Cobben' Smith gave her the seeds, a creeper with purple flowers, has been grown by [Amelia] Long [neé Hume (1762-1837) daughter of Amelia and Abraham Hume, watercolour painter], has asked her to draw it.

Has been kept busy attending to county business, believes "in these perilous times [...] it is the duty of everyone to put a hand to the plough" [threat of invasion by Napoleon]. Would like to meet [William] Roscoe. Hopes that the people will change their attitudes to the war, "as they grow wiser in science so they may in politics & learn the true [difference] between justice and tyranny". Would like a particular account of Forster's herbarium. Letter from [Alexander von] Humboldt and [Aimé] Bonpland in Peru in most recent number of "Annals de Museum National", they have collected 3000-4000 specimens. Milne [(fl 1800s-1810s) William Beckford's gardener] has informed him that Beckford wishes Smith to see [Fonthill] Abbey and all its improvments, "the only person that has that permission, even the Duke of Norfolk [...] was refused". Shocked by news from Ireland [a rebellion in Dublin]. Impressed with [William] Turton's [(1762-1835), conchologist] "Syst. Veg.". 'Leea crispa' growing well in his stove. All of [William] Roxburgh's plants growing well.

Received a parcel of specimens and two volumes of lectures from [Antonio José] Cavanilles for Smith. Visited [George] Williams in Oxford followed by stay with the Marquess of Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill]. Impressed with Blandford's botanic garden, who has done "more than anyone in the cultivation of plants". Describes Blandford's arboretum which includes 'Pinus maritima', he is also currently building a water plants hothouse, plants from Botany Bay, [Australia], grow as well as in their native climate. Believes "if any cultivator deserves a Genus it is his Lordship". Blandford wishes to see Smith at Whiteknights, [Reading, Berkshire], next year.

His book "A description of the genus Pinus" printed, has had a coloured copy made for Smith. Lord Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill] wishes him to come and meet [Thomas] Hardwicke who has just arrived with "the largest collection of Natural Hist[ory] that ever came from India", an interesting botanical paper by him in volume six of "Asiatic Researches" [account of Hardwicke's journey to Srinagar]. Informed by [George] Jackson of a Hastings privateer capturing a boat containing thousands of plants for Madame Bonaparte [Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763-1814) 1st wife of Napoleon Bonaparte]; all sent to Kew under [William] Aiton's direction. Would like Smith's description of 'Zizaria' for a paper for Linnean Society. Some of [William] Roxburgh's plants have flowered this summer including 'Curcuma longa'.

Discussion of pricing and profit and loss for his "A description of the genus Pinus". Lord Spencer [George John Spencer], Lord Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill], Lord Bath [Thomas Thynne, 2nd Marquess of Bath (1765-1837)], and [William] Beckford [(1759-1844)] have all had copies. Sir Joseph Banks thinks it "the finest work ever published".

One of the "finest collections of specimens of plants that ever came to this country", from Surinam [Suriname], on sale. [Edward] Rudge and himself intend to buy the whole, invite Smith to join them. Describes collection and commiserates "poor Martin". [Joseph Martin (fl 1788-1826) collected living and dried plants from South America for Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763-1814), 1st wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, and Paris Natural History Museum but during the return to France his ship was captured by English privateers. The living plants were sent to Kew and the dried plants bought by Lambert, they are now at the Natural History Museum]. Collection of birds also for sale, Lord Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill] has been in town and intends to buy all of Martin's seeds and two of the bird boxes.

Sent twelve species of Ehrhart and Hoffman's 'Salix'; rarities from the Pyrenees received from [Friedrich] Stromeyer; and a 'Drosera lusitanica' L from Portugal, sent in return for the 'Drosera dichotoma' Smith gave him. Stromeyer focusing his botanic studies on the "geography of vegetables". His own study is "anomalous formations" in vegetables. Thanks for specimens of New Holland [Australian] plants, requests more, lists the plants he has already received. News of botanists: [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon is in Paris and [Heinrich Adolph] Schrader made professor extraordinary at Göttingen University in addition to director of the Botanic Garden after the regency became displeased with Hoffmann's management.

Her friend, Mr Geary, is desirous of an introduction to Sir Joseph Banks. Asks after [Andrew] Caldwell as the loss of the use of her limbs has prevented her from keeping in contact with her distant friends. A friend of hers has 'Oxalis corniculata' growing in his Sussex garden, contrary to habitats of the Devon and Exeter areas given in "Flora Britannica" .

Received Smith's letters of 27 January and 11 April, pleased that the parcel sent to Smith has arrived. Fears that the new war will impede their literary intercourse [resumption of war between Britain and France]. Has sent Smith and Sir Joseph Banks copies of Acharius' "Methodus lichenum". Congratulates Smith on acquisition of [Edmund] Davall's herbarium, will take up offer to send items from it, in particular Regnier's 'Polytrichum pulverulentum', and the roses.

Discussion of roses: thanks for Smith's observations on his roses ['Rosa caesia', 'R. spinoissima n', 'R. multiflora', and 'R. arvensis'], agrees that his 'Rosa arvensis' may be a different species but distinct from his 'R. canina' and 'R. collina', believes this is Jacquin's. Currently cultivating 30 rose species, requests ripe fruit of the 'R. arvensis' in the autumn.

Observations on enclosed specimen of 'Malaxis monophyllos' [in Smith herbarium], when it is found with two leaves it is 'Ophrys latifolia'. Will endeavour to acquire some of [Georg] Wahlenberg's [(1780-1851)] Lapland discoveries for Smith, remarks that he is a superior traveller to any other who have visited "those remote regions". Asks Smith's opinion of [Antonio] Cavanilles arrangement of filices. Has received letter from Cavanilles in which he states that he has discovered the true seeds of ferns and mosses, which shall overthrow [Johann] Hedwig's theory of the sexes.

Received Smith's letter; has looked out some of cryptogamic specimens gathered last summer, sent several to [James] Sowerby.

Numbered observations on enclosed 18 specimens [some extant], including: 1. 'Dicranum ovale' [Smith annotation: "may be 'Dicr. ovale'']; 2. a new 'Dicranum' [Smith annotation: "laid in surely new - leaves like 'Gymnostomum ciliatum', might be called 'pilaceum']; 3. 'Bryum maritium' [Smith annotation: "surely 'Bryum dealbatum'"]; 4. 'Fissidens polycorpus' of Hedwig [Smith annotation: ''Dicr. polycarpum' right"]; 5. specimen [Smith annotation: "too imperfect, may be 'Tortula mucronulata'"]; 6. specimen [Smith annotation: "postponed"]; 7. specimen [Smith annotation: "not 'Gymnostomum curvirostrum'']; 8. specimen [Smith annotation: ''Dicranum purpureum''; 9. 'Dicranum cerviculatum' or 'D. heteromallum' [Smith annotation: ''D. subulatum'']; 10. 'Dicranum longifolium' or 'D. scorparium' var. [Smith annotation: ''D. fuscescens']; 11. specimen [Smith annotation: ''Lichen luridus'']; 12. specimen; 13. specimen [Smith annotation: 'Lichen exiguus']; 14. specimen [Smith annotation on specimen label: ''Tortula ungiculata' Fl. Brit"]; 15. 'Bryum nivales'; 16. nondescript 'Hypnum' called 'H. elegans' in his herbarium; 17. 'Splachnum urceolatum' [Smith annotation: 'mnioides', not 'urceolatum']; 18. 'Splachnum gracile' [Smith annotation: 'tenue'].

Desires Smith's opinion; will send another package which will include 'Bryum nudum'. Note on cover in Smith's hand: "all laid in that are material".

5 numbered specimens of cryptogams: 7, 2, 8, 13, 14, some also named.

Numbered observations on enclosed cryptogam specimens, several of which he thinks are common: 1. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y of 'commune'"]; 2. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "'gracile'"]; 3. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "very near 'commune', I should think it that but for the nodding capsules"]; 4. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "new - original 'strictum' of Banks"]; 5. 'Polytrichum hercynicum' [Smith annotation: "good"]; 6. 'Splachnum' resembling [James] Dickson's 'tenue' [Smith annotation: "true"] ; 7. 'Phascum' [specimen extant] [Smith annotation: "'patens'?"]; 8. 'Splachnum rogosum', previously sent to Dickson 9 and 4 years ago.

Numbered observations on enclosed plant specimens: 1. a new 'Elymus', proposes name 'E. alpinus' [Smith annotation: "surely only 'Triticum caninum' [...] Tis no 'Elymus', returned the specimen"]; 2. an 'Anthemis' which he calls 'A. hybrida'.

One specimen, labelled, "no.7 'Phascum patens'?"

Has sent some specimens for Smith's opinion, as well as the 'Orthotrichum piliferum', 'Saxifraga', and 'Potentilla' specimens he sent some time ago; would have sent the others before now but the death of his son, James Brodie Don, on 27 April "embarrassed" his feelings for some time.

As previously discussed he intends to publish a "Hortus Siccus", but after [James] Brodie pointed out the opposition he would likely face from [James] Dickson, has decided to only publish in Scotland; intends to publish 4 times a year containing 25 specimens, asks Smith to provide names of any interested parties.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Sisymbrium tibliori' [Smith annotation: "'Sisymbrium monense' laid in"]; 2. 'Crataegus' [Smith annotation: "'Crataegus oxycantha' laid in]; 3. a 'Lichen' [Smith annotation: "new, laid into deal cabinet"]; 4. 'Crataegus' found with no.2 [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y"]; 5. 'Lolium hybridum', believes nondescript, sent to [James] Dickson 1795 [Smith annotation: "'L. arvense'"]; 6. 'Carex' [Smith annotation: "may be new 'C. salina' Sw[artz]"]; 7. 'Aira' differs from 'aquatica', like 'Poa retroflexo' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y'].

Recently saw 'Assium petrafilium'. Observations on 'Valeriana pyrenaica', found 1782 and 1804. Will send a new 'Galium' and other things soon.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Hieracium cerinthoides', possibly a variety 'H. cerinthoides' of Linnaeus [Smith annotation: "'cerinthoides' laid in"]; 2. a one year old plant of 'Thalpsi incanum' and 'Sagina morina' [Smith annotation: "burnt"]; 3. a lichen which [Dawson] Turner thinks new [Smith annotation: "see letter of June 7 1803"].

Ill with an inflammatory sore throat for a fortnight. At Smith's request will attempt to provide specific distinction between 'Thlaspi incanum' and 'T. campestre'; numbered observations on differences [also labelled specimens of stem leaves and silicles of each].

Thinks that 'Epilobium cordifolium' seems to stand between 'E. alpinnum' and 'E. montanum'; numbered observations supporting his claim. Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Galium' seeds, either 'G. lemnius' or new; 2. a 'Phascum', probably 'P. nitidum' [Smith annotation: "i.e. 'axillare' right"]; 3. a 'Poa' [Smith annotation: "'glauca' Fl. Brit.? laid in"]; 4. a 'Lichen' possibly 'L. sedum' in fructification [Smith annotation: "'orostheus'? laid in"]; 5. a 'Myostis'.

Believes he sent [James] Sowerby a good specimen of 'Fissidens polycorpus' of Hedwig.

Labelled specimens of 4 stem leaves and silicles of 'Thlaspi incanum'; 2 stem leaves and silicles of 'T. campestre'; 'Phascum nitidum' [Smith annotation: "i.e. 'axillare' right"]; and a piece of bark with lichen fragments.

Encloses specimens of a rare 'Galium' and two 'Sagina'; observations. Observations on 'Poa alpina', 'Lolium arvensis', and 'Eriophorum alpinum' [Smith has annotated in margins]. Thanks Smith for introduction to [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet.

Separate note on specimen of 'Scirpus multicaulis' [specimen extant].

Has not received any answer to his previous letters, would be glad to have his queries answered.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Filago acaulis' [Smith annotation: "not at all like 'Filago acaulis'"]; 2. 'Hypnum riparioides' [Smith annotation: "right, but not rare"]; 3. possible 'Byssus lepro-viride' of [Alexander von] Humboldt distinct from 'Botryoides' [Smith annotation: "surely 'Botryoides'"]; 4. 'Spalchnum' species [Smith annotation: "'lingulatum'"]; 5. 'Bryum', in family 'Dicranum' [Smith annotation: "'D. virens' Schwartz new!"]; 6. 'Bryum ovatum' [Smith annotation: "'Gymn. ovatum'"]; 7. species of 'Eriophorum' like 'angustifolium' [Smith annotation: "'Erioph. polystachium'"].

Observations on 'Erigeron alpinum' found 6 miles from Perth; 'Linnea borealis' and 'Serapias grandiflora' of Lightfoot found in woods near Perth, as well as 'Boletus labyrinthiformis'. Asks Smith's opinion of specimen of plant "taking possession of the leaves of 'Pisum sativum' [Smith annotation: "'Aecidium'?"].

Suprised to find that on opening his specimen of 'Splachnum uncelatum' it separated, so doubts it is the same as 'S. lingulatum'.

Sending copy of his book ["Methodus qua omnes detectos lichenes secundum" (1803)]. Understands Smith has not yet received specimens he sent via [Olof] Swartz. Requests copies of "Linnean Transactions". Will send lichen specimens, illustrations, and descriptions to Linnean Society.

Specimen attached, labelled in Smith's hand "'Conferva fodinar[...]' 'Conferva brownii?' Dillw.".

[Smith's letter to Sowerby]: William Roscoe "as amiable & pleasant as he is accomplished & sensible". His lectures "brilliantly attended", nearly 120 people. His plans for returning to Norwich, [Norfolk]. Sends drawing of 'Hypericum androsaemum' intended for t1225, the first of vol 18 [of "English botany"]; discussion of subjects of next plates.

[Drake's letter to Sowerby]: Has promise of some good specimens of of Canal or Wigan coal but as yet unable to find anywhere selling snuffboxes or other made from this coal. Mineralogy "little pursued" here, doubts finding any collection of ores.

Difficulties of sending living plants to England from his current location. Is sending cuttings of 'Salix caprea' male and female, 'Salix rosmannifolia' female, and 'Pyrus salicefolia'. Discussion of roses sent earlier, at least two different species of 'Rosa cinnamomea' and comparison with those in Linnaeus' "Species Plantarum". Married with a son, domestic affairs have delayed various publications.