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Smith, James Edward in addressee 
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From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
28 May [1790]
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/90, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Invites Smith to come to Hillingdon, [Middlesex], tomorrow to meet a Polish Princess who would like to see her plants. Has a Jamaican plant grown from seed in flower that Grieg, her gardener, knows nothing of.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
20 Jul 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/91, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Glad Smith has returned from Norfolk in good health. The leaves of her two 'Portlandia' differ from sketch in Smith's letter, being perfectly equal at the base, and cannot be certain about 'Hedera'.

Smith mistaken about Mr Wallen's sending of 'Euphorbia' and 'Hedera'; 'E. wallenia' came living from him in 1778, but in memoranda of other Jamaican plants at the same time there is no mention of 'Hedera', although there are several without names. Dr King transcribing her opinions on it and asks Smith to postpone printing his article about the plant till next week. If Smith visits next Sunday he could see 'Lagerstroemia' and Botany Bay plant in flower, the first to do so since they came over.

Memorandum, in different hand [probably Dr King], on the introduction of 'Hedera' to England, from the recollections of gardener at Wentworth, [Yorkshire], who had been at Wimbledon on its arrival, a few years before 1780.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
7 Aug 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/92, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Apologises for any trouble Smith had with her style and titles in dedicating his book to her ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum.."]. Dr Pictairn and [James] Lee visited yesterday. Asks if [Richard] Salisbury remembers seeing blue lily in flower on visit of five years ago and what sort of leaves and bulb it had.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
21 Sep 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/93, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Urges Smith to come early in order to see her large 'Portlandia', which now has twelve flowers in flower, and to bring [Jonas] Dryander and [Adam Afzelius].

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
15 Oct 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/94, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sent [James] Sowerby flower of 'Myrtus tomentosa', which he is painting life sized for her "in its full dignity of royal purple", it flowers "for ever" but they turn white after a few days in sun. Astonished by how much the 'Passiflora' in her hothouse has flowered, called "the Bats wing" by herself and 'P. vespertilio' by [Samuel] Goodenough, resembles the one in Smith's ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum...", 'Passiflora lunata']; will send pressed flower, fresh flower and leaves for comparison, notes her own observations. Loddiges sent it as true 'Passiflora vespertilio' with two 'Cinnamomum', one which Loddiges insists is the true and the other the same as Mr Hastings', a mango, and white flower variety of 'Rhododendron mexicana'.

Jokes that she will soon be King's Bench Prison [debtors' prison in Southwark, London] where she "shall look for relief to some of my botanical friends".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
8 Nov 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/95, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Will let Smith decided whether her gift of ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum.."] for [Edmund] Davall should be the large or small copy. Her 'Portlandia', in addition to the 17 flowers Smith saw on it at once, keeps flowering without signs of exhaustion and has two fruits swelling on it, though most are not, asks in what state he would like to inspect them. Asks after [James] Sowerby's drawings of 'Portlandia' and 'Myrtus tomentosa' for her.

Requests copy of lesser sized ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum.."] for herself with both English and Latin, and Duchess of Portland [Dorothy Bentinck], Mrs [Elizabeth] Weddell, and [William Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl] Fitzwilliam [(1748-1833)] will also want copies.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
22 Nov 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/96, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Declined Mr Bromfield's drawings as Smith's information on 'Coralline' was decisive and is out of her area of interest. Much more inclined to send [Edmund] Davall the larger copy of Smith's ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum.."].

Offers her hothouse 'Gordonia pubescens' to be drawn by [James] Sowerby; notices that Linnaeus and Kew place 'Gordonia' under different classes, hers seems 'Monogynia' but inside of flower resembles 'Camelia'. Lightning and distant thunder yesterday evening.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
[25 Nov 1790]
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/97, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

'Gordonia pubescens' dropped off this morning and was examined, sends principle part of flower. The new 'Geranium' in her stove which Smith pointed out is coming into flower, suggests that [James] Sowerby sketch it. Requests copies of Sowerby's "Florist" to circulate in Yorkshire.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
8 Dec [1790]
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/98, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Requests introduction to [John] Fairbairn for her gardener, Grieg, to see Chelsea [Physic Garden] plants and the 'Heleconia' coming into flower, and for him to view Smith's Linnaean collections. Hopes [Joseph von] Jacquin will stay in England this winter "for I should think the troubles at Paris must interrupt all science, as well as pleasure", and if he stays till summer will arrange for him to visit her, Bulstrode [Park, Buckinghamshire, home of Duke of Portland], and Mrs North's and [Charles Bennet, 4th Earl of] Tankerville's [(1743-1822)] collections.

'Myrtus tomentosa' about to flower, will tell Smith for his book as it has never been figured ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum..."]. Would like to see painting of 'Aralia' before given to Jacquin for his father [Nikolaus von Jacquin]; it is very tall and flowered on three branches this year compared to last year's five.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
14 Dec 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/99, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

As she knows that "Doct[o]r Smith's memory retains ever plant that he ever saw, or ever read of" asks her to identify plant in her pine hothouse in kitchen garden just now come into flower, sends specimen of flowers and leaf for [James] Sowerby to paint if rare, in similar style to the 'Catesbaea' he did for her.

"The Home Oracle" agreed with her that the 'Gordonia' is correctly placed in "Hortus Kewensis" and also concurred on its resemblance to 'Camelia' in part of flower; asks Smith to explain his separation of the two "sister 'Gordonias'. Uncertain if her new 'Geranium' will flower. Asks Sowerby to directly send the two numbers of his "Florist". Thinks Sowerby's small work mentioned by Smith "would be very pleasing" ["English Botany"] but as it would feature English plants fears it would interfere with [William] Curtis' ["Botanical magazine"] and the "great work of English plants".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mariamne Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
12 Apr 1796
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/10, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks for Smith's letter and the "great trouble" he has taken over her cabinet. Politely declines Smith's offer to send a living tortoise. Sending coloured drawing of "some very Curious old gold things found in a Field near Dolecothy, [Glamorganishire]", which her father thinks are Roman. She is going to Dolecothy with her aunt, Eliza, to visit her uncle and hunt curiosities. Received letter from her aunt Charlotte expressing her gratitude for Mrs Kindersley's kindnesses._x000D_

[Coloured drawing of jewellery sent with next letter JES/COR/16/11]

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Andrew Fountaine
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
24 Jun 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/105, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

At Smith's request has sent an "imperfect draught" [extant] of a bird he supposes "non descript" and possibly a variety, not having seen a drawing corresponding exactly with it, and has only referred to Edward and Albin's "Natural History [of birds]". Requests Smith's opinion from his "perfect knowledge of natural history".

Coloured figure of bird [Smith annotation: "'Loxia enucleator'", "'Loxia curvirostra' female" crossed out and replaced with 'enucleator']

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mariamne Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
7 May 1796
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/11, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Spent her visit to Dolecothy, [Glamorganshire], hunting for curiosities but there were few scarce plants and no lichens or insects. The caves very curious, her father thinks they were used by the Romans. Sending drawing of "some curious gold things" found there in a field above the house [drawing shows pieces of jewellery, including ring, brooches, and chain, probably drawn by Mr Trossavelli].

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mariamne Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
22 Jun 1796
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/12, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Describes her father's election victory over Mr Vaughan with twice as many votes; her father's chair was decorated with foil, ribbons, and artificial roses made by her mother.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mariamne Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
27 Jun 1796
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/13, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks Smith for cabinet and insects. Will now send drawing of the "antiquities" [Roman jewellery found in field at Dolecothy, including a ring, brooches, chain, and other items, see RelatedMaterial below], and curious specimens found by the gardener. Her birthday yesterday. She has found many curious insects. Greenhouse plants in "high beauty" and she has dried a great number of them well.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mariamne Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
18 Jul 1796
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/14, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks for Smith's letter, glad to find that the plants she sent to [James] Sowerby are so rare. Her sea-bathing here has recovered her "amazingly". She has a lucky hand for catching insects and has been successful in Aberystwyth. Hopes to see Smith and Mrs [Pleasance] Smith in August. Weather has been cold and uncomfortable. In response to Smith's question states that since 30 June she is 12 years old.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Thomas Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
12 May 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/18, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Received Smith's letters of 25 [April] and 2 May. Mrs Johnes grateful for copy of "New Holland Flora" [Smith's "A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland" (1793)]. Sending seeds of 'Dombeya' to Hafod, [Cardiganshire]. Has enquired after the 'Pultenaea' but fears getting it to Smith as he wishes. Accepts Smith's invitation to join Linnean Society, having previously felt too ignorant to request it for himself. His opinion on a court scandal involving Smith and de Lue, who acted with "illiberal & bigotted servile conduct" towards Smith. Liston safely arrived in Vienna and hopes he has made acquaintance with [Nikolaus von] Jacquin as desired. His family looking forward to seeing Smith.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Thomas Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
15 May 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/19, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks for Smith's letter about sale of Lord Bute's collections [John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute (1713-1792)]; he intended to be a large purchaser but circumstances prevent him, so Sir Joseph [Banks] need not fear him. Admiration of Banks. In London soon on "message of the King's about all these Societies"; invites Smith to breakfast so they can become acquainted. His work on [Jean] Froissart [(c 1337-1405), French chronicler] had been progressing well.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mariamne Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
14 Sep [1795]
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/2, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Regret at Smith's departure. Found a butterfly she thinks the "great tortoiseshell butterfly", will try to send a specimen. Found a curious bright yellow fungus in the stove house, will send specimen with letter.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Thomas Johnes
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
29 Jun 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/16/20, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

His 'Walteriana' dead, killed gardener attempting to lay it. The plant called "Wana Ta", by the person who gave them the seed, is in fact a creeper and none of the seeds Smith sent of it have germinated, encloses leaf of the plant [extant]. Encloses list of medicines [not extant] for Smith to order from Mr Wilson and have sent from London to Aberystwyth, by sea.

Has returned hom from his regiment to ensure all workmen are out before Smith's visit. Intense hot weather: his dry and can no longer be proud of his cascades. Progress of his work on [Jean] Froissart [(c 1337-1405), French chronicler]. Dr [James] Anderson's "capital improvements" for canals; persuaded him to patent some of them as he was also the author of the patent stove but did not get any thanks as Brodie took a patent out for it and Anderson was too liberal and indolent to fight for money. 'Dombeya' doing well.

Smith has outlined his reply on recto of second folio: asks if Johnes is home in September, as he is lecturing till 18 or 20 August and could be detained longer, and asks "of Fraser's 'Monandrous' plant".

Specimen of a leaf, [Smith annotation on label : "'Bigonia'?"].

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London