Has been busy with assizes and visits at home and abroad. Does not agree with Trafford's notion that Lord Moira [Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings (1754-1826)], is a "precox Chevalier", having heard he was "too great a Jobber for the Character, and it came from those who employed him". Reckons that if the newspaper reports are true, and that Napoleon believed [William] Windham [(1750-1810), politician] wished him assassinated, it shows him "a poor mind", and his recent manifesto to the Swiss "proves him a Tyrant". Had once thought Napoleon "great", but now finds "melancholy" that only one person in history has "voluntarily quitted absolute power uncontaminated, and the new world has the glory of it" [probably referring to George Washington (1732-1799), first President of the United States]. Supposes Napoleon's ambition can "never be glutted", expects him to make a formal complaint against the liberty of the English press. Discusses his becoming a printer and arrival of the press; shall shortly commence printing his Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler] and is not concerned by reviews or newspapers.

Reminds Smith of Sir Joseph [Banks'] "famous letter" to the member of the [French] Institute on his election and adds that Banks has written to a lady thanking her for sending him a "most nonsensical ode on the death of Dolomieu". Delighted with the naked barley [Thomas William] Coke gave him, which will be a benefit to this country.

Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery. A parcel sent has been sent for Smith by Adam Afzelius, containing: lichens; some other plants; a packet of plants from [Erik] Acharius; a copy of his paper on ferns from [Heinrich Adolph] Schrader's "Journal [of Botany]"; and a parcel to forward to [Dawson] Turner. Asks Smith's opinion of the roses he has cultivated [and sent specimens of]. [Georg] Wahlenberg [(1780-1851)] has returned from expedition to Nordcap, [Lapland], but forced to leave his collections at 71 degrees latitude until the spring, is now collating his observations: 30 to 40 new lichens, several other undetermined plants, and a new species of Hedwig's ['Arrhenapherum'] moss genus have been collected. His topographical observations are curious. Acharius' "Methodus Lichenum" now printing.

From consultation of Smith herbarium the 'Rosa' specimens sent by Swartz appear to be 'Rosa caesia', 'Rosa spinoissima n', 'Rosa multiflora', and 'Rosa arvensis', which were all acquired in 1803.