Sending Roscoe full copies of letters between [Richard] Salisbury and himself, via his sister [Fanny] Martin. Asks whether [Robert] Brown and [Ferdinand] Bauer's [(1760-1826), botanical artist] thought his "Exotic botany" was "hostile, or unfair to them"; states that he bought all the New Holland specimens, and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert the drawings, twelve years before the expedition was proposed, but is keen to avoid a quarrel and will avoid publishing the same plants. Brown likely to be made resident librarian of Linnean Society with salary, which now has new premises in Gerard Street.

Sends copy of his paper from seventh volume of "Linnean Transactions", which "Squire Alias" criticised so much. Has a carbuncle [on the eye] but recovering well.

Replies to Smith's letter of 20 November: yet to see the letters [copies of acrimonious correspondence sent between Richard Salisbury and Smith] but is glad to hear that Smith has acted with the "most decisive conduct" and believes the estrangement must be "absolute & total". [Robert] Brown and [Ferdinand] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist] do not feel threatened by Smith's "Exotic botany", though they were surprised on being shown the first numbers by [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden]. Prevented from sending Smith his dissertation on the "Monandrian plants".

Death of his mother-in-law, Mrs Manning; account of her last hours and death on 6 March, day of his and Mrs Woodward's birth. Thanks for introduction to [William] Roscoe, who made a short visit. Glad Smith's mother is to make a visit to Liverpool. Expects to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting.

During his journey to London a horse fell under the carriage and they were forced to walk to Newmarket, [Cambridgeshire], rest of journey uneventful but became unwell on reaching London. Called on Sir Thomas Frankland, Mrs [Amelia] Opie [(1769-1853), author], and Sir Joseph Banks', where he saw [Richard] Salisbury, Mr Westall, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, the Pattersons, and [Sir Abraham and Amelia] Hume. Cold weather more suited to him in London than warm. Account of visit to Somerset House [home of the Royal Society], with Prince of Wales [George IV (1762-1830)] in attendance.

[Letter incomplete: part of first folio cropped, and fragment of second folio appended to recto of first]

He has consulted Dr Pictairn about his condition, who says they are the usual consequence of erysipelas. His meetings and entertainments in London: he, William, and the Kindersleys [Smith's cousins] dined at Mrs Munro's, wife of his old Edinburgh friend, at Blackheath, [Kent]; time in Greenwich; went to Lee's; a concert at William Smith's; chatted with Lord [Charles] Stanhope [3rd Earl Stanhope (1753-1816) about politics; William Smith took him to meet [Charles James] Fox [(1749-1806), politician], now has an open invitation to St Anne's Hill, [Surrey, Fox's home]. Has made "bold push" for £100 for his Royal Institution lectures next year. Rudeness of Mrs Marsham. Sixty diners at Linnean Society anniversary meeting.

Proceeded by extract from the "Edinburgh Review", pointing out errors in Smith's synonyms [in "Flora Britannica"?]. Visited the Maurice; their daughter found a pine stag beetle, first time of it being found in that neighbourhood, thinks the larva may have been brought there from Hampshire; she has seen a beautiful, lively, opaque grass-green beetle with a yellow spot on each wing. If what the "Annual Review" speaks of tours being in as much request as novels is true, Smith ought to make much of his "Lapland Journey" ["Lachesis Lapponica"]. Urges Smith to read review of "Flora Britannica" in the "Annual Review" and what, "in the name of your fair country women", they advise him to do; alarmed to learn what a name Smith has for "gallantry".

Her father wrote a response to Mr Everett's pamphlet [attacking Mr Reeve's "overgrown power" as steward of Manor of Lowestoft] against himself but decided not to publish; transcribes an extract. A regiment of Fifeshire militia men posted at Lowestoft, the "soberest soldiers ever known", who instead of getting drunk club together to hire books to read.

[Note in Smith's hand] discusses obtaining drawing of 'Nymphae' from [James] Sowerby.

Entreats Smith to publish a botanical work "adapted to the understanding of the English Ladies", being convinced from his lectures that it would be free from the "indelicacy" of books already published, and better adapted to those who only know English.

The managers have declined Smith's proposal for additions to his lectures on account of not being within their finances, but have resolved to pay Smith £5 for any additional lectures, limited to 4.

[Smith noted his reply on recto of first folio]: Accepts the terms and will prepare to give 12 or 14 lectures, requests that they be on Tuesday and Wednesdays.

Very rough sketch, in pencil, of horse and part of carriage, on recto of second folio.

Concerned to hear of Smith's distress, hopes the fever and pain are reduced. Writing to Lord Seaforth may be beneficial to Linnean Society; he has a natural history assistant called Symmonds. Regrets Smith's differences with [Richard] Salisbury; does not think Smith would "discriminate between resentment & revenge"; anxious that as the Society is in its infancy and the Royal Society jealous of its success and "party work" that arises may be fatal to its prospects.

Has progressed with marine plants this season; correspondence with [Dawson] Turner; encloses specimen of 'Fucus lycopodiodes' found yesterday at Lossiemouth.

[Spec 5 written in pencil on verso of folio]

Sends manuscript of his work ["Index plantarum" (1807)] for Smith's opinion. Comments on current "deranged" state of plant names, thanks to alterations by Willdenow and others. Difficulties procuring Willdenow's "Species plantarum"; would like to see "Flora Graeca"; admires Smith's "Exotic botany". List of Willdenow plant names.

Returns Sir Joseph Banks' pamphlet on wheat blight; observations on blight. Uncertain whether he has ever seen barberry plants at Rollesby, [Norfolk], and though he acknowledges the poor soil has never heard of any remarkable wheat blight. Has never seen confirmation of barberry causing blight but knows of a tenant who is eradicating all barberry in the hedges around his fields. Hopes the seeds of the blighted grass have blown across to Europe to do their enemies "more damage than the Catamarans have done". Wonders whether night of severe frost in June may have caused the blight; other observations on wheat blight and Banks' remarks. Speculates on airborne seed of fungus.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 4 [November 1805]. Expects [Richard] Salisbury's "passions" to "recoil on himself with double impetus"; first he has heard of "Paradisus Loninensis". Reassures Smith regarding "Flora Graeca". Asks if Smith took any notice of specimen of 'Alisma repens' he sent in former letter. Pleased report that Sir Robert Williams, MP, will no longer be taking a long absence. Requests any spare 'Salix' specimens.

Details of the sale of Mr Taylor's house.

Thanks for Smith's paper for "Annals of Botany", which will appear in the next number, currently delayed. Reminds Smith of his intention to name a plant alluded to in a paper on the irritability of the sexual organs of plants. Discusses wording of title of "Flora Graeca". Death of [Martin] Vahl [(1749-1804), botanist], regrets this on account of strength of his ["Enumeratio plantarum"] vol 1. Death of [Heinrich] Noehden.

Concerned Smith's copy of his edition of [Richard] Pulteney's ["A general view of the writings of Linnaeus"] has miscarried. Remarks on the book, including his decision not to explain the Linnaean system and not to discuss the collections in depth.

Responds to Smith's three letters of: 6 August 1804, thanks for rare cryptogamic plants and news of Miss Smith's marriage to Mr Martin; 17 December 1804, gave [James] Sowerby 'Boronia alata', 'B. crenulata', and 'B. denticulata', also recommended Sir Joseph Banks' specimens; 5 January [1805], thanks for turkey and hare from [William Fitt] Drake, Smith's old appartments ready for when he comes to town.

Asks Smith to write to White [publisher] to confirm the amount he is due for his translation [of Linnaeus' Lapland travel journal, for Smith's "Lachesis Lapponica"].

[Smith has drafted his reply on verso of second folio]: has agreed with White to pay Troilius £60 for the translation; explains his deal with White and the need to ascertain the value of Troilius' translation in comparison to others and the fact that the final translation was less complete through Troilius not knowing Latin. Asks Troilius to suggest suitable amount over £60 to compensate for this trouble.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 13 [January 1805], which came "very opportunely", as without it they would have had nothing to read at Linnean Society meeting. "Linnean Transactions" volumes being forwarded as instructed. Requests Smith's assistance in obtaining enough support to prevent election of Dr Maver.

Apologises for delay in replying to Smith's letter of 21 February [1805] accompanying [John William] Lewin's [(1770-1819), naturalist and artist] plates; he had begun describing the insects but "the brother here became jealous of my interference and is now to publish the whole in his own name" ["Prodromus entomology" (1805)].

Confirms that the Ambrose Serle [(1742-1812), colonial officer and religious writer] whose name Smith saw on the box is the same man Smith knew in Bristol in 1773, and is a great friend of his. Dr Maver not elected. The Linnean Society has agreed terms for new rooms at 9 Gerrard Street, Soho, and the Horticultural Society are to pay 25 guineas per annum to hold their meetings in the meeting room.

Surprised to hear from [Carl] Troilius that the amount owing to him is £82 10s, instead of £60 as Smith mentioned [translation fees for "Lachesis Lapponica"]; Troilius has left the matter entirely in Smith's hands.