Sends letter from [Georg Franz] Hoffmann and copy of "Hortus Mosquensis"]. Intends to publish a work on the rare plants of northern and southern parts of Russia, asks Smith to procure him some English subscribers. Requests plants from Botany Bay, [Australia]. Has sent Sir Joseph Banks a prospectus of his other work on the insects of Russia, asks Smith to procure subscribers for this also. Sends twenty packets of seeds of "the rarest plants of the Cokases", intends to send more.

A fit of gout has taken away the use of his right hand. Thanks for turkey, hopes to send oysters in return once they are good again. Smith's appointment of [Thomas] Marsham as vice-president "gives universal satisfaction". Proposes that [Robert] Brown's position and salary as Linnean Society Librarian be divided between him and another person; "£100 per ann[um] & the use of the House is extravagant pay for 4 hours service in a week".

Thanks for Smith's intended nomination of him as a Vice President of the Linnean Society, and though he would prefer to be nominated Treasurer he will not withold his assent. [Samuel Goodenough] recovering from severe fit of gout.