Hopes that the "general peace" approaching Europe will extend between USA and Britain [in reference to War of 1812, conflict between USA and Britain 1812-1815]. Published an edition of Smith's "Introduction to Botany", and is printing a "Florula Bostoniensis", of which he encloses a few pages [extant] to assist with queries in this and his former letter. Lists 11 doubtful specimens, requests Smith's opinion [Smith has annotated brief responses].

Manuscript pages from "Florula Bostoniensis": description of 20 species.

Requests permission to dedicate his work on conchology, written to Linnaean principles, to Smith. History of the work; similar works have been prohibited by expense of engravings. Intends to write a work on "General Conchology"; intends to copy all from nature and not engravings. Will show his drawings to the Linnean Society so specific names can be determined, thus avoiding future disputes; asks Smith's opinion and requests terms of admission. Transcribes newspaper advertisement for the first work.

Corrected Smith's papers. Tried to see Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844)], advises Smith to write to him "without delay" [presumably in reference to Smith's Cambridge botany professor campaign].

Hopes to see Smith in London. Details of Mrs Stoddard's case regarding dispute over manor of Kirkland, [Cumberland]. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in London and in much better condition than he expected; he has been in a "most alarming mental state". His plan for binding "English botany".

Thanks for gift of partridges, which are very scarce this season. Encloses letter addressed to his friend Mr Stoddart from a French Count, recommends Smith establish a correspondence. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert has come to London in a state of nervous irritation similar to previous complaints of his.

Received Smith's letter of 9 [August 1814] but unfortunately state of his health since arrival in London prevents him from enjoying the society of his scientific friends, more so as Smith was to be one of them. Feeling stronger since the effects of the mercury subsided and as he expects a few years longer life hopes visit Smith in Norwich soon. They are giving up plans to go to Scotland and will either stay in London or go to France for the winter.

Madagascar specimens received from Sir Joseph Banks, wishes Smith had taken his share on leaving town, and still awaiting the Indian specimens from Banks, asks how to make selection available to Smith. Has not heard anything respecting [Francis] Buchanan from the fleet just arrived.

[Note in different hand addressed to Roxburgh, Prospect Place] List of 4 species of 'Ophioglossum': 'O. filiforme', 'O. scandens', 'O. flexuosum', and 'O. furcatum'; asks Smith if they should be contained in the same genus or placed in 'Lygodium' or any other new genus.

No longer prevented from renewing their correspondence. Sending plants described in his "Flora Germanica" for comparison with Linnaean specimens. Thanks for praise of his work.

Sorry Smith has been so ill, hopes not to hurry him. Will appreciate Smith's advice about "English botany" indexes. Encloses further patterns for "Flora Graeca" and letter from [George] Anderson on plight of late [George] Don's family for Smith and [Dawson] Turner's consideration. Asks to borrow Linnaean specimen of 'Ostrea diluviana' for drawing; thinks a work on Linnaeus' shells "would perhaps answer a good purpose".

Congratulates Smith on knighthood, hopes it will lead to what his friends have "so much at heart", Smith's succession to Cambridge botany chair. He has been rambling for most of the summer. Encountered delays in printing of second fasciculus of his "Theophrastus", and the great expense of printing meant he could not present any copies as gifts, even to Sir Joseph Banks, but will provide copies to friends at the trade price.

Found Smith's friend, Mrs Spragg [widow of Harvey Spragg], well.

Unable to accept Smith's invitation to enjoy "the feast of reason and the flour of the soul" which presence of [William Roscoe] promises. Sends game.

Sends a possible paper for "Linnean Transactions" for Smith to judge whether it makes any additional observations to what appears in George Montagu's [(1753–1815) naturalist] previous paper on Marine Animals [see Related Material]. Enquires after Smith's specimen of 'Lichen scaber' which was described in "English Botany" as a "great botanical rarity".

Researches on "Umbelliferae".

Compliments.

Grateful for Smith's condolences on death of his daughter Sophia [Lady Brownlow (1788-1814), wife of John Cust, 1st Earl Brownlow], a "victim of [...] this cruel winter". Believes the people at Cambridge are "most obstinatley blind to their own interests" [Smith's unsuccessful campaign to become Professor of Botany], comments that the Botanical Garden there last summer was in a "most forlorn uncomfortable state". Wishes Smith knew Mr Eustace, a writer who has been staying at Wormleybury. Sophia's death has "badly checked" the pleasure he gained from his plants and garden, which after the death of his wife Amelia were cultivated solely for Sophia.

Appreciation of Trans. of Linnean Society; sale of his books in England.

The same (as JES/COR/6/99).

His work on New Holland plants.

Sends Australian plants for determination; his work thereon.

Shock at death of George Don, asks that if one of the last plates for Smith's "elegant work" [presumably "English Botany"] is one of Don's discoveries he should be commemorated in it.

Responds to Smith's enquiries about 'Pinus', referring him to [Andre] Michaux's [(1746-1802)] comments in Pursh's "Flora Americae". A 'Pinus maritima' at Kew now 'Pinus caricio' "Lamarck Encyclo. vol 5". Growing new species of pine at Boyton, [Wiltshire], compares it against 'Pinus cembra' and 'Pinus pinaster', it was sent from the Crimea by [Peter Simon] Pallas and named 'Pinus maritima' in his last "Travels". [Pierre] Sonnerat [(1748-1814)] returned to France. Linnean Society short of papers for next volume of "Linnean Transactions".