[Smith's letter to Sowerby]: William Roscoe "as amiable & pleasant as he is accomplished & sensible". His lectures "brilliantly attended", nearly 120 people. His plans for returning to Norwich, [Norfolk]. Sends drawing of 'Hypericum androsaemum' intended for t1225, the first of vol 18 [of "English botany"]; discussion of subjects of next plates.

[Drake's letter to Sowerby]: Has promise of some good specimens of of Canal or Wigan coal but as yet unable to find anywhere selling snuffboxes or other made from this coal. Mineralogy "little pursued" here, doubts finding any collection of ores.

Difficulties of sending living plants to England from his current location. Is sending cuttings of 'Salix caprea' male and female, 'Salix rosmannifolia' female, and 'Pyrus salicefolia'. Discussion of roses sent earlier, at least two different species of 'Rosa cinnamomea' and comparison with those in Linnaeus' "Species Plantarum". Married with a son, domestic affairs have delayed various publications.

'Bryum cirrhatum' the same as 'Bryum dicksoni'. Has recently sent [James] Sowerby 'Allium carinatum' but cannot find 'Hypnum polycarpon' in fruit so unable to send it for drawing. Asks to be remembered as having found and ascertained 'Hypnum polycarpon' and offers to send more specimens if needed.

A box of "excellent" biscuits, only just discovered to have been sent by Smith. General fear of invasion by Napoleon but "united heart and hand to oppose it". Thanks Smith's mother for Christmas turkey, hopes Smith will recover his health soon.

Asks Smith to thank Dr [Henry] Reeve for his thesis as due to long illness has been unable to do it himself, and to let Reeve know his library is open to him any time. Remarks on Smith's visit to Liverpool; compliments [James] Currie's talents and desires introduction to [William] Roscoe. Happy to offer Smith his assistance with "Flora Graeca" if needed. Experimenting with rearing turkeys in Lincolnshire, asks Mrs Smith to send a Norfolk turkey once a fortnight for comparison. Lady Banks would like a large box of Valentine cakes.

Describes the pleasure she receives from her long friendship with the Smiths. Discussion of their friends. Has lately been reading Cowper, describes her feelings respecting him and Calvinism.

Returns two of Smith's 'Gymnostoma' specimens but not the 'astivum'. Also returning Smith's manuscript of third volume of "Flora Britannica", was only able to read as far as 'Grimmia' but has marked parts he feels need attention. Does not object to giving the name 'scottianum' to the 'Dicranum' instead of the 'Grimmia'. Is about to examine Dillenius' collection at Oxford. Does not agree with Smith's junction of the three genera under 'Grimmia' or that 'Bryum nudum' belongs there, nor Smith's renaming of three species of 'Grimmia'. About to write to [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855)] about Dr [William] Turton's [(1762-1835), conchologist] "Enchiridion".

[On separate folio] Notes several other areas in "Flora Britannica" requiring Smith's attention, including: 'Grimmia', 'Gymnostoma', 'Spachna', and 'Bryum'.

Gifts from Madame Buonaparte. His "Jardin de Cels" and "Jardin de Malmaison". Smith's books wanted for Panthèon library.

Offers to return item he is copying, should Smith require it. [James] Sowerby's inaccuracies with 'Stewartia' were caused by his preoccupation with sons' illnesses; transcribes 'Stewartia' description from "Flore Boreali-Americana". [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert well, though his 'Renealmia' only flowered once with him. Congratulates Smith on his discovery of "the long lost 'Globba'", and pleased to hear he is studying the "dark things" in 'Scitamineae'. Lord Blandford [George Spencer-Churchill] sent Sowerby a new 'Metrosideros' and the grand 'Hydrangea quercifolia', latter imported by Lyons who also imported 'Arabis hispida'.

Since returning to England [William] Roxburgh has changed name of 'Renealmia calcaratum' to 'R. spicatum' in his manuscript, assigning no reason, but offended that [Henry Charles] Andrews [(fl 1794-1830)] has published it.

After spending a few days in Liverpool is confident that natural history will receive adequate encouragement there and that the provision for botany is already "sufficiently splendid". Believes that the establishment of the Botanic Garden will provide for more than just cultivation and botanical arrangement. Remarks on Liverpool's advantages, especially its location for "obtaining the productions of the West".

He is anxious for specimens of seeds, seed vessels and woods, and all vegetable curiosities of foreign growth to form a collection to illustrate "the natural growth & philosophical character & useful application in the arts of different plants". Pleased to hear that "Flora Graeca" has gone to the printers, and although disappointed Smith did not go with Collingswood for the publication is sure that Taylor will serve him well. His electioneering temporarily suspended on account of summer holiday. Recommends Mr Hudson, an Oxford academic. A painting apparently to be sold.

A disagreement at Oxford involving Dr [George] Williams and a new professorship [possibly the Aldrichian chair of anatomy and physiology, founded 1803]. It is opposed by his son, [Edmund Goodenough (1785-1845), headmaster and dean of Wells], but he has written to him pledging his own support for Williams. Unsure of his son's objection unless it is the wish of the Dean of Christ Church, whom he generally has to second on account of multiple kindnesses shown to him.

Smith's forty-five 'Salix' species make him impatient for the remained of "Flora [Britannica]". Nobody interested in botany in Rochester and the dryness of the area is not favourable for the fructification of mosses; however there are "great tracts of wood" and Lord and Lady Darnley have a hothouse, greenhouse, and "an idea of an arboretum". Found a new plant in a hothouse called "Egyptain 'Amaryllis'" which flowered in February to be a 'Pancratium' "caule biflora", refers to [Johan Jacon] Dillenius' "Hortus Elthamensis". [Thomas] Marsham wrote suggesting to leave him out of the Linnean Society Council and vice-presidentship for next year; happy to comply as long as he is not "let down improperly". Hopes Smith's reception at Frogmore [the Queen's country house in Berkshire] will be followed with fresh invitations.

Succeeded in gaining his son's support [Edmund Goodenough (1785-1845), headmaster and dean of Wells] for Dr [George] Williams at Oxford, although from his son's note and Smith's letter unsure "what this place of physical contention is" [possibly a disagreement over the Aldrichian chair of anatomy and physiology, founded 1803].

Apologises for missing Linnean Society anniversary meeting; [Thomas] Marsham rescinded his offer of accommodation and it is otherwise too difficult finding a place to stay in London. Also surprised at the expensive dinner tickets which he believes will "frighten away most of the valuable members" such as [John] Fairbairn, [Thomas] Hoy [(c 1750-1822)], [Jonas] Dryander, and [James] Dickson; compares prices with Westminster School and Orphan School dinners. Observed his first rare plant in Rochester, 'Ophrys nidus-avis', at the side of a wood. Is not confident of Rochester's suitability for botanising; the hills mean there is very little rain. Asks when the remaining part of ["Flora Britannica"] appears; fears [Napoleon] Buonaparte will invade before it does. Gives his regards to [Aylmer Bourke] and Mrs [Catherine] Lambert.