Responds to letters of 3 April [1782] and 5 May [1782]. Pleasure at his successes at Edinburgh and his parents' at Norwich. Hopes his father will be able to pay him a visit. If [James] Crowe does not come to the Highlands intends to embark on his expedition, accompanied by Dr [John] Hope's son, Mr Hardy, and Mr Lubbock. His sorrow at end of the winter lectures and departure of so many students, including [Robert] Batty. He has started attending the Infirmary and has got over his "disagreeable feelings" from his first attendance there. Their Natural History Society goes on "gloriously", Dr [Joseph] Black has recently joined. Intends to try for Dr Hope's medal for best collection of native Scottish plants, and plants of the Materia Medica.

Shortly moving to a new house. Change in [John Henry] Engelhart from being the "delight & ornament of all genteel companies" to becoming a "perfect debauchee who shuns all polite & virtuous people". Arrivall of Mr and Mrs Cleeve, who is a preacher and apparently not well liked. Account of his friend, Lady Reay. Correspondence with [William] Younge, son of Dr Younge of Sheffield. Responds to Norwich news. Recently read a paper before the Natural History Society on the collecting and preserving of plants which was debated for 3 hours.

Arrived safely in Sheffield, account of his journey from Edinburgh, via Carlisle, [Cumberland], where he saw Mr Yeates; Kendal, [Westmorland], where he stayed with [Robert] Batty and was encouraged to stay for some time on his return journey, which would be a profitable experience; and Huddersfield, [Yorkshire]. Expects his father and brother Francis next week. Afraid his father thinks him too "precipitate" in coming to meet him in Sheffield.

Hopes his father and brother had a good journey home from Sheffield, [Yorkshire]; their parting was more comfortable than their last. His journey from Halifax, [Yorkshire], to here [home of Robert Batty]. Anxious to get back to Edinburgh. Delights of the countryside here. Yesterday and today they have been dissecting a dog and making anatomical preparations. Norwich news. Batty going to London for a few months and may visit Norwich; recommends him and his flute playing to parents, and for them to show his [Smith's] drawings.

Wrote to his father from Rotterdam; account of their journey from there to Leyden. Account of his degree examinations, about which he was anxious, but not as much as before his election to the Royal Society. Politeness of the people. His difficulties at a card party at Professor Allamand's, to whom he was recommended by Sir Joseph Banks. His companions, living arrangements, and cleanliness and houses of the town.

His last letter 30 December 1786. Account of his [and William Younge's] time in Genoa, including stay with the Marquis Durazzo, acquaintance with Dr Batt, fears for Mr Marsh's health, "smooth" English consul. Account of precipitous journey to Pisa, which necessitated sea journey from Sestri to Lerici, the remainder of the journey on land. Intended itinerary for remainder of their time in Italy. "Abundantly" furnished with letters of introduction. Durazzo reports that Spalanzani is now in prison in Vienna under charge of embezzlement; all hope for his innocence, he does for the "honor of philosophers".

Last wrote to his father on 24 April [1787]. Account of his [and William Younge's] journey from Rome to Bologna, via Loreto; has never left any place "with half so much regret"; details of the route and country, including holy shrines of Loreto, and visit to Ancona. Account of their time in Bologna. Setting out for Venice shortly, and then Milan. He is "never better than when travelling or running about", and has not had a cold for a very long time.

Unable to lecture at Cambridge University, despite his lectures being announced and generating considerable interest, as several tutors signified they could not permit their pupils to attend lectures of anyone not a member of the University nor the Church of England, and though the reasons were only "pretence" the Vice-Chancellor did not want to cause dissention. A "great body of the Master of Arts" are to present an address in his favour, but shall probably give up the lectures for this year; his eminent friends. Four of the opposing tutors have since repented; outlines opposition and supporters.

Preparations for his lectures progressing well; currently lodging with Revd James Yates, previously stayed with the Corries, a friend of the Martins [Smith's sister and brother-in-law]. His lectures crowded and "grow fuller every time". He is going to Mr Gatton's next. His plans for returning to Norwich.