Recounts his recent movements between Bath, Haford, and London, where he was called to prevent the destruction of all the timber at Croft, which Smith may have seen advertised, but failed. Saw Sir Joseph Banks this morning. Received from Dr [James] Anderson "a lock of the golden fleece" which he supposes Smith has accounts of in the papers; it is "very curious & just the colour of raw silk, a high gold colour".

Opportunity to acquire seeds from Constantinople, as long as the list corresponds with [Peter] Forsskål [(1732-1763), Swedish naturalist]; asks Smith to compile a list of rare and beautiful plants in return for a share of the seeds, had hoped to send list from [Peter Simon Pallas'] "Flora Rossica", particularly 'Rhododendron'. Much hampered by his mother's conduct but sale of the timber prevented by an injunction. Has heard from his sister, Charlotte; she and Mrs Kindersley both well and there is an addition to the family, she was going to Baughlepoor.