Congratulates Smith on his marriage, which he saw announced in the Times newspaper. Read [Eberhard August Wilhelm von] Zimmermann a long time ago but "with great pleasure" and asks if Smith knows Lavater's "Journal", printed for Cadell in two small volumes.

'Strelitzia' and 'Illicium floridanum' in fine flower, the first drawn by his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] "incomparably well". Gives directions for delivery of the insect cabinet Smith promised her. His friend [Robert] Liston [(1742-1836)] has also recently married "an old flame", has not heard if he brought him anything from Constantinople and he is now to be ambassador to America. During the dry and sharp weather he burnt some furze covered mountains; "one of the grandest sights I ever witnessed".

Arrangements for payment for china for Smith. Smith's wife a "fine lady" in contrast to "most ridiculous account" sent him of a near relation of his at the opera, who most resembled a "Lamia or Sphinx". Asks if Smith has seen [Richard Payne] Knight's [(1750-1824), classicist] poem and Cumberland's account of Hafod.

"Curious golden ornaments" recently ploughed up at Dolecathy [near Hafod] and uncertain whether they are Roman or religious ornaments of ancestors. Sent Sir Jospeh Banks a "most exact drawing" of them by Trossavelli, and his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] will send Smith copy by same. Mariamne has "succeeded most surprisingly" in drawing 'Strelitzia' from nature for Smith, she also has one for Dr [James] Anderson.