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Introduces himself and his botanical work: has collected 1200 plants from the 10 sq miles of his neighbourhood, from which he is publishing an "Index florae Lancastriensis" in the third volume of the Transactions of the Philadelphia Philosophical Society. Is now making a full description of the indigenous plants of Pennslyvania in the fashion of [William] Withering, [John] Lightfoot, or [Carl Peter] Thunberg, but frustrated by his ignorance of which plants Linnaeus has already described. Received some assistance from [Johann Christian Daniel von] Schreber, now requests Smith's assitance after seeing him mentioned as holder of Linnaean collections by [Jonathan] Stokes in "Withering's Arranagement". Offers to send prepared specimens for Smith to confirm.

Received Smith's letter of 22 October [1792]. Comments on 'Convallaria verticillata' as being indigenous; sends specimens of the 'inculata' and 'alarise' submersed. Smith's information on 'Pyrola uniflora' new to him. Has found no further new Scottish plants but has found rare 'Astragalus uralensis', 'Orobus sylvaticus', 'Anagallis tenella', and 'Trientalis europaea', habitats detailed, which justify Smith's expectations of 'Linnaea borealis' being found.

Edinburgh Natural History Society continues to "flourish"; for some time "chemical pursuits" have engrossed the medical students, so a chemical paper is now also discussed weekly. News of Charles Stewart.

[Notes in pencil on recto of second folio on plants]

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Hopes Smith will be rewarded for his lectures at Frogmore [to the Queen and Princesses], as he has "empty praise enough from the literary world". Leaves the setting of 'Woodwardia' entirely to Smith, though worries Smith will be censured for bestowing more honour than his botanical labours deserve.

Discusses 'Fucus abrotanifolius' and the various specimens of it, in detail. Obstructions of certain people in bookseller chain regarding increase of price of "English botany". [Edward] Donovan's [(1768-1837), natural historian] book on insects "very neat", but unsure of its worth as its main authority is [John] Berkenhout [(1726-1791), physician and naturalist], "a very suspicious authority".

New plants discovered; 'Encelia'; sends specimens.

Received Smith's letter of May 1791 and "Reliquiae rudbeckianae" through [Carl Peter] Thunberg. Directions for Smith to acquire copy of his "Observationes botanicae". Thanks for Smith's observations on the 'Carex' specimens he sent, recently found the true 'Carex brizoides' which makes 'Carex hudsonii' a new species. Smith unanimously elected as a foreign member of Swedish Academy of Sciences. Asks if his 'Psychotria pavetta' is the same as 'Ixora americana' or 'Ixora alba' [Smith has annotated "no" against both], explains his doubts. Asks if Smith has had any news of [Adam] Afzelius in Sierra Leone, heard report of an attack on the settlement.

Smith elected to Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Praises Smith's work with Linnaean collections, acknowledging Smith has increased their strength, which Sweden might have struggled to do on its own.

Encloses paper on Sawfish [see RelatedMaterial below]. Notes on the paper, asks Smith to make any necessary corrections. Sends specimens for inspection, to be returned.

De Ratte, secretary of the Académie des Sciences of Montpellier, informs Smith he has been elected a Correspondent Member. Broussonet has appended his own communication.

His work on Pyrennean flora; asks for comparisons with Linnean herbarium, etc.

Sends plants by L'Heritier; flora of Barary; Anchusa.

Thanks for books. Sending a box of living plants and seeds. Praises Governor [John] Clarkson, who is returning to England, for his kindness to himself and [François] Borone in finding them "proper habitation". Will send dry plants, fruits, seeds and insects on the next sailing vessel for Smith and other friends.