Thanks for Smith's letter of 28 [January 1793], apologises for being a "troublesome correspondent". Desires Smith to compare [Sir Joseph] Bank's copy of Hedwig's ["Descriptio et adumbratio microscopico-analytica muscorum" (1787-1797)] with the one Haslock has for sale, and if satisfactory to purchase it for him. Directions for sending this and plates of L'Héritier's "Sertum Anglicum". His account with Smith. Pleased to hear that L'Héritier is to now focus exclusively on botany. He has given up on the French since they stepped over their own borders, even though they were provoked to it.

Asks Smith to show Dr [Thomas] Rackett the Linnaean shells.

Thanks for Bulliard's plates ["Histoire des champignons"]; comments on contents, including 'Clathus cancellatus' and 'Lycoperdon stellatum', which resembles his 'L. recolligens'. His fears that the "present horrible state of France would have put all literature out of the question" have not been realised. Wishes to know L'Héritier's role as a politician, believes he initially took an active part. Shocked by "murder of poor Louis" [Louis XVI (1774-1792), King of France], though it is a mercy for him considering his "uncertain situation". Sees no point in going to war and believes the country is averse to it, regardless of what ministers say.

Unable to provide Miss [Sarah Sophia] Banks [(1744-1818)] with Bungay tradesmen's halfpence as they were not produced on account of high cost. Thanks for lichen and 'Convallaria verticillata' specimens; has Smith's specimen of 'Pyrola uniflora' from Mount Cenis. Hopes to see Miss Lane's drawing of Smith at the exhibition in town; admires her drawing of Smith's eldest sister. Discusses further issues of Bulliard's plates, longs to see L'Héritier's "Geranium".

Requests Smith to add note to his account of 'Lycoperdon recolligens' [from paper on 'Lycoperdon'] to take in information from Bulliard. Does not expect to be at expense for the "Zoology & Botany of New Holland".

[Letter incomplete: lower half of second folio cropped, text immediately following interruption suggests this was the note on 'Lycoperdon recolligens']

Plant queries for second edition of "Florae Scandinaviae prodromus", including: 'Carex uliginosa' identified as 'Schoenus compressus' or 'Scirpus caricis'. Offers to send specimen of [Jakob] Ehrhart's grass figured in Smith's "Icones pictae". Disappointed by natural history content of [James] Bruce's [of Kinnaird (1730-1794), traveller in Africa] "Travels"; errors with discussion of cereals. Requests copy of "Linnean Transactions" vol 1.

Enquires after his old college acquaintances Smith, Dr Lubbock and Dr Saunders.

Sending parcels of dried plants, fruits, seeds, roots, shells and remains of snakes and birds. The snakes and birds, if they survive, and some of the bulbs, plants and seeds to be passed to Professor [Carl Peter] Thunberg and a separate parcel to Dr [Olof] Swartz. By the same vessel has also sent plants, fruits and seeds to Sir Joseph Banks, [John] Sims and Mr Forster.