Thanks for Smith's letter of 20 January [1797]; pleased to hear of Smith's successful move from Hammersmith, [Middlesex], to Norwich, [Norfolk]. Had a letter from [Samuel] Goodenough expressing his regret at Smith's removal from London and fears of it being injurious to the Linnean Society; he himself fears Smith's "uninterrupted literary leisure" at Norwich will prevent his visits to London being as frequent as the wellbeing of the Society requires. Plans for their visit to the Smiths in Norwich.

Glad to hear of hopes of favourable outcome for [Mariamne] Johnes' lameness. There is no "greater plague than the fancied discoveries of young botanists", in reference to "minute" specimens sent by Dawson Turner of several marine plants. Writer in the "Gentleman's Magazine" for December [1796] has proposed arranging 'Fucus' with the zoophytes; in response states that 'Fucus' are "really & truly vegetables, producing seeds", and [John] Stackhouse is currently engaged in experiment of raising the larger sort from seed, and expects to succeed.

Glad Smith likes [William] Withering's new edition [of "An arrangement of British plants"]; Withering is indebted to Smith and others for the improvements; Withering's "true spirit of candour". Surprised by Smith's objection to the alteration of the system; had idea that Smith entirely approved [Carl Peter] Thunberg's system and that he intended to adopt it for his "Flora [Britannica]". Curious to see [Archibald] Menzies', not [Adam] Afzelius', 'Fucus' specimens, one appears similar to his 'Ulva decorticata'.

Plans to visit Smith in Norwich on 3 July [1797]. Directions for copies of "Linnean Transactions" vol 3. Criticises comment made by [Samuel] Goodenough in preface to their paper on 'Fucus', printed in that volume. Wished he could have attended the anniversary meeting at the Crown & Anchor. Hopes to see [Thomas] Velley at Norwich, even though he is a "botanical bore". Encloses certificate nominating [Dawson] Turner as FLS.

They will arrive in Norwich on 17 [July 1797], notwithstanding any further obstacles. Thanks for account of 'Saxifraga', which [William] Withering requested him to enquire about, who wanted to know where [William] Hudson's 'S. caespitosa' was from. Thanks for 'Scirpus multicaulis', though as yet does not see it as being truly a 'Salisburia'. Many errors in printing of his and [Samuel] Goodenough's paper on 'Fucus' in "Linnean Transactions", blames Goodenough. Hopes to meet [Thomas] Velley when they come to Norwich.

Encloses certificate proposing Lord St John as FLS. Received visit from [Thomas] Velley; discussed his and [Samuel] Goodenough's joint paper on 'Fucus'. Praises second fasciculus of [John] Stackhouse's ["Nereis Britannica"], but criticises his plan to form several genera based on microscopic observations, as Hedwig did with mosses, as being too "minute & intricate for general observers"; his own proposed criteria for separating 'Fucus' genera. Chases up copies of his and Goodenough's paper and [James] Sowerby's "Fungi".

Replies to Smith's letter of 2 October [1797]. Account of Mrs Manning's [Woodward's mother-in-law] suspected severe inflammation of the lungs, which she overcame at age of 73. He has suffered attack of gout in his right hand. At Smith's request examined all his specimens of 'Bromus' and finds that a "ciliated" "inner value" appears in the "coarse, rough" species, but not 'B. giganteus', observations on this; also examined his 'Festuca' specimens for same; observations.

Sorry for "sad account" of Mariamne Johnes, hopes Smith's attendance on her will not incovenience him too much.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 4 November [1797]; pleased by account of favourable turn in [Mariamne] Johnes condition; recommends book just published in Paris detailing similar cases, "Observations sur la nature et sur le traitment du Rachitisme, pur M. Poral". Steady recovery of Mrs Manning [Woodward's mother-in-law], in spite of her old age.

Reexamined all his 'Bromus' specimens and found that 'B. erectus' is ciliated; notes on this. [John] Stackhouse has a new 'Medusa' for Smith, and a nondescript bird with description for Linnean Society [see RelatedMaterial below]. Glad Oxford has a professor "more liberal minded" than [John] Sibthorp; "mysteries & secrets in scientific matters never answer any other purpose than to hurt the character of the person who deals in them". Thinks the 'Tordglium maximum' and 'T. officinale' must be erroneous, knowing that the habitats given for them are the same place.