He has just acquired Professor Murray's herbarium, a "very rough collection" neither arranged or named; offers duplicates to Smith. Invites Smith to dinner. Encloses money, clearing his debt with Smith; thanks for the "very cheap supply of valuable works".

Busy with receipt of two mails from Jamaica. Has a "great respect" for the [banking] house Smith mentioned to him, which is a neighbour; does not hold the sins of their predecessors against them [in reference to slavery and planters]. Requests copies of Smith and Shaw's works ["Botany and Zoology of New Holland" (1793-1794)]. Informs Smith of 'Scutellaria minor' he found at Barnet, [Hertfordshire], for possible inclusion in "English botany".

Thanks for letter and East India seeds; offers to send plants to Smith's friends, particularly Lady [Amelia] Hume. Sent [James] Sowerby specimen of 'Metrosideros hispida' to draw and dry; observations, thinks it could be 'Eucalyptus'. His city honours [Alderman of London 1798-1803] a "sacrifice" to his conviction of the "serious nature of the times"; attacks those who "skulk" from their responsibilities.