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Wentworth, Mary Watson- in correspondent 
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From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
10 Mar 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/108, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sorry she could not see Smith and [Adam] Afzelius before latter departs [for Sierra Leone], "there is something in the countenance & manner of that little man that shews a Goodness which interests very much ones good wishes"; hopes he will find "both advantage & satisfaction in his botanical researches". Asks Smith to pay Afzelius for works by [Carl Peter] Thunberg and ask whether they will be completed, and to give him ten guineas to purchase botanical materials as "a remembrance of Hillingdon [her home in Middlesex]". Disappointed in her recent change of servants; hopes Smith and the [Harvey] Spraggs will visit to revive her spirits.

An 'Atamasco' lily in flower in her room; thinks the drawing is not correct. Congratulates Smith on "all the honours & glories surrounding him". Smith very good to give up his François [Borone, who travelled to Sierra Leone with Afzelius as his botanical assistant].

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
26 May 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/109, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sorry to receive account of Smith's ill health. Made herself ill after staying at her house in Stratton Street, [London], and visiting the ill Mrs [Elizabeth] Weddell, who was much better and more composed than she expected. Hopes Smith enjoys his trip to Matlock, [Derbyshire], and [Richard] Salisbury.

Wishes Smith had sent a name for her 'Geranium', the seeds came from Captain Rhio via [Harvey] Spragg. Received Botany Bay seeds from Lady [Amelia] Hume and additional seeds from Governor [Arthur] Phillip [(1738-1814), first governer of New South Wales] via John King and [Sir Joseph] Banks; they were packed very badly. Asks if [John] White [(1757-1832), surgeon in New South Wales] is returning to England. Asks Smith to look again for drawing of Lord Charlemont's Room and the Epitaph she sent him. Smith can keep the Voltaire volumes for longer and she will read the sermons Smith speaks of if he leaves them at her London house.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
31 Aug 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/110, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks in advance for plants Smith sent from [Adam] Afzelius [in Sierra Leone], pleased to be "the first & best supply'd". Invites Smith and [Richard] Salisbury for brief visit on Sunday before they leave for Norwich, [Norfolk].

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
7 Oct 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/111, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Invites Smith to inspect the East India seeds Mr Molesworth is sending her and asks him to bring Molesworth so she can thank him for his "repeated remembrance of her plants". Her 'Portlandia' with 18 very large flowers and 22 buds, the plant still flourishes and nearly outgrowing the glass only recently raised over it. Offers the Botany Bay bird Smith said was unknown, to be figured.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
3 Mar 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/112, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks Smith for seeds from Sumatra and Sierra Leone. Sorrow at death of [William] Aiton [(1731-1793), director of Kew Gardens, 1759-1793]; his character.

Her 'Strelitzia' and an old 'Amarylis' no one knows anything of about to flower. Smith sent too many copies of his more books than she claimed: in addition to first large volume of his ["Icones] pictae [plantarum rariorum]". Has [William] Woodville's [(1752-1805), physician] work of medicinal plants ["Medical botany..."], it is beautifully coloured. Disordered by this week's tempestuous weather.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
23 Jun 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/113, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Suitable for Smith and his friend to visit on Tuesday, hopes they will also go to Bulstrode [Park, Buckinghamshire, home of Duke of Portland]. Will manage herself the arrangements for Governor [Arthur] Phillip [(1738-1814), first governer of New South Wales] to visit.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
1 Aug 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/114, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Her Sierra Leone bulbs are now in flower and invites Smith and [Jonas] Dryander to inspect them and [James] Sowerby to draw them. She has been extremely ill but is now recovering.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
20 Aug 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/115, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sends specimens of 'Lagerstroemia' and 'Tamarindus'. Sorry Smith was away when four or five of her Sierra Leone bulbs came into flower; no one scientific saw them but [James] Sowerby took drawing and she hopes it can be ascertained whether they are 'Hamanthus' or 'Amaryllis', and if Sowerby can replicate the brilliant colour may be worth place in Smith's large work ["Icones pictae plantarum rariorum..."]. Recovered from her inflammatory fever and bilious complaints caused by intense hot weather, her family and labourers suffered the same.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
7 Sep 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/116, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Condolences on death of Smith's brother. Invites Smith and the Sierra Leone travellers [Adam Afzelius and François Borone] to visit when suitable. Another of her Sierra Leone bulbs is flowering. Sending Smith a "little pig" from her farm.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
7 Nov 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/117, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Offers her Westminster Hospital proxy to Smith's preferred candidate; her first consideration is to give it "for a person thoroughly qualified for the office". Her stomach complaints have been bad since visit by Smith and the [Harvey] Spraggs' but she is now taking a draught prescribed by Dr Freeman and hopes it will clear the "billious sort of obstruction". Sorry to hear that [Adam] Afzelius is returning to Africa but hopes it will advantageous for him, will send him dimensions of the matts she wanted made.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
15 Nov 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/118, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Filled in her Westminster Hospital proxy for Smith's candidate just before Mrs [Elizabeth] Weddell and [William Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl] Fitzwilliam [(1748-1833)] both solicited it for Mr Moore. Sent Smith flower of 'Malpighia'.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
24 Nov 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/119, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sends small specimen of new East India plant in flower, from seed, not like any 'Monandria' plant that Grieg, her gardener, has seen.

[Smith annotation: "'Lopezia'"]

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
26 Mar 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/120, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Confirms that her health has been bad since Smith's last visit but implores him and his three friends to still visit. Grieg, her gardener, has been confined for five weeks after injuring his leg climbing over a gate but has escaped fever and mortification. Her botanical zeal low recently. Prefers eating 'Convolvulus batatas' [sweet potato] to potatoes.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
2 Apr 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/121, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Apologises but will be too ill to receive Smith and his two friends on Saturday, though they should still visit on their way to Bulstrode [Park, Buckinghamshire, home of Duke of Portland]. Warns Smith that her garden is not currently looking its best.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
10 Apr 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/122, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Acknowledges Smith's postponement of his visit on account of her ill-health and hopes the next time he visits the [Harvey] Spraggs will be of the party. Grieg, her gardener, disappointed Smith did not come as he had got the plants in best order possible. Will send seeds.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
25 Oct 1796
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/123, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Her "very uncomfortable state of health" has caused her to neglect her friends but hopes to see Smith soon. Asked [John] White [(1757-1832), surgeon in New South Wales] to convey her regret at Smith's intention to move to Norwich, [Norfolk], and invites him to visit before he does so, though also accidently invited White when she would prefer Smith's conversation "without the company of a stranger". Belatedly congratulates Smith on his marriage.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
30 May 1797
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/124, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Disappointed not to see Smith before he left, especially as was in Windsor, [Berkshire]. Thanks Mrs Smith for Norfolk cakes and requests the recipe. Returns copies of Smith's "Spicilegium [botanicum]" and "[Icones] pictae [plantarum rarorium]" and requests others, and sends a Sierra Leone 'Amarylis' to be drawn by [James] Sowerby, requests the name. An exchange of fasciculi with set of late [Harvey] Spragg's.

Enquires after [John] White [(1757-1832), surgeon in New South Wales], Mrs [Elizabeth] Weddell reports that he "had got what he wished" although not sure what that is other than it being "ten shillings a day". Imagines White saw a lamentable scene at Portsmouth, [Hampshire]; she fears "all things are growing worse & worse". Wishes to subscribe to the work Smith mentioned.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
25 Nov 1797
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/125, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks for Smith's "rich cargo" of Norwich biscuits; uses them medicinally when she has a dry mouth and throat in the night. Smith's visit to Wales must have been "truly gratifying" on account of "being the means of restoring health to a beloved Daughter of a beloved Friend" [Mariamne Johnes, daughter of Thomas Johnes]. Invites Smith to visit on his return journey and details of the roads from Bath, [Somerset].

Apologises for not being able to send recipe for "those little cream cheeses". Her health better recently and freer from "those billious pains & sensations that are so tormenting both to the body & the mind".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
12 Aug 1798
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/126, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Asks Smith's opinion of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's new book ["Plantarum rariorum Horti Caesarei Schoenbrunnensis"] as whilst she is tempted by "so many beautiful lillys [sic]", price of 30 guineas for two volumes is "enormous" and whether he thinks it will be Jacquin's last work, in which case she would purchase it. Requests fresh supply of Smith's Norfolk buns as they check the spasmodic wind in her chest. Suffering from the extreme hot weather but her eyelids and incessant tear in her eye are better after Mr Phipps' application.

[Smith annotation: "I have only seen some plates of Jacquin's work, but I think you sh'd have it"]

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Mary Watson- Wentworth
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
28 Nov 1798
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/15/127, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Hopes Smith's health is as good as the last time she saw him. Sends gift of two Mortlock china tea-cups with Vatican borders, similar to those he admired of hers. Thanks for packet of seeds and box of biscuits. Her health varying but stomach complaints less severe.

Congratulates Smith that Admiral [Horatio] Nelson [(1758-1805)] is his countryman. Requests another box of biscuits.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London