Leaving for India soon. Has materials for a "Flora of Nepal": 114 drawings, mostly of orchids, and 1100-1200 specimens and descriptions, of which 800-900 are new, indexed according to Jussieu's arrangement. Also has 131 drawings of plants from Mysoor, many unknown or previously badly described, many descriptions and some specimens. Offers to entrust them to Smith if they would prove useful for publications.

Frustrated in his intentions to go India by the Chairman of the Court of Directors [Sir Francis Baring (1740-1810) 1st baronet] of the East India Company so is going to Scotland for three weeks. Hopes to meet Smith after to discuss arrangements for his Nepalese flora materials; proposes that Smith publish the drawings and full descriptions in his "Exotic Botany" and he will separately prepare a Prodroumus like [Carl Peter] Thunberg's "Flora Japponica". Has seen [Richard] Salisbury and his work, advises Smith not to embroil himself in a controversy.

Shall probably accompany the new Governor-General [Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 1st Earl of Minto (1751-1814)] to India. Pleased with commencement of his Nepalese flora in "the exotic plants" [probably "Exotic Botany"] but notes the incorrect spelling of his name. Asks Smith for [Amelia] Hume's assistance in soliciting [Jacob] Bosanquet [a director of East India Company] to forward his views on India.

Directs Smith to ask Sir A[braham] or Lady [Amelia] Hume to recommend him as a botanist to [Jacob] Bosanquet [a director of East India Company] and to solicit Bosanquet's assistance with promoting science in the Court [of Directors of the East India Company]. Approves of Smith naming 'Hatucona' after [William] Roscoe and compliments Roscoe's paper on 'Scitaminiae'. Recommends renaming 'Sussodia' if Smith is urgently looking to publish a 'Buchanania'. Recommends Smith reuse the name 'Colebrookia' on new genus in the order of 'Vitices'; laments barbarous nature of names.

The new Governor-General [Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 1st Earl of Minto (1751-1814)] not sailing before Christmas. Had hoped to visit Smith in Norwich but delayed in his attempts to be named [William] Roxburgh's successor in India by Roxburgh having pushed for his son's appointment instead. Asks Smith to obtain [Amelia] Hume's support "or at least her being quiet".

Thanks Smith for recommending him to [Amelia] Hume regarding campaign to be appointed William Roxburgh's successor [at Calcutta Botanic Garden] over Roxburgh's son and explains why "young Roxburgh" is not adequately qualified. Has started working on an index for his journal.