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Concerned over illness of William Herschel. Discusses 'Evolution of Curve Lines.' Describes [Christiaan] Huygens's terms for evolution of curves. Offers advice to avoid problems with them.

Would have complied with Smith's wishes relative to the new 'Liliaceous' genus but [Richard] Salisbury has published it in last number of "Paradisus Londinensis" as 'Hookera coronaria'; transcribes the entry.

Whilst suffering a severe attack of gout 3 years ago, was recommended the Kingslandian system by Colonel Montagu, but it seized his head and eye and led to further complications. Hopes to begin studying botany again this year. Sent [James] Sowerby specimen of 'Hyacinthus comosus' of Jacquin, wild in this county; observations. Unable to confirm if 'Cypripedium calecol' is a Berkshire plant; believes his friend may have been deceived by foliage of 'Orchis mascula'. An 'Alca aller' was shot inland in early November, by presence of which he portended a long or severe winter. Encloses paper by [James] Bicheno on "the sleep of plants" for Linnean Society.

Sends his promised paper [extant, extracted from "Monthly Magazine" May 1803]. Hopes he will be able to entertain Smith again soon.

"On the Use of the Words "Shall" and "Will", extracted from "Monthly Magazine" May 1803, 2pp.

Has looked over Governor [Philip Gidley] King's [(1758-1808)] plants from New Holland [Australia] and added 300 new species to his own collection. Has things to tell Smith about "a certain person". Mrs King has brought back a case of 6000 insects she intends to part with and a case of shells she means to keep.

Immersed in politics; his new pamphlet on proposals to open negotiations for peace in 1807 is currently printing [see RelatedMaterial below], it also contains a definitive answer to his critics. The mayor of Liverpool, a "bigotted & furious ministerialist", held a meeting "in commendation of the present men & measures" [in relation to the war with France]; he [Roscoe] opposed this and offered an opposing address which was "carried by a great majority", but the mayor carried the original address. Both addresses were presented to the public for signatures; his [Roscoe's] address "favourable to peace & moderation" gained almost 15,000 whilst the mayor's struggled for half that amount. The enraged opposition has been issuing handbills and anonymous letters; transcribes example of one sent to himself.

Recently sent [James] Sowerby a specimen of 'Canna latifolia' for "Exotic botany" but he had drawn it before; will soon send his thoughts on the genus. Urges Smith not to give up "Exotic botany", which could now be carried on in just the quatro edition. Thanks Frederick Smith [Smith's brother] for merino wool coat.

Dined with Sir Abraham and Amelia Hume. Apologises for the unintentional affront of giving a specimen to Andrews without realising Smith wanted it. Received collection of New Holland [Australia] specimens from the bursar of Governor [Philip Gidley] King's [(1758-1808)] ship including a 'Fabricia' in flower. Has set aside [Jacques-Julien de] Labillardière duplicates for Smith. Smith styled a "celebrated lecturer" in latest number of [Richard] Salisbury's "Parad[isus Londinensis]", hopes never again to have to entertain Salisbury or [William] Hooker [(1779-1832), botanical artist for "Paradisus Londinensis"].

Assured [Robert] Brown that Lady Essex has not grown the New Holland plants 'Corylus' and 'Psychilis' as evidenced from her gardener's ignorance and Hooker's continued misinformation [it was revealed that Salisbury had stolen drawings from Sir Joseph Banks and published them as his own]. Requests specimen of 'Juniperus oxycedrus' from [John] Sibthorp's collection as no one knows what it is. Received from Mr Hamilton specimen of the "Cedar of the Ancients" taken from the Acropolis in Athens, [Greece], appears to be 'Juniperus bermudiana' or 'Juniperus oxycedrus' of Hawkins. Speculates on Smith's future articles for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".

Had hoped to congratulate Goodenough in person on his appointment as Bishop of Carlisle at Linnean Society anniversary meeting but his wife and three servants have been suffering from "a sort of rheumatic epidemic" and so has delayed coming to London. The symptoms include intense pain in the back of the limbs, insomnia, and in some cases considerable emaciation and debility. Sending some Latin for "Flora Graeca" for Goodenough to correct. His sister in Liverpool invites Goodenough to stay on his way to Carlisle.

Asks Goodenough to frank an enclosed letter to John Hawkins, Dallington, near Northampton, [Northamptonshire].

Has dined several times with Sir Abraham and Amelia Hume, on the last occassion Lady de Clifford was there dividing a box of Cape bulbs. Hopes to see Smith's paper in tomorrow's "Monthly Magazine". [Richard Salisbury] "begins to expect there has [sic] been some enquiries about Lady Essex's nonentities"; he and [Robert] Brown now believe that Salisbury stole his figure of 'Byblis' from Sir Joseph [Banks'] [Salisbury had claimed that he figured the Australian plants 'Corylus', 'Psychilis', and others from Lady Essex's garden, who never had the plants].