Thanks for Smith's letters of 8 and 24 [February], gave his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] the packet of seeds. Believes lawyers and liars are "one and the same". Has not read Mrs [Anna Letitia] Barbauld's [(1743-1825), poet and essayist] book yet. Second volume of his [Enguerrand de] Monstrelet [(1400-1453), French chronicler] translation printed up to second volume but other frustrations have delayed publication. Pleased with the books he recently acquired, including five Caxtons. Shall forward Smith's letter to Ireland.

Admires [William] Roscoe's pamphlet and thinks [William] Cobbett's [(1763-1835), political writer and farmer] answer "clumsy". Considering a high relief of a Phoenix and Cicero motto in restoration of his burnt down library. Visiting Hanbury Williams in Bath before going on to London, who informs him that his brother is about to marry Miss Cuyler, daughter of the late general; he will have £3000 in hand and as much in money on death of Mr Knight, whose name he will take. Requests seeds of the "single tree peony" from Lady [Amelia] Hume.

Working hard to finish his literary work and constantly writes six sheets a week in preparation for spending the whole of next year visiting in the north. Confident Hafod House will be rebuilt [following a fire] and ready for habitation next September. Has long admired Smith's "bishop" [probably Samuel Goodenough, Bishop of Carlisle] from his speech on the "Catholic question" as it "effectually cuts off any further preferment"._x000D_

Discusses Laing's book, which shocked him. Has been told that "old Rose" is answering Mr Fox's book, he thinks this is a folly. Sorry [Nathaniel Edward] Kindersley did not call on him when travelling through this part of the country. Thanks to [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician] they are all "vastly well", though Mrs Johnes caught cold at St Paul's, when the "grandest sight" he ever saw of "the Charity Children took place". Beddoes has been exceedingly ill. Reminds Smith of 'Paeonia' seeds of Lady [Amelia] Hume he thought he could acquire.