Replies to Roscoe's letters of 15 November and 16 December. Disappointed not to see Roscoe this summer and impatient for Roscoe's notes on 'Canna' species. Last paper of second volume of "Exotic botany" published and hopes to settle a permanent plan for its continuation or a new one like it next spring. Has written papers on British 'Hieracium', "papilionaceous decandrous plants of New Holland", three diadelphous genera, and working on one on 'Arenaria' to resolve dearth of papers at Linnean Society meetings, which are otherwise "very fully" attended. Second parts of "Flora Graeca" and "Florae Graecae prodromus" ready for publication. Thanks for Roscoe's praise of his paper on "shall & will" [in October 1807 issue of the "Athenaeum"] and "Introduction to Botany"; half the edition is sold; will only correct a new edition.

Thanks for Roscoe's political pamphlet [on war with France, see RelatedMaterial below], which he agrees with entirely; further comments. Has completed 3000 species for Liverpool [Botanic Garden] herbarium. [Richard] Salisbury and Andrews, "a rogue & a fool, a happy conjunction!", have combined to criticise Roscoe's 'Scitamineae' principle. Has written to editor of the "Monthly Magazine" about [William Fordyce] Mavor [(1758-1837)], who wrote Botany Report for this month's issue, and who was rejected by Linnean Society; expects it will be published next month.

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.

Three pages of botanical notes on the different species of 'Canna', including 'C. indica', 'C. coccinca', 'C. pateus', 'C. lutea', 'C. latifolia', 'C. glauca', 'C. flaccida', 'C. angustifolia' Willdenow, 'C. juncea', with details of authorities, varieties, and publications.

Comments on criticism of his paper on 'Scitamineae' made by [Richard] Salisbury and Andrews in "Transactions"; the former spoke well of it except for the figure of 'Curcuma' but the latter was more rude with "much less reason".

Engrossed in politics and expecting to print new pamphlet shortly, but he does not enjoy it. Hopes Smith will establish "Exotic botany" properly; comments on its value as a "periodical vehicle for diffusing sound opinions & Linnaean principles, when they are so frequently disregarded or avowedly attacked", especially as "English botany" is finishing and never had a place for "more general observations"; believes that "heresies" in botany should be opposed by "orthodox doctrines", otherwise "the antipope Jussieu will dethrone our true Pontif Linnaeus"; criticism of Jussieu's system.

Visit by Mr and Mrs Martin [Smith's brother-in-law and sister] with "little Frederick"; pleased to hear Smith may visit Lancashire in near future.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 1 May. Thanks for Roscoe's notes on 'Canna', though there is not much new information; asks native country of Roscoe's 'Canna latifolia' and any authority used. Doubts whether [James] Sowerby will continue "Exotic botany" as it does not sell enough for a profit, though if he went on slowly it would pay. His work for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia" has increased and now includes the whole botanical part and biographies of botanists following death of [William] Wood; he has accepted as it sells 5000 copies and will help advance botany; he puts an "S" to articles he wishes to be responsible for.

New edition of his "Introduction to Botany" printing but has only made corrections. Intends to produce a new work called "Illustrations of Botany" with figures of new and interesting plants and genera, with possible chapter illustrating and criticising Jussieu's system. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" printing and will finish "Flora Britannica" this winter. As usual will spend September in Lowestoft, [Suffolk]. His health is good but has been anxious for Roscoe's sons' health. Forced to to give up his visit to Lancashire but hopeful for next year. Thanks for Roscoe's second pamphlet, admires the introduction but observes that recent events in Spain are unfavourable for Roscoe's ideas of peace, and "sickens at the old story of subsidising Austria & Co again!".

Discussion of toads: asks after Roscoe's tale of a "toad in a hole in a wall" having just read a similar account in Roesel [von Rosenhof's (1705-1759)] "Historia naturalis rariarum"; his own observations of three live natterjack toads in his possession, 'Bufo terrestius foetidus' of Roesel t24; [Thomas] Pennant's "British Zoology" quotes Sir Joseph Banks on natterjacks but not Roesel.

[Letter probably incomplete: text interrupted, no signature or valediction]

Offers to send specimens of four distinct species of 'Maranta' from Liverpool Botanic Garden, which with Jacquin's 'M. lutea' completes all he knows of the genus. Regrets cessation of "Exotic botany" not only for [James] Sowerby's "excellent" figures but for disseminating "true sound Linnean principles" at a time when they are attacked in other publications; convinced a quatro edition could be successful; Smith's "English botany" by far the "most scientific & perfect Flora in any language or country" but it is ending soon and "Exotic botany" would be more worthy of Smith's skills and more widely appreciated in other countries. Offers his opinions for Smith's proposed "Illustrations of Botany" and chapter on Jussieu's system.

Agrees with Smith that events in Spain have ruined all "ideas of peace" and any effect his pamphlet might have had on the public; criticises the triumphalism of the war party; believes Napoelon might have only attacked Spain as an additional point of offence against Britain; fears the consequences, either the further extension of his despotism, or a complete revulsion in the affairs of Europe. Glad of Smith's good health; describes bad health of his sons.

Recent social events in Liverpool. [Liverpool] Botanic Garden is "flourishing" and almost out of debt so can now make a final arrangement for Smith's duplicate Linnaean herbarium.

Replies to Roscoe's letter of 14 October. Asks Roscoe's experience of subscribing to Boydell's "Shakespeare" on behalf of his friend, Mr Ives of Catton, who has just been served a writ for £100._x000D_

Asks Roscoe to send, via his mother, any new or curious specimens of 'Maranta', 'Canna', or other 'Scitamineae'; has dried a large ['Canna'] Roscoe sent [James] Sowerby and also has 'lutea', 'flaccida' and scarlet one figured in [William] Curtis' "Botanical Magazine" but ignorant of the rest. Thanks for Roscoe's comments on "Exotic botany". Would encourge Roscoe to critique Jussieu's system, though not for the Linnean Society which is "wisely shy of professed controversy", but would appreciate it for his own book. First 3000 specimens of Liverpool [Botanic Garden] herbarium ready except for catalogue and packing._x000D_

His work on [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia": writes botanists' biographies and the physiological and most of the systematical botany, but only acknowledges the articles he thinks worth owning. Second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" nearly printed. Glad Roscoe saw his cousins, the Kindersleys. Laments "poor Rathbone's state".

Sending this letter with Smith's mother. Committee of Liverpool Botanic Garden has accepted Smith's offer of duplicate Linnaean herbarium. The same Committee also carried his other proposal to send John Bradbury on a botanical exploration of Louisiana and the great branches of the Mississippi for three years; he is to take his two sons of 21 or 22 years old, one to accompany him in his travels and the other to be at a garden in New Orleans cultivating the plants and sending them live to England; asks for Smith's advice to make the most of the opportunity, in return Bradbury will get Smith anything he wants from America. Bradbury leaving in two or three months.

Replies to Smith's letter of 17 November; he is in the same situation as Mr Ives respecting Boydell's Shakespeare; his experience._x000D_

[John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] is to supply Smith with specimens of all 'Canna' and 'Marauta' in [Liverpool Botanic] Garden; sends drawings of two 'Canna' and a 'Maranta arundinacea' with dissection of flower, to be returned._x000D_

Linnean Society right to avoid controversy, but the object of his enquiry would be to compare the [Linnaeus and Jussieu] systems and not to detract from their merits. His current interests, including acquisition of new prints and drawings, and perusal of works of Abate [Luigi] Lanzi [(1732-1810, Italian art historian], just returned by [Henry] Fuseli [(1741-1825), painter]. Intends to look at Smith's work for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia". Sorry to not have become better acquainted with the Kindersleys whilst they were in Lancashire.

About to send first 3000 specimens of his herbarium for Liverpool Botanic Garden. Glad to hear of [John] Bradbury's intended expedition [to study botany of Louisiana and the Mississippi]. Thanks [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] for specimens of 'Maranta' and the one seed; it is a difficult genus. George Don has found 'Hypericum barbatum' Jacquin "Florae Austriacae" t259 growing wild in Scotland, it will appear in February's "English botany" along with new 'Scirpus', new 'Potamogeton', and pretty new 'Equisetum'. Pleased to hear of Roscoe's work on Abate [Luigi] Lanzi [(1732-1810, Italian art historian].

Concerned for Rathbone's health. Asks Roscoe's opinion of ninth volume of "Linnean Transactions" and his paper on the vitellus [see RelatedMaterial below]. Comments on the "miserable" news from Spain; hopes the country will not be conquered in its mountains.