Note to accompany JG's manuscript [see JG's 1813-6-21].

Comments on decaying British domestic affairs. Deplores religion 'as established by law' in contrast with religion 'established by nature.' Has felt sombre lately. Comments on music as relief from mathematics.

He is busy with ordinations, confirmations, and visitations. Hopes Smith is well.

No summary available.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Anxious for Smith's success in campaign as he believes it would raise "recruits to the study of natural history". Thinks Smith will be successful judging by the conduct of the university in the case of the chemistry professor. Has heard nothing from the vice-chancellor regarding [Arthur] Biggs [(1765-1848)] appointment [as Cambridge Botanic Garden curator], fears he is ineffectual in offering advice to "alma mater".

Comments on unfortunately aristocratic world, JW's description of Hamlet, current investigations and perhaps too deep involvement in scientific pursuits. Is correcting friend's novel (The Victim of Villainy or Travelling Tetrahedrons). Asks JW to find mineralogical specimen.

Submits two papers from the delayed "Acta Gorenkenia" for "Linnean Transactions": Baron Marschall von Bieberstein's commentary on 'Serratula', and a communication by Mr Stevens, notes on plates and plants for latter.

No summary available.

Having "great hopes" of being elected Professor of Botany at Cambridge University, whenever [Thomas] Martyn sees a favourable moment to resign, he asks Macleay to enquire the method for applying for a knighthood, which he previously declined when pressed to upon by his Linnean friends. Would like to apply for the honour as president of the Linnean Society, and before the election of a professor is announced, so it does not seem on that account only. Intends to explain his "seeming inconsistency" at a Society Council when he comes to London.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. a 'Galium' he previously sent in 1810 and would like to be called 'G. rigidum'; 2. 'Galium perfectum' of "Flora Britannica"; 3. a nondescript 'Rosa', proposes name 'R. incana'; 4. a nondescript 'Poa'; 5. a nondescript 'Poa'; 6. an 'Anthoxanthum', if new proposes name 'A. alpinum' or 'A. longifolium'; 7. a 'Prunella', larger than 'P. vulgaris'; 8. a 'Pyrithrum' or 'Anthemis'; 9. a 'Hieracium', proposes name 'pubescens'; 10. 'Senecio lividus'; 11. 'Rosa gallina', requests confirmation; 12. an 'Adoxa', asks if different from 'A. moschatellina'; 13. a 'Pyrola', proposes name 'P. alpina'.

Thanks for the criticism [see JG's 1813-6-21]; is considering publication.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. a 'Cercia' gathered in shade of Clova mountain; 2. a 'Pyrethrum', new species found some years ago; 3. a nondescript 'Epilobium' from River Novan; 4. 'Chaerophyllum aromaticum' sent two years ago, discovered by River [indecipherable]; 5. a 'Mentha' possibly variety of 'M. arvensis, proposes name 'M. alpina'; 6. nondescript 'Hieracium' discovered Clova 1812, proposes name 'H. viridiflorum'; 7. a 'Hieracium', same as specimen 3 sent 23 June 1813.

Wishes Smith success in his Cambridge candidature [to become professor of botany]; has written to [William] Smyth [(1765-1849)], the history professor, in support of Smith. Remains lame but his sciatica pain reduced. Praises Smith's "New Doctors" song and epigram on Holkham. Fears they will not meet this year. Spending a few days at his Moss farm; recently sold 1000 acres to Willis Earle, and his son, James, has undertaken a large lot; farming now become his chief business, pictures and other works of art his amusement, and abhors politics and seldom reads books.

Forwarding packets [from George Don], from his comfortable retreat; London much busier than usual this year. Comments on how "indefatigable" [George] Don is, "there is no end to his researches", and "would almost suspect that he had sowed seeds of foreigners". Thinks Don mistaken with his 'Anthoxanthum'.

Mr Holme has arrived here and brought 'Rosa rubella' of "English botany" and 'Cistus marifolius', Holme originally though latter was two species, 'C. marifolius' and C. polifolius'; observations on characteristics.

Sends unpublished monographia of 28 new species of 'Laurel' that he discovered and drew in South America. Asks Smith to review it and inform him of any deviations from Linnaeus' system. Offers to sell specimens. States he was in South America for 11 years, enduring tempests at Cape Horn and in the South Sea; the revolution of the Indians under "Tupac Amaro" [Túpac Amaru II (José Gabriel Túpac Amaru) (1742-1781) leader of an indigenous uprising in 1780 against the Spanish in Peru]; and "the bayonets of famous scholars" in Spain, namely Neron, Targuine, and Maguiable Bonaparte.

Two address labels addressed to Smith in English and Spanish.

Flattered that [William Jackson] Hooker has consented to the enclosed 'Jungermannia' being named after him ['J. hookeri'], hopes it will appear in "English botany" [Smith has noted "EB t.2555" on recto of second folio]; description, including habitat.

["Spec 18" written in pencil top of verso of first folio]

Regarding his new researches into the theory of determining functions from given conditions. The printing of his memoir is proceeding slowly.

Has had manuscript [see JG's 1813-7-14] privately printed with the title Crispin, only six copies and not for sale.

Introduces Charles Fueter; establishment of Local Bot. Gard. and Museum.

Butt puzzled by a 'Rubus' which grows in a nearby wood, gives descriptions in Latin of three varities and in English of his variety, which he thinks may be a hybrid of raspberry and blackberry, would like Smith's observations.