Notes publication of Smith's "Tracts"; reminds Smith of his request to always have one of the first impressions of his works.
No summary available.
His daughter [Mariamne Johnes] continues to be treated with blisters but they are causing more irritation than they should as Mr Williams is not attending them as he should, and she cannot wear the stays so cannot walk.
His anxiety over possibility of having to go to Ireland [Irish Rebellion of 1798] with his regiment, which offered to go without consulting him, an action he does not understand.
Apologises for not being able to send Yorkshire specimens of 'Saxifraga umbrosa', 'Carduus helenioides', and 'Rhodiola rosea'. Smith's "obliging letter" has led him to be so much more attentive to study of botany that he is to embark on a botanical excursion to Wales. Requests directions on procuring and preserving Lichens. Ponders the propriety of calling on Welsh botanists without formal introduction; would especially like to meet [John Wynne] Griffith [(1763-1834)] of Garn, Denbighshire.
Has not heard from Smith since 1796, uncertain if this is due to the turbulent times or if Smith is even alive. Receives curious plants from his botanic correspondents, believes many are unknown in Europe. His attempts at describing them hindered by inability to determine the trivial names without the Linnaean herbarium. Asks for Smith's observations on plants he has previously sent and asks permission to send more. Struggles with complexities of 'Carex', 'Asclepias', 'Vaccinium', 'Aster', 'Solidago', 'Viola', 'Salix', and 'Hedysarum'. Gives brief descriptions of local species of 'Vaccinium' he has already sent to help Smith determine the trivial name.
No summary available.
Still waiting to hear whether his regiment will go to Ireland, though as as the rebellion appears almost over hopes he will not have to. Expects Dr [David] Davies today for his daughter [Mariamne Johnes]; her blisters and general health "vastly well" but she has pains in her leg.
They now have much rain; "farmers are never satisfied". Has not yet read [Robert] Fellowe's [(1770-1847), philanthropist] book. Recommends Smith Smith read Lord Orford's [Horatio Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford (1717-1797)] correspondence; he will have "a great treat"; his opinion of them. Having just received his post finds that his regiment are preparing to embark for Ireland, but he cannot go for ten days and is much vexed.
Thanks for Smith's letter of 2 [July]. In great distress about his regiment: received letter from his Lieutenant-Colonel that out of 960 men only 300 would embark [for Ireland] and that out of the rest 200 mutinied on the march to Ormskirk, [Lancashire], at which point General Grinfield and garrison marched against them; many were in irons and tried by court martial but as yet does not know the result. Bad weather prevented several transports from making the crossing, and now after having commanded the regiment for 20 years must leave it disgraced, and blames vanity of Mr Ravenscroft for debacle for never sending him the proposal to go to Ireland to forward to the Duke [of York]. Confusion remains over whether the regiment will go or not.
Dr [David] Davies came last night; he thinks she [his daughter, Mariamne Johnes] is not worse. Recommends Smith read [Horatio] Walpole's [4th Earl of Orford (1717-1797)] correspondence.
No news on his regiment so his distress continues; hopeful that the detachment will be countermanded and that he will be able resign the first moment possible. Likes [Robert] Fellowe's [(1770-1847), philanthropist] book much, particulary on St Paul's epistles; has always regretted that the whole of "revealed religion was not simply confined to the four Gospels". The weather now very cold with heavy showers which is good for his turnips but not his hay. Received an excellent letter from Mr Galton mentioning Smith, will copy in his next letter.
Dr [David] Davies thinks his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] better; the tumour in her thigh has moved to under her stomach and now expects an abcess there; a young boy at Camarthen who also has curvature of the spine is to have a similar one opened today.
News; work hampered by the war.
Update on [Edmund] Davall's health, which has become more settled with only one partial attack in the last 13 weeks. Davall's physician has prescribed "pills of asafoetida" but finding them too heavy Clark suggetsed Davall take gentle doses of opiates to ease his irritability which also had the benefit of easing his constipation. With [Peter] Hubert has been correcting the paper on bees, comments that the style is heavily influenced by [René Antoine Ferchault de] Réaumur [(1683-1757) French scientist]. Comments on the pleasing appearance of the Alps now that the snow has melted. Is hopeful of obtaining a passport for France from Mr Pitch of Geneva, for which he wrote a piece on veterinary co[lleges] for the "Bibliotheque Brittanique". If disappointed shall return to England via Germany.
Reports on the rebellion in Ireland. Living in a state of siege in Dublin, a curfew is enforced and all of the avenues out of the city are secured with guards and palisades. A great force is collected, a "rabble undisciplined, without leaders of eminence or concerted plan", who will be suppressed, although it will require time. Reports on a small skirmish that took place on 9 July. Uncertain whether he saw death notice for [Nicholas] Gwyn. Botanical researches have been a solace during the rebellion. Is subscribing to [Robert John] Thornton's [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany] work ["A new illustration of the sexual system of Linnaeus"] but wary that it will not "advance knowledge or assist the novice sufficiently".
Still in Hafod, and as the rebellion [in Ireland] appears nearly finished intends to remain [his regiment had volunteered to tour there], and will try to resign without discredit. His daughter, Mariamne Johnes', health: Mr Abernethy writes that ascending of the tumour towards the belly is not as dangerous as its previous position; Johnes fears operation on similar tumour on a poor boy in Carmarthen has not been successful.
Transcribes extract from letter received from Mr Galton in which Galton states how he would like to see a "Tour of Wales" published by "so intelligent a man & so superior a Botanist as Dr Smith" and that with superior engravings the work would be a success, as "all the publications of [Thomas] Bewick's [(1753-1828), engraver and ornithologist] are instantly bought up & advance in value".
Daily expects Charlotte, [his sister], who has returned to England having "kicked down her bucket most foolishly indeed", so that it would not even "be believed in a Romance".
Account of Edmund Davall's illness.
Sending copies of his book ["Menthae Britannicae"] for Smith and [John] Pitchford; welcomes any observations. Unfortunately he received Smith's kind letter of previous year too late for him to alter any names. Hopes the mints ['Mentha'] he sent Smith are growing well; state of his own. Has sent for the Linnean Society's book of specimens to adjust and rectify them according to his new arrangements; alterations to names of his own collection of dried mints he previously sent Smith.
Comments on price of his book, a "rather hazardous publication". Defends his plates against accusations that they are only varities, insisting that they are permanent varities, having kept their distinction for 25 years.
Thanks for the two packets of seeds and letter; when he sold his property at Hayes he left his plant collection there, and is now renting a residence at Mortlake, [Surrey], on the banks of the Thames. Has given the seeds to Lady Aylesford [Louisa Finch, wife of Heneage Finch, 4th Earl of Aylesford (1751-1812)]; whilst visiting saw her "Hortus Pictus" of British plants, including 50 in her own hand; also saw Mr Griffiths, the cryptogamist of Snowdon, who brough 'Subularia acquatica'. The only new plant he has found in the summer is 'Serapias latifolia'.
Sorry not to see Smith during his Norfolk expedition. Asks after "Linnean Transactions" vol 4.
Thanks for letter and East India seeds; offers to send plants to Smith's friends, particularly Lady [Amelia] Hume. Sent [James] Sowerby specimen of 'Metrosideros hispida' to draw and dry; observations, thinks it could be 'Eucalyptus'. His city honours [Alderman of London 1798-1803] a "sacrifice" to his conviction of the "serious nature of the times"; attacks those who "skulk" from their responsibilities.
Fears that the packages from India he has sent by waggon may be damaged in transit. Detained in London by experiments with alloys at the Mint.
East India seeds received from [Robert] Brown are already growing. Found an undescribed 'Geranium sanguineum' very similar to 'Geranium lancastriense'. Has increased his collection of' 'Orchidiae'. 'Erica glutinosa' in flower in his garden. Seeds Smith sent are growing, including the supposed 'Adansonia', 'Supatrens calsamina', creepers, and the "Carica papaya". Description of two 'Sophora monosperma' he has raised. Requests that the genus similar to 'Dillenia' that Smith is to name after him be named 'Valentiana', asks if the disputed 'Dillenia indica' is of this new genus.
Has been collecting rare English maritime plants at Lymington, Hampshire, and Brownsea Island, Dorset; 'Inula cruthmoides', 'Ruppia maritima', 'Chironia pulchella', 'Chironia centaurium', 'Anthemis maritima', 'Beta maritima', 'Santolina maritima', 'Cheiranthus sinautus', 'Salosa kali', 'Pinguicula lusitanica', and a possible 'Schoenus longus'. Expecting 29,300 plants sent from Jamaica. Has been growing 'Sedum villosum' for three years, a "perfect perennial". Asks Smith to obtain living plants of 'Pulmonaria maritima' and 'Convolvulus soldanella', which grow on the Norfolk coast.