Numbered observations on enclosed cryptogam specimens, several of which he thinks are common: 1. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y of 'commune'"]; 2. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "'gracile'"]; 3. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "very near 'commune', I should think it that but for the nodding capsules"]; 4. 'Polytrichum' [Smith annotation: "new - original 'strictum' of Banks"]; 5. 'Polytrichum hercynicum' [Smith annotation: "good"]; 6. 'Splachnum' resembling [James] Dickson's 'tenue' [Smith annotation: "true"] ; 7. 'Phascum' [specimen extant] [Smith annotation: "'patens'?"]; 8. 'Splachnum rogosum', previously sent to Dickson 9 and 4 years ago.

Numbered observations on enclosed plant specimens: 1. a new 'Elymus', proposes name 'E. alpinus' [Smith annotation: "surely only 'Triticum caninum' [...] Tis no 'Elymus', returned the specimen"]; 2. an 'Anthemis' which he calls 'A. hybrida'.

One specimen, labelled, "no.7 'Phascum patens'?"

Has sent some specimens for Smith's opinion, as well as the 'Orthotrichum piliferum', 'Saxifraga', and 'Potentilla' specimens he sent some time ago; would have sent the others before now but the death of his son, James Brodie Don, on 27 April "embarrassed" his feelings for some time.

As previously discussed he intends to publish a "Hortus Siccus", but after [James] Brodie pointed out the opposition he would likely face from [James] Dickson, has decided to only publish in Scotland; intends to publish 4 times a year containing 25 specimens, asks Smith to provide names of any interested parties.

Unable to assist Dr [George] Williams of Oxford in election as his brother's vote is the only one in his influence and he is too warmly engaged in politics to quit his post and only visits Oxford in October to attend the All Souls election.

Does not intend to visit London this year; his family's arrangements for summer. Sent his 'Confervae' drawings to [James] Sowerby but judging by his figure of 'Conferva rubra' fears he will not profit by them; lists the figure's errors in figure and requests his drawings be sent to his brother. Not usually being here at this season was unaware of the destruction of pheasant eggs by carrion crows; they also take eggs and young chickens from his poultry yard.

Sends a sucking-pig to Smith for [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's table tomorrow and recommends that it is roasted whole, including head and not with "the limbs cut off, as is the fashion of some cooks to send them up". Thanks for "the rich present of bulbs" and asks that Smith's "young man" provides a list. Her Sierra Leone white lily now has six flowers and "is a great height & has a noble appearance". Gratified by the possibility of peace, which she credits the "eloquent display of the wise & honest sentiments of my friend Mr Fox" for.

Smith was kind to her dogs and they have tried the vitriol but they still scratch. Her health indifferent from spasms. Hopes Smith's eye will not suffer on his journey.

Pleased to receive letter from Smith. Smith's friend, Miss Colombine, situated in a worthy, respectable family, the Brigstockes; her misfortunes to be lamented. [Thomas] Johnes and [Mariamne] Johnes going on well. Smith must have heard much of 'Calx muriata' of Dr [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician]; he does not entirely subscribe to all he says of it.

Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 1. 'Sisymbrium tibliori' [Smith annotation: "'Sisymbrium monense' laid in"]; 2. 'Crataegus' [Smith annotation: "'Crataegus oxycantha' laid in]; 3. a 'Lichen' [Smith annotation: "new, laid into deal cabinet"]; 4. 'Crataegus' found with no.2 [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y"]; 5. 'Lolium hybridum', believes nondescript, sent to [James] Dickson 1795 [Smith annotation: "'L. arvense'"]; 6. 'Carex' [Smith annotation: "may be new 'C. salina' Sw[artz]"]; 7. 'Aira' differs from 'aquatica', like 'Poa retroflexo' [Smith annotation: "var[iet]y'].

Recently saw 'Assium petrafilium'. Observations on 'Valeriana pyrenaica', found 1782 and 1804. Will send a new 'Galium' and other things soon.

Pleased Smith's series of lectures in Liverpool has been confirmed; details, including acquisition of a room over the Union Coffee House, offers to supply Smith with any botanical works or specimens required over the course of the lectures, having the works of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin and the principle "Floras", and advertising by himself and Taylor.

Received Smith's letters of 27 January and 11 April, pleased that the parcel sent to Smith has arrived. Fears that the new war will impede their literary intercourse [resumption of war between Britain and France]. Has sent Smith and Sir Joseph Banks copies of Acharius' "Methodus lichenum". Congratulates Smith on acquisition of [Edmund] Davall's herbarium, will take up offer to send items from it, in particular Regnier's 'Polytrichum pulverulentum', and the roses.

Discussion of roses: thanks for Smith's observations on his roses ['Rosa caesia', 'R. spinoissima n', 'R. multiflora', and 'R. arvensis'], agrees that his 'Rosa arvensis' may be a different species but distinct from his 'R. canina' and 'R. collina', believes this is Jacquin's. Currently cultivating 30 rose species, requests ripe fruit of the 'R. arvensis' in the autumn.

Observations on enclosed specimen of 'Malaxis monophyllos' [in Smith herbarium], when it is found with two leaves it is 'Ophrys latifolia'. Will endeavour to acquire some of [Georg] Wahlenberg's [(1780-1851)] Lapland discoveries for Smith, remarks that he is a superior traveller to any other who have visited "those remote regions". Asks Smith's opinion of [Antonio] Cavanilles arrangement of filices. Has received letter from Cavanilles in which he states that he has discovered the true seeds of ferns and mosses, which shall overthrow [Johann] Hedwig's theory of the sexes.

Asks Brodie to put a new cover on this letter and forward to Dr [James Edward] Smith; contains new 'Brassica' which may be 'Sisymbrium tillieri' of [Carl] Willdenow.

Arriving in Liverpool by the end of the week. Thanks Roscoe for his patronage and is happy for him and Taylor to advertise the lectures though anxious for the first one to be held by end of June.

No summary available.

A letter from Sir James Edward Smith, Norwich, [Norfolk], to Étienne Pierre Ventenat

Encloses specimens of a rare 'Galium' and two 'Sagina'; observations. Observations on 'Poa alpina', 'Lolium arvensis', and 'Eriophorum alpinum' [Smith has annotated in margins]. Thanks Smith for introduction to [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet.

Separate note on specimen of 'Scirpus multicaulis' [specimen extant].

Approves of Pleasance's arrangements as to the cook, Betty Laws; a joke about her size confounding Bonaparte's invasion plans. Account of his journey from London to Liverpool, via Northampton, Lichfield, Stafford, and Chester. On arrival in Liverpool received by his old friend Thomas Taylor, where he is staying, with Taylor's nephew, Meadows. Refreshing air of Liverpool. Delighted with [William] Roscoe; opinion of his person and character. Promised 100 subscribers to his lectures, paying 2 guineas each; after journey expects to clear £180. Has spent £70 on books of [Edmund] Davall; his library sold "very cheap"; lists books purchased. Leaves it to Pleasance to decide on being godmother to "little Wilkinson", though he dislikes "such ties". [John] Koster, a friend of Correa's, thinks the war ill-judged, and that Correa was made insane by his persecutors in Lisbon. His lectures.

Has sent [James] Sowerby specimens of 'Ajuga pyramidalis' just received from Mr Gibb, gardener of Lord Seaforth. Certain that Smith will be happy in [William] Roscoe's company. Expecting his daughter-in-law and her family from India.

Shall try and come to Liverpool for a good proportion of the lectures. Tentatively invites Smith to Dublin for his own proposed course of lectures. Inclined to believe that Smith's library is "more choice and perfect" than Sir Joseph [Banks'] more extensive library. Not surprised that Smith's reputation attracted Madame Buonaparte's [Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763-1814) 1st wife of Napoleon Bonaparte] attention; would like to see the presents she sent him. Believes the war to be unjustifiable and that "England occasions inconvenience and embarrassment to every state in Europe".

Account of his Liverpool "adventures". Visited the Octagon Chapel, named after their own in Norwich; dined with [William] Roscoe at Allerton [Roscoe's home, near Liverpool], description of house, grounds, and family; visit to Dr Brandreth; visit to Mr Blundell and his Italian collections; dined with Dr Currie.

His lectures: has given two so far, attended by "all the beauty & fashion of the place, as well as by the learned"; William, [Smith's brother], surprised by his oratory, as he never aims at more than "plainness"; finances. Visiting [John] Koster, who was Consul at Lisbon, and was a great friend to Correa and Broussonet in their distresses; convinced the current war is "nearly certain ruin". His mother and Sarah happy at Blackheath.

[Smith's letter to Sowerby]: William Roscoe "as amiable & pleasant as he is accomplished & sensible". His lectures "brilliantly attended", nearly 120 people. His plans for returning to Norwich, [Norfolk]. Sends drawing of 'Hypericum androsaemum' intended for t1225, the first of vol 18 [of "English botany"]; discussion of subjects of next plates.

[Drake's letter to Sowerby]: Has promise of some good specimens of of Canal or Wigan coal but as yet unable to find anywhere selling snuffboxes or other made from this coal. Mineralogy "little pursued" here, doubts finding any collection of ores.

Invitation to visit Lord Derby [Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (1752-1834)] at Knowsley [Hall, near Liverpool] on Friday; preparations so they can leave directly after Smith's lecture. Does not dare ask if [William Fitt] Drake can be of the party, on account of Lady Derby's distress following death of her mother.

They can visit Lord Derby [Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (1752-1834)] at Knowsley [Hall, near Liverpool, Lancashire] on Saturday, instead of Friday, and [William Fitt] Drake now of the party.