New year greetings, in Latin. Busy with his literary and business work, especially correcting and proof reading. Thanks for Smith's present of books of last year, delighted with Smith's "Tour of the Continent". Asks Smith to value works of Columna [Smith sent copies owned by Edmund Davall to Roscoe as a prospective buyer]. Smith should ask of Messrs Cadell and Davies a poem called "The Press", written by his printer, and published as a specimen of typography and to show the excellence of its mechanical execution and engravings.

Asks Smith to consult on possibilities of his 16 year old son, James, being placed with [Samuel] Taylor to learn practical farming. At [Liverpool Botanic Garden] two new houses have been completed and filled with plants and five more to be finished; [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator of the garden] says when complete it shall challenge "all the kingdom in point both of elegance & convenience".

Satisfied with the terms for placing his son, James, with the farmer [Samuel] Taylor. Sent his other son, Robert, to a public school at Macclesfield, [Cheshire], after to the "great terror of all the family" he had a "violent fit of Chemistry". Sends banknotes as payment for the "two rare works of Columna" sold by Smith. Pleased bust of Smith is liked as he greatly values the original model given him by [George] Bullock [(1783-1818), sculptor]. Reminds Smith of his promise to visit Liverpool again, and hopes Smith's work on a herbarium for Rocoe is progressing. Thanks for election as FLS. Offered some "very interesting" medals by Mr Stevenson.

"Unhinged" by his trip to London and return journey to Allerton [Hall, near Liverpool], where he enjoyed the "attractive company" of his friend [Henry] Fuseli [(1741-1825), painter]. Looking forward to Smith's planned trip to Liverpool next year. Received Smith's letter of 6 [June] containing parcel of Indian seeds collected by Captain [Thomas] Hardwicke. Hopes Smith has seen his son, James, at Norwich; asks his opinion of James' health.

Rejoices with Smith at "the happy event which has just taken place". Thanks Smith and his wife for the "kind & continued attention" they have shown James, his son, [studying under Samuel Taylor, farmer, in Norfolk]. Looking forward to seeing Smith in Liverpool and eulogises their friendship. Sends regards to Mrs [Susannah] Taylor and [William Fitt] Drake.

His joy at receiving a letter from Smith. Pleased Mrs [Pleasance] Smith recovered her health through sea-bathing; Liverpool is "the most frequented bathing place in the kingdom". All his Liverpool friends "charmed" with Mrs Martin [Smith's sister] but concerned she is walking too long. Flattered by Smith's proposal to dedicate "Exotic Botany" to him.

Responds to points in Smith's previous letter: has not seen Captain [Thomas] Hardwicke, though received seeds and letter from him; [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] sent Lady [Amelia] Hume plants two months ago, and she sent back specimen of 'Humea elegans'; Shepherd hopes to send Cooper cuttings of 20 kinds of 'Passiflora' in the spring, their collection has considerably increased; safely received parrot tulip roots; will soon send packet of seeds from the gardens; observed the "minute criticism" [of Smith's "Flora Britannica"] in the "Monthly Magazine" and agrees the author must be handled "with tenderness". His "[Life and Pontificate of] Leo [the Tenth]" [(1805)] in final parts of fourth volume. Ordered "Annals of Botany" with "Exotic Botany". Glad of progress in his son [James, placed with Norfolk farmer Samuel Taylor] and [William Fitt] Drake.