Thanks Smith for information on 'Arenaria rubra' and seeds of the '[Aloexylum] agallochum', though her gardener does not think it will survive without a hothouse. Invites Smith to visit. If she can get a frank will enclose a plant from Mr Hempsted, a botanist friend who is currently staying.

Thanks Smith for acknowledging receipt of two copies of his "Hortus Botanicus". Answers Smith's query on what genus the "Cunep" is, which he finds noted as 'Melicocca bijuga', or Canep Honey Berry.

Sending his "Monography of the genus Callitriche" in addition to the "Description of a new species of Echeneis" sent with his last letter. Asks to be informed of recent botanical and zoological developments in England and Europe, including the publications of [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon and [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow, "Hortus Kewensis", and Smith's "Flora Britannica" and "Flora Graeca". Details of his own intended publications "General generic criticism; or alphabetical criticism of all the generic names of botany & zoology" and "Order of plants". Impossibility of publishing in Sicily.

Thanks for seeds, delayed by [Friedrich Traugott] Pursh's printing of "Flora Americana". [Robert] Brown to visit before going onto Oxford, also visited by Sir George Staunton and [Thomas] Hardwicke. Comments on Smith's 'Magnolia' article in Rees' "Cyclopedia", has two drawings of Plumier's 'Magnolia'. Sends specimens of 'Silene' from Dover, [Kent], for Smith's opinion.

Lady Essex has taken up botany. He has never had so many new plants from foreign seeds, including Mexico. Much amused by second volume of Clark, though laments meddling of the booksellers.

["Spec 14" written in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

At [Thomas William] Coke's request encourages Roscoe to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]; describes the delights there including pictures, statues, books, drawings, manuscripts, and prints. Anxious for Coke and Roscoe to become private and public friends, which would be valuable if Roscoe or his son became MP for Liverpool this year as rumoured. Additional incentives of Coke's farming skills and knowledge and visiting [the Smiths] in Norwich.

Comments on "most execrable" figure 'Fontinalis capillacea' in recent "English botany"; account of specimens growing in one of his fir plantations along with [William] Borrer's 'Rivularia verticillata' and suppositions by [Dawson] Turner and others.

[Spec 6 written in pencil on verso of first folio]

His concern for Smith's family and mother following a "calamity" and "insane" conduct of a Russian. Held a dinner at Liverpool for [Henry Peter] Brougham [first Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868), lord chancellor, at this time prospective MP for Liverpool]; the Lords present "spoke with great spirit" and letters from principal members of both Houses of Parliament were read; believes the meeting will draw connection between the "commercial & manufacturing interests & the nobility & great proprietors of the land" closer, which is essential for the prosperity and safety of the country. Quotes stanza from Thomas Gray's [(1716-1771), poet] poem "A Long Story" in declining Smith's invitation to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke].

Brief description of 'Gnaphalium sylvaticum' of "Flora Britannica" found whilst walking on an old moor "now unfortunately under the plough". Asks if he was correct regarding 'Astragalus campestris', and [George] Don's 'Carex nivalis'. International affairs: America's "avowed friendship for Buonaparte", Russia's retreat from the French, and Spain's lack of spirit after all the assistance Britain has given.

Warns Smith of the the propensity for botanists to feel slighted, citing examples of Hugh Davies versus [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist], and Stokes versus Goodenough, in informing Smith that it was not Edmund Goodenough but Revd Holmes of Peterhouse, Cambridge, who sent Smith 'Arctium bardana'. [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist] has found a wild simple-leaved ash in a hedge near Pilton, Devonshire, and she has taken measures to preserve it in its location. Does not approve of Smith's name 'Carex rariflora' as it is used for name of a variety of 'limosa', suggests 'nivalis' instead. Arrived in London last week, with gout, but his daughter, Maria, is not worse. Price of posting raised from 3 shillings to 6 shillings per mile for four horses. Dreads discussions about to take place in the new Parliament. Wonders what [Dawson] Turner's intentions are as he has not published anything of his "Fucus" for seven months.

Hopes to visit [Thomas William] Coke at Holkham, [Norfolk], in October after parliamentary election where they hope to return [Henry Peter] Brougham [first Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868), lord chancellor] and [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician]. Trearing his sprained knee with leeches and astringents, which will limit his outdoor pursuits but as Smith has no "voracious appetite" for this will be content with his company.

Looking forward to seeing Roscoe. Saw [Thomas William] Coke at Norwich Sessions Ball. William Smith won Norwich election; further details including failure of other party's "grossest avowed bribery" and changing candidates from Paterson to Harvey.

Plans for their visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]: proposes meeting Roscoe at Swaffham, [Norfolk], so they can arrive at Holkham together; his mother proposes that his sister, Mrs Martin, accompany Roscoe south before going onto Norwich; Dawson Turner will meet them at Holkham and they will also visit [Andrew] Fountaine at Narford, [Norfolk], to see his Raphael "pots & pans" and Italian manuscripts.

His sister Mrs Lloyd nearly well; he cares little for her husband. Recommends that Roscoe travels to Norfolk in his own chaise, as coaching across the country is "bad & tedious".

Sends new British plants for determination. Has heard through [Joseph] Sparshall that at least three people have died from eating poisonous fungi; frustrated that there is not "more Philanthropy shown on this head", suggests text for a handbill outlining dangers of 'Agaricus virosus'.

Prevented by his knee injury from joining Smith in his visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]; suggests postponing until spring. Mortified by Liverpool election result.

Pleased to hear Smith's health is so much reestablished. He made a botanical tour of North Wales in the summer and has expanded his collections of marine and alpine plants, intends to examine them on his return to Bath, [Somerset].

Asks after the remaining "Flora Anglica" ["Flora Britannica"]; "there are such fluctuations in the Syst[emati]c Arrang[emen]t that retard [Smith's] progess" he fears it will be long time, though completion of "English botany" will much improve their botanical libraries, though it must always have an occassional supplementary volume. Intends to start work on pocket edition of his "Illustrationes Theophrasti" this winter.

Disappointed by Roscoe's postponement of Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] visit and Liverpool election results; plans to devote himself to botany and hopes to see Roscoe at Holkham in the spring. His sorrow at Roscoe missing out on meeting Coke; praises his character. [Andrew] Fountaine has offered Roscoe the entire use of his Italian manuscripts copied at Florence, and opportunity to look over the finest collection of Raphael ware anywhere except at Loretto, [Italy].

Congratulates Macleay on the recovery of his daughter's health. Encloses paper received in a packet for Linnean Society. He is so "very pressed" by Rees' "Cyclopedia" and third part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" he is unable to do anything else, and has cancelled a trip to Holkham [Hall, home of Thomas William Coke]. William Smith to sleep here tonight after his election victory, "not so much that of a party man as a good man", both Norwich members now FLS [other member Charles Harvey].

Thanks [William George] Maton for prescription of "powdered chamomile flowers" for his autumnal headaches.

Encloses specimen of Smith's 'Rosa spinosissima var. pedunculis aculeatis' for possible inclusion in "English botany"; observations, including differences with 'R. spinosissima'. Asks if Smith ever received his specimen of 'Fontinalis falcata'.

[Olof] Swartz has informed him he has found specimen of a 'Pyrola' of Rivinus and has named it 'P. chlorantha'; has a specimen of this doubtful specimen in his herbarium, gathered in Durham.

Thanks for return of books and drawings. Ill-health prevented him from attending first Linnean Society meeting of the winter. Introduces Dr Heyne of the Madras establishment, a botanist. [William] Roxburgh "incessantly employed" in his botanical studies; recently acquired 'Strychnos colubrina'. Intends to return to India in the spring. Smith should expect "interesting botanical communications" from William Hunter, who accompanied the expedition to Java. Comments on Roxburgh's "clustered leaved" 'Pinus'.

His failing sight. Sends specimen of 'Fontinalis capillarca' to rectify his "former blunder"; apologises for his "censure" on [James] Sowerby. Discusses 'Sphagnum capillifolium'; observations.

Reply to Goodenough's letter dated 25 September 1812; will pacify Mr Holme's botanical pride, should it become necessary. Cannot change his name for 'Carex rariflora' as it is already printed in a current book, as well as it being difficult to find new names for so large a genus; Goodenough's suggestion of 'nivalis' is suitable to many exotic ones. [Dawson] Turner busy "being all things to all men & women", and printing a "Lichenographia Britannica" with [William] Borrer.

Discussion of domestic and international affairs: the new Parliament will not find their business easy; fears Britain will have to give up Spain; Britain making America a maritime power; sees comfort in Russia [Napoleon's failed invasion of Russia]. Received account from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Sir Joseph Banks: Lambert has found 'Carduus tuberosus', it is as obstinate a weed as '[Carduus] arvensis'. Smith intends to follow the the thirty-sixth, and final, volume of "English Botany" with the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica", and has finished the third part of "Florae Graecae Prodromus".