Describes places of interest on the route from Stafford to Arley, including Coalbrook Dale, the China works at Coalport, and Mr Whitmore's grounds at Apley, in anticipation of imminent visit from the Smiths.

Thanks for seeds, intends to sow the perennials now so they survive the winter under shelter. Thanks for Smith's observations on his plants. Will ask Smith to acquire aquatic and bog plants for him later in the year. Hopes that the Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] will visit. News of learned societies: informed of Royal Society news by [Charles] Babbage [(1791-1871) mathematician], secretary to the "new Astronomical Society", [Annesley] believes this new society will injure the Royal Society; election of [Sir Humphry] Davy as Royal Society president not beneficial, comment on his wife; asks how the Duke of Somerset [Edward Adolphus Seymour] has offended the Horticultural Society. Received letter from [William] Roscoe. The ferns from Trinidad are growing in his garden. Anxious to hear from Dr [Nathaniel] Wallich as there is no news of the plants and seeds collected in the last survey of New Holland [Australia].

Repeats his requests for 'Stratiotes' and 'Butomus' for his "Naboths vineyard". Hopes to see the Smiths at Arley Hall in the summer. Pleased that Smith received specimens from [Nathaniel] Wallich, received a packet of seeds himself from Wallich but few have germinated, hopeful of mountain firs. Received seeds and bulbs, including 'Liliaciae', from north-east coast of Australia from his protegé. Has Australian shells for Lady Smith should they visit in the summer, and has installed a roaster in his garden to germinate tropical seeds.

Disappointed in receiving visits from Smith and Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]; latter's attendence at House of Lords did not produce the peace in Ireland anticipated. Received a box of Australian specimens, now with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert; half are for Smith. Asks Smith not to trouble himself about the aquatics. His new pit proficient at raising seeds; expects to show Smith new things from Australia, Nepal, and Brazil.

Thanks Lady Smith's brother for the barrel of 'Stratiotes' which are currently growing at "Naboth's vineyard". Anxious to procure 'Butomus' in the proper season. Improvements to his lower pond, has made room for aquatic and bog plants. Received another cargo of specimens from the New Holland [Australia] surveying ships, offers first choice of plants to Smith. Awaiting [Nathaniel] Wallich's promised bulbs but has received others from Trinidad and American seeds from Carr in Philadelphia. Believes he has grown three rhododendruns unknown to the traders from seeds imported by Fraser. Has shells from New Holland for Lady Smith. Hoping to acquire specimens from Madagascar via his brother-in-law, Colonel Macleod.

Suspects [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert of dissimulation over the account he gave Smith of the Australian specimens received and in Lambert's care; more were in flower than stated, has set some aside for Smith. Received many Australian bulbs via his gardener in London; shall send Smith seed of 'Silene'. Anticipates Smith's intended visit next summer; will keep duplicates of Australian shells for Lady [Pleasance] Smith. Received 'Butonuis' from [Alexander] Macleay; requests cuttings of rarer willows. Pleased with his improvements at Nabotts, intends it to be a repository for bog and aquatic plants.

[Letter incomplete: two-thirds of second folio cropped, unclear if any text other than valediction and signature lost]

Requests directions for his New Holland plants for Smith. Visiting his cousin, Sir George Cockburn.

Too busy to visit Smith in Norwich, [Norfolk], as intended. Sending Australian plants specimens; expects another cargo with the next ships. Would be delighted to meet [William] Roscoe.

Received small cargo of Australian plants; sending one of each kind for Smith. Hopes to meet Smith in London in the summer.

Glad Smith accepted the unscientific collection of Australian plants from a "young Lieutenant of the Royal Navy" despite their faults, the collection included shells for himself and insects for [Alexander] Macleay. Has further dried plants to send to Smith. Received plants from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert at Boyton. Bad weather, according to Herschel the next moon ought to be more favourable. Planning to visit Ireland in October for first time in five years. Received plants from Cordilleras, Trinidad, including the vegetable "arracacha", but has no guidance on growing it so keeping it in the hothouse. Expecting plants from [Nathaniel] Wallich including his whole collection of bulbs and 'Scitamineae', his [Annseley's] collections of both "now pretty rich". Gratified to receive seeds from Smith, especially as they had the Bishop of Norwich's [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] frank whom he believed was dead [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. His son Lord Valentia has become a "florist".