Begs for natural history news, especially of the new 'Carex' species discovered since he last wrote. Fears all are mistaken over his 'Carex fulva'; left specimens in all stages of growth at the Linnean Society for verification. Identifies himself as the one to ascertain [John] Lightfoot's 'Carex tomentosa' as Linnaeus' 'C. filiformis' after begging the Queen [Charlotte (1744-1818), wife of George III] to examine her herbarium for the purpose. D[awson] Turner insists on writing to him even after being informed that his neighbour [Thomas] Woodward knows as much [about 'Fucus'], Turner talks of a work on 'Fucus' but has urged him to a "tentamen confervarum". Is about to receive a French paper on the fructification of 'Confervae', will inform Smith of anything striking. Deterred from visiting London by the expensive accomodation.

Hopes Smith is recovered from illness which left him unable to read. Appointed Dean of Rochester and comfortably lodged, however, the town itself is "naval, military, & suited to the various business of a dockyard" and does not perceive much literature in the minor canons. Fears intellectual isolation but hopes to make an aquaintance with Mr Wrighte, foreign secretary of the Antiquary Society. Informed that the country about Rochester is well situated for botany but lacks the encouragement of a companion and discouraged by the "loose fellows from the navy and dockyard with their doxies". Thinks Smith's 'Carex [divisa]' is a good figure but wishes he consulted him first as he would have informed him of the variations caused by soil types, following observations on Isle of Sheppey. Thinks [William] Hudson in his first edition ["Flora Anglica"] took Smith's 'L. chrysophthalmus' for Linnaeus' 'juniperimus'. Asks Smith's opinion of [Thomas] Marsham's book ["Entomologia Britannica"]; thinks it "gives great consequence to English entomology". Greeting for the Bishop of Norwich [Charles Manners-Sutton (1755-1828)].