Smith's unpleasant journey to Sheffield, does not regret making the journey with him. Warns Smith against placing too much trust in the acquaintance he made in the coach, and not to overload himself with new acquaintances. His return journey. Fanny, [Smith's sister], unwell on his return. News of mutual friends including [John] Pitchford, and [James] Crowe.

Pleased to hear of Smith's successes in Edinburgh; his hopes for him, certain he will "shun the immoral & profane both from taste & principle". Warns Smith against "gaiety" of Lubbock. Discusses Smith's recommendations and practicalities of his education there. Approves of Smith hiring a Latin tutor; importance of Latin and Greek. Benefits gained from study of nature. Glad Smith has so many ladies in his acquaintance but warns him against becoming distracted from his studies.

Smith's sister, Fanny, had a fever but now recovered and Nanny Cullyer, their last nursemaid, is dying from a putrid fever. Glad Smith met Lord Monboddo, usefulness of knowing such people. Reminds Smith not to press his stomach against the table when writing. News of [Thomas] Woodward, and criticisms of Mrs Patterson. Effects of the Dutch War on trade.

Confident success of Smith's studies, acquaintances, and friendship with Dr [John] Hope will prevent him from being led astray by "bounders" or the "blandishments of beauty". In terms of medicine he is a "Brownist" and believes in keeping the body "braced" by cold immersions to keep it in health. Warns Smith to be wary of "strict friendships". News of Smith's brothers Richard and Francis. Decided not to re-let the College Farm at end of present lease on account of sadness of Smith being absent from the place he used to cultivate and botanise. Norwich news, including Mrs Patterson. Smith's sister, Esther, has been violently ill with a fever but now slowly recovering. Politics: news of election for sheriff, despair at state of the country. Admires the Scottish for their "zeal for the Protestant Religion" but thinks two sermons at a time "rather too much".

Received Smith's letter [of 31 December 1781]. Presumes Smith is developing his own "manners & carriage" from association with the genteel of Edinburgh. Congratulates Smith on his acquitting himself so well in dancing; they are relieved to hear he is not exhausting himself with study. Glad of Smith's acquaintance with [John Henry] Engelhart and that his other acquaintance [Lubbock] has improved. Norwich news, including recovery of health of Smith's sisters, Esther and Fanny.

Account of his journey occasioned by Tolson's "infamous conduct" [Tolson was apparently James Smith's journeyman]; difficulties of trade. Responds to Smith's letters of 22 January [1782] and 12 February [1782]. Amusements are part of Smith's education. Pleased by Smith's enquiries of his grandfather's last illness; opinions. Mr Matineau recommends Smith become a member of the Medical Society. Usefulness of Latin to compliment Smith's French and Italian.

Delighted at Smith's speaking at Medical Society; encouragement. Dr Martineau thinks it better Smith does not attend apothecary's shop where he intends to settle down and to go to London before taking his degree. Encourages Smith's mixing with genteel society to give him a "polish". His friends all impressed with Smith's letters. His current trade accounts. Hopes change in government and ending of wars with America and Europe will improve conditions. Fears for sugar trade. Norwich news and winter weather. Discusses change of Ministers. Progress of Smith's brother, Richard. Skillful business conduct of Smith's brother. The family's evening conduct. Defends his use of the "out of fashion term", "loving".

Pleased to hear of recovery in Smith's health and grateful he is inclined towards virtue. Patterson was previously wounded by a gentleman at Colchester who thought him too intimate with his wife, whilst apprentice to a surgeon. Their joy at Smith's Natural History Society. Approves of Smith's proposed Highland expedition. Smith much obliged to his aunt for introducing him to so many respectable friends and acquaintances. Warns Smith to take care of his heart "in the midst of so many agreeable young ladies". [William] Smith unaware of intention of Sheffield families to visit Norwich next year. Unable to visit Smith in Edinburgh this summer on account of business; details of this, including fears of Dutch invasion and his not desiring Smith's brothers to take on military careers. An influenza in London. Uncommonly cold and wet season, with flooded fields, so that people are anxious for grass crops for their cattle. Norwich news. Upturn in political situation.

May accompany Smith on a tour of Cumberland and Westmorland, "there is ever a degree of horror in the grand and majestic prospects of Nature in solitude". Glad both their spirits were better at their recent parting than on their first. Hopes for Smith's future career and success. Account of his journey from Halifax, [Yorkshire], to Norwich, including trip to the theatre, where Frank [Smith's brother] "first saw a Montebank on the stage", disappointed by Lichfield, [Staffordshire], expectations of Birmingham, [Warwickshire] exceeded, ascended [John] Wyclif's [(d.1384), English theologian and reformer] pulpit at Lutterworth, [Leicestershire]. Norwich news.

Received Smith's letter of 6 August [1782]. Surprised to find that Dr Walker is a divine and not a physician. They hope Smith will win [John Hope's] Gold Medal [for best Scottish herbarium]. Norwich news. Francis, [Smith's brother], has left with Charles [as cloth journeymen], received letter from Ixworth, [Suffolk]; John, [Smith's brother], does not have same business aptitude. Does not want Smith to become proud or self-important. Mr Cooper is coming to Edinburgh, may call on Smith's assistance. Mr Masham observed that the oak leaves did not appear this year till 44 days later than in 1779.

Received Smith's letters of 19 and 29 August [1782]. Reiterates comments about Mr Cooper's arrival in Edinburgh; his inattention and incivility. Francis, [Smith's brother], has returned [from journeyman duties], trade has fallen off alarmingly. News of Norfolk friends.

Mr Cooper. [John] Pitchford has a "quire of Botany" to send Smith. Anxious queries of whether Smith's residence at Sheffield, [Yorkshire], "produced or discovered" anything intimate; warns him against engaging his affections until seeing something of the world. Norwich news. They have had large "fire & sky rockets" made on Mousehold Hill to answer some at Lowestoft, [Suffolk], and Yarmouth, [Norfolk]; hopes they are not in danger from the enemy. Shambles of Tom Day's dinner for his election to office of sheriff.

Mr Morgan's "appeal to the public" in response to Brand's letter. Details of parcel being sent to Smith. Mr Cooper to look Smith out; an agreeable companion for Smith, warns Smith not to become so used to his acquaintances that he does not keep other company, like English travellers abroad. Long discussion of consequences of Morgan's appeal. Pleased with Smith's letter to Mrs Pitchford, thinks a correspondence with her will introduce a familiar and gay style to his letter writing, the French habit. Mr Nouaille thinks Richard [Smith's brother] should be encouraged in his skill for drawings and become an architect or surveyor. Smith's aunt Kindersley's translation of a French essay. They have not heard of Smith's cousin in India [Nathaniel Kindersley]. Norwich news.

Received Smith's letter of 4 [January 1784]. Apologises for tone of his last letter, which he knew would give Smith pain, but felt compelled to write it for love of his family [on purchase of the Linnaean collections]. Believes it is out the reach of their abilities to attain the collections, especially considering the "no small non-inelegant house" required to house them, and the claims of the rest of his children. Pleased that Smith has consulted Dr Pictairn and other "judicious friends"on value.

Requests tubs of herrings for his friends. He is in London for arrival of his son's [James Edward Smith] purchase of the Linnaean collections and for placing his youngest son, Richard, with an architect. Confident of the collection's value. His hopes for Richard.

Received Smith's letters of 21 August and 13 September 1786. Hopes for personal and professional knowledge Smith will take from his tour; confident Smith will not waste his time, health, or money. His principle Italian correspondents for Smith to call upon. Cousin Thomas Wordsworth died recently. Dr Cooper struggling to find success. Pleasure of Smith's poetry. Detailed news of the Norwich election, including a riot. A fungus grew under the lilac tree, which under [John] Pitchford's advice they have buried in dry earth until Smith's return. News of the Lord Chancellor; in very bad health.

Recent letter exchanges. Extension of Smith's journey to include Rome and Naples, where he has letter of introduction to Sir William Hamilton [(1731-1803)], ambassador to Naples. Warns Smith against taking a boat from Marseilles to Genoa or Genoa to Naples, for fear of shipwrecks, pirates, and quarantines. Introductions for Genoa and Milan. Warns against dangers of Vesuvius, subterranean journies, and extravagant pursuits of curiosity.

Received Smith's letter of 18 [November 1786]; their delight at Smith's account of his travels. Sharp start to winter in northern Europe. Dr [John] Hope dead, succeeded by Dr Rutherford. Various enquiries after Smith's "Thesis"; [Nicholas] Gwyn praises the Latin. Norwich news. October issue of "Monthly Review" very high in its praise of Smith's last publication. Reported that convicts are not to be sent to Botany Bay as the country is so extensive it may prove "too big for control", so are sent to New Norfolk Island. Price of silk falling.

Their enjoyment of Smith's letters. Not sorry that Smith not "bit with Poetic Phrenzy" on his visit to Vaucluse, "no Muse rewards her Votaries so ill"; discusses this. Norwich news. Sending turkies to Sir Joseph Banks, thinks he expects a letter from Smith.

Received Smith's letters of 12 February and 5 March 1787. They enjoy Smith's letters but always worry for his health and safety. Account of his trip to London: visited Smith's Chelsea appartment and found all as it should be, paid Molly; Mrs Howorth showed him a letter from Smith; [Robert] Batty has vomited blood, his wife an "agreeable companion"; breakfasted with Sir Joseph Banks. Norwich news. Told that the road from Milan to Turin is in danger of "banditti"; urges caution. Smith's brother, Francis, is pursuing astronomy.

Received Smith's letters of 26 March and 11 April [1787]. Anxious for Smith's safety on account of the "jealous government" of Venice and "cut throats" of Lombardy; indebted to their Milan friends Messrs Malanot and Maghit for the kindnesses they showed Smith. Books received for Smith. Concern for his silk trade. Molly Standard [Smith's house attendant] is with child by the man who courted her; Smith's mother will either find someone new or have Molly return after she is better. Dispute between Sir Thomas Beevor and Mr Hobart.