A friend of Smith's desire for rearing birds from eggs and the known difficulties of transporting ptarmigan eggs for this purpose, will endeavour to procure some but recommends that they should travel by sea. At a loss as to how to procure black game [black grouse] for Smith as it is now so scarce in Scotland but recalls seeing "immense flocks" near Morpeth, Northumberland, in 1770.

Hopeful over the procurement of ptarmigan eggs for Smith's friend although there is conflicting advice on how to keep the suitable for incubation. Assured of British success in Egypt [to end French occupation] through information from the Russian Minister in Paris via Mr Lock and the French Administration via Mr Addington.