Sorry to hear Smith has been so ill. Re-elected member of Parliament, as was Mr Vaughan, so preventing "even a possibility of any disturbance in the county". Lists visitors to his house over summer.

Though Smith has let [William] Windham [(1750-1810), politician] know his sentiments "pretty clearly" does not approve of [William] Smith whom Smith exchanged for him, as he is "too much the opposite". Has no opinion of those politicians who under "pretence of patriotism or alarm would sacrifice every thing to their faction". Laments loss of friendship between himself and Windham since their school days. His wife and daughter [Mariamne Johnes] well and the latter grown so stout Smith would not know her, though "this sad weather" much against his "invalids".

Expects Dyke shortly to view the estate he intends to sell, which if sold near his expectations shall be a "made man". Asks how fearnoughts [thick woollen cloth for overcoats] are selling this year as if not too dear shall want some for his poor people.

Has been busy with assizes and visits at home and abroad. Does not agree with Trafford's notion that Lord Moira [Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings (1754-1826)], is a "precox Chevalier", having heard he was "too great a Jobber for the Character, and it came from those who employed him". Reckons that if the newspaper reports are true, and that Napoleon believed [William] Windham [(1750-1810), politician] wished him assassinated, it shows him "a poor mind", and his recent manifesto to the Swiss "proves him a Tyrant". Had once thought Napoleon "great", but now finds "melancholy" that only one person in history has "voluntarily quitted absolute power uncontaminated, and the new world has the glory of it" [probably referring to George Washington (1732-1799), first President of the United States]. Supposes Napoleon's ambition can "never be glutted", expects him to make a formal complaint against the liberty of the English press. Discusses his becoming a printer and arrival of the press; shall shortly commence printing his Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler] and is not concerned by reviews or newspapers.

Reminds Smith of Sir Joseph [Banks'] "famous letter" to the member of the [French] Institute on his election and adds that Banks has written to a lady thanking her for sending him a "most nonsensical ode on the death of Dolomieu". Delighted with the naked barley [Thomas William] Coke gave him, which will be a benefit to this country.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 24 November and encloses root of "this famous plant". Autumn has been "delightful" in every respect. Believes the French paper Sir Joseph [Banks'] letter was in may have been the "decade Philosoplique". Congratulates Smith on acquisition of the herbarium. Asks if there is a plant in Sweden called "Okenberg", which he spells from Lactoenage's "Romende en Suede & Norwegn", which is said to be delicious but only grows in northern latitudes.

They are in good health. Had formed a plan to take [his daughter, Mariamne Johnes], to London and then France and Holland to visit his friend Liston this spring, but she has requested to delay it a year so as to improve herself and grow taller.