Received Smith's letter of 8 April [1808]. His military duties prevent him from pursuing his natural history interests; does not expect to stay in India for any longer than two years after hopefully taking command of the Artillery-in-the-Field, based at Cawnpore. Thanks for Smith's "Physiology and System of Botany"; believes it will prove a valuable and useful work. [William] Roxburgh working on his book; his arranging of 'Monandria' given extra impetus by [William] Roscoe's paper on same in "Linnean Transactions" vol 8.

Mr Fleming unlikely to leave India this year. Expects [Francis] Buchanan to make considerable additions to ichtyology and ornithology. Hopes Smith's family recovered from their sickness. Criticises the "marauders in the field of science". Compliments to Sir Joseph Banks, [Thomas] Marsham, [Alexander] Macleay, and [William George] Maton. Encloses memoranda from Dr [William] Hunter [see RelatedMaterial below].