Thanks for Smith's letter of 22 September and basket of plants, they have the 'Corchorus' which is "very beautiful" and thrives well outside. Recently visited Weymouth, [Dorset], where they now intend to annually spend the spring months, the only unpleasant ones at Hafod. Regrets never having accepted [Thomas William] Coke and Smith's invitations to Norfolk. Expects his journeys to London to become less frequent in future.

Nothing can be done in Parliament, and the "late disgraceful business of the Princess [Charlotte] of Wales [(1796-1817)] has shown all parties in base colours"; thinks it is the fault of the "two great leaders" being taken away, dreads a "general crash".

Ill-use by his relations has left him anxious to dispose of the reversion of Hafod to some "rich man of taste". He has made so many improvements that Smith would not know the place.

[Note in pencil states that Johnes was 66 years old on 2 September 1813]

Anxious for Smith's success at Cambridge [candidature for Botany Professorship] and regrets inability to assist. Thinks it "very handsome" of the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University] to remain neutral, he is the only member of the royal family he feels attached to. His mother recently died, though she had long been lost to him through the "machinations & lies of others", and only found out accidently through an acquaintance, and not his family. Offers to try and acquire Welsh votes for Smith.

Does not think any minister will "dare to continue a war in support of the Bourbons", otherwise fears war at home, and comments on what a fall Napoleon has had. Thinks that Napoleon's brother Lucien "has chosen a wider plan"; hears great things of his poem "Charlemagne" and a female acquaintance of his is translating it into English. They had a wet autumn but now frost setting in.