His shame at never accepting [Thomas William] Coke's invitations to Holkham, [Norfolk]; envious of his and [Andrew] Fountaine's "splendid collections"; will try to visit Smith soon but not this summer. He is recovering well thanks to Dr Darwin, and has not seen such a physician since [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician], "and he is more prudent".

Setting out for their new purchase in Langstone Cliffe Cottage, near Exmouth, Devon, some time next month. Frost and snow at Hafod but now thawing. Asks Smith to acquire a keg of cured herrings from Stiles of Norwich, [Norfolk], who cures them "superior to the Dutch"; he wants his countrymen to cure them the same way.

Received Smith's letter of 11 [June]. His enjoyment of this house; "it is really the nicest cradle for old age" and intends to spend winter here. Shortly returning to Hafod, [Cardiganshire]. Asks Smith to order "empyreumatic lignious acid" for him; anxious to try it on flesh and fish. Asks if Smith has seen Slater's "steam kitchen", "one of the cleverest and most useful inventions". Looking forward to Smth and [Thomas William] Coke's visit to Hafod; his high opinion of Coke. Smith's opinion that we may be near the end of the French Revolution is "very just", though not as near as the ministers think; French politics.

Confirms that it was his friend Merivale who wrote the verses for Miss [Mariamne] Johnes' epitaph [his daughter]; Merivale's character and other work. Dreads the effect of her memorial, to be erected shortly.