Pleased [Thomas William] Coke is satisfied with the books he bought at sale of his collections, including particularly fine manuscript of the Bible, and the pitcures he bought are the "cream" of the collection; Hargreaves has made a miniature copy of the "Head of Christ" by Leonardo da Vinci. Keen to meet Smith at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]. Congratulates Mr and Mrs Reeve. His daughter, Jane, recovering but still source of anxiety.

[Letter incomplete: first folio cropped, presumed destroyed]

Thanks for Smith's congratulations and refers him to Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law] for all information on subject [presumably a recovery in his affairs]. A reconciliation has occured between them and their friends at Greenbank, renewing friendship of 30 years.

Everything Smith said of [Thomas William Coke] has been fulfilled, and still hopes to meet Smith at Holkham, [Norfolk, Coke's home]. His studies and pursuits have been interrupted by the dispersal of his library, though he has long suspected that collecting literary and artistic curiosities has an unfavourable effect on original efforts, and now plans to focus on several unfinished labours.

Pleased by addition Smith has made to the [Liverpool Botanic Garden] herbarium. A Botanic Garden in Glasgow is on the verge of being established, with a public subscription of £4000 to be raised, to which the College has given £2000; delighted by spread of botanic gardens to large towns and considers possibility of same in Norwich. Thanks for gift of Smith's "Compendium [florae Britannicae]"; keen to see his "historical & critical" article in [Rees'] "Encyclopedia".

[Robert] Southey [(1774-1843), poet and reviewer] is a "miserable figure" and unsure whether his letter to [William] Smith "excites more pity or disgust" [after Smith made critical remarks on Southey's youthful play "Wat Tyler", which had just been published against his will]; the world "too indulgent" of "these converts who play tricks with their personal identity"; praises Smith's rebuke. His daughter Jane fully recovered.

Read Smith's dissertation on the present systems and state of botany with great pleasure and agrees with all his opinions; compliments the content and the style. He is still interested in debate over natural and artificial systems; wishes that Smith had written in in defence of Linnaeus in "Linnean Transactions". Smith's plant specimens [for Liverpool Botanic Garden] arrived in excellent condition and at a "very reasonable a price"; directions for Smith's payment. Wrote to [Thomas William] Coke on the spread of "the diabolical spirit" in the people of Norwich to "classes far above the mob", but certain that common sense will prevail. Concerned by Smith's report on Lord [Thomas, 1st Viscount Anson (1769-1818)] and Lady [Anne Margaret (1779-1843)] Anson. Mrs [Catherine] Lambert has given birth to a daughter and is in good health.

Establishing [Liverpool Royal] Institution at Liverpool for "education & lectures on a large scale embracing the whole circle of literature, science & the arts", with a proposed capital of £30,000, to which £22,000 is already subscribed, and a building with lecture, school, and exhibition rooms has been prepared, at cost of £10,000. He is to give an introductory lecture followed by courses by Dr [Thomas Stewart] Traill [(1781-1862), physician] and Dr Gose. Solicits Smith's future interest to hold a botanical course, though the financial incentive will not be great; proposed financing of lecture courses.

Opening of [Liverpool Royal] Institution and his Introductory Lecture delayed by the "awful calamity which has involved all the country" [probably death of Princess Charlotte (1796-1817), only child of the Prince Regent, on 6 November 1817, which led to widespread grief and mourning]. Hopes Smith has seen their Report. Discusses plans for appointment of a Classical tutor and asks for Smith's and Mr Valpy's opinions and recommendations; they are also planning a Mathematical School and discussing whether to nominate professors or obtain as and when the best instructors possible; offers any future botany nomination to Smith. The Botanic Garden is in "high condition" under [John] Shepherd's [(c 1764-1836)] care.

Sends copies of his discourse on opening of the Liverpool Royal Institution for distribution. Details of two courses of lectures by [Thomas Stewart] Traill [(1781-1862), physician], on natural history, and Mr Campbell, on ancient and modern literature, from January to May; invites Smith to lecture in June and July, depending on his engagements. Taking an active part in public concerns of the Institution as a "counterpoise" to his troublesome business matters.

Asks when Smith can visit Liverpool, as [Thomas Stewart] Traill [(1781-1862), physician] finishes his course this week and Mr Campbell is not free to lecture until latter end of June, so the interval time is free for Smith's lectures. Explains the lecturer's fees, which are based on two guineas for each subscriber, with a certain amount being guaranteed. Will endeavour to have Smith nominated Professor of Botany. His business affairs continue to improve and will soon be reestablished.

Read Smith's Cambridge pamphlet with "equal impatience & pleasure"; believes it will eventually gain him the position [of botany professor]. Transcribes notice for the "Liverpool Mercury" announcing Smith's upcoming course of lectures on botany and vegetable physiology at Liverpool Royal Institution; requests further details from Smith; the subscription for non-proprieters will be two guineas. Sorry to hear Lady [Pleasance] Smith will not be accompanying Smith to Liverpool.

Thanks for letters from Smith and William Smith regarding the sale of his picture collection; their purchase by the [Liverpool Royal] Institution is not yet settled but will take up William Smith's offer of assistance in selling them if they do not. Sending Smith a copy of his pamphlet and asks his opinion, which he implicitly relies on; defends himself against possible detractors.

Praises Smith's Cambridge pamphlet, which he thinks "unanswerable in argument" and will do much good; highlights chapter three and difficulty of explaining one's religious opinions, and Smith's defence of botany. After long debate it was decided to appoint permanent professors [to the Liverpool Royal Institution] and Smith was nominated professor of Botany, however there is no salary and renumeration based on arrangements made with the committee; requests Smith's repsonse. Thanks for Smith's letter and favourable opinion of his pamphlet. Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery and planned excursion with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert; asks Smith to recommend the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden to Lambert so they can acquire an off-shoot of his just-flowered Peruvian 'Canna [iridiflora]'. The Garden is setting up a hothouse entirely for 'Scitamineae', to be supplied by Dr [William] Carey [(1761-1834)] of Serampore, [India], and [Nathaniel] Wallich of Calcutta, [India].

[Note in Smith's hand] recording date of letter, "yes".

Business affairs keeping him very busy but keeping as clear as possible from politics, and is not attending this evening's meeting of the Liverpool Reformers to address the Prince Regent for reform; his literary undertakings have also been neglected. Following the receipt at the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden of many 'Scitamineae' plants from the East Indies he has begun reexamining the family; many are mentioned by [William] Roxburgh and are new to this country; convinced 'Canna' will expand from 12 to 20 distinct species. Hopes Smith enquired of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert about his '[Canna] iridiflora', still a desiderata for them.

Following study of 'Maranta' and Smith's article on 'Thalia' in [Abraham] Rees' "New Cyclopedia"drops his proposal of a new genus detached from 'Maranta' and concedes they all belong to 'Thalia', referring to 'Maranta casupo' and 'M. casupito' of Jacquin "Fragmenta Botanica" tab 63, 64, 69, 70; 'M. gracilis' and 'M. obliqua' of [Edward] Rudge; 'M. lutea' of Jacquin; and a plant in [Etienne Ventenat's] "Jardin de Malmaison".

Slow progress at the Liverpool Royal Institution but the classical and mathematical schools are respectable and a natural history collection is being established under [William] Swainson, who has promised a collection of insects, and they are hopeful for a course of botany lectures by Smith.

Sends collection of plants from the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden for use in Smith's lectures, and a small collection of duplicate 'Scitamineae' plants from [Nathaniel] Wallich, which have also been sent to Sir Joseph Banks, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, and [Edward] Rudge; includes 'Hedychium' and 'Roscoea'. He has been studying the former and with help of Smith's "Cyclopedia" article has made twelve distinct species, of which he will shortly send an account. Discusses Wallich's plants, some of which were unnamed, and from which he has identified four new species of 'Roscoea'. Glad Smith and Lady [Pleasance] Smith are to visit albeit for a short time, and will endeavour to make Smith's new appointment deserving of his acceptance [Professor of Botany at the Liverpool Royal Institution].

Condolences to Smith and Lady Smith on death of their "very near & dear relatives", including Smith's mother, draws comparison to [John] Fraser's [(c 1750-1811), botanist] death and Smith's contribution to the science of botany.

Has been extending and examining his collection of 'Scitamineae' with use of Smith's remarks in Rees' "New Cyclopedia", and living plants of the whole Indian family sent by Dr [William] Carey [(1761-1834)] and [Nathaniel] Wallich, the latter has also sent large chests of plants for the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden, just arrived. Lists plants he is anxious about, with Latin characters: 'Hedychium gardnerianum', 'Roscoea purpurea', 'Canna napalensis'; further notes on his arrangement of 'Curcuma', 'Hedychium', and 'Roscoea'. His business arrangements almost finally arranged but has not been able to escape unjust attacks from people wishing to take advantage.

Apologises for not being able to spend more time with Smith and Lady [Pleasance] Smith during their recent stay in Liverpool. About to move to St James's Mount and unsure what course his life will take but hopes it will be removed from "mercantile speculations or the squabbles & quibbles of lawyers". Comments on remarks made by the Chancellor respecting an incident involving his business troubles and an imminent change in law.

Responds to Smith's letter of from Arley Hall [28 July 1820] and thanks for introduction to Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley], whom he first met in London when they helped establish the African Institution. Comments on the curiousness of Mountnorris' East India 'Scitamineae' drawings of, particularly 'Zingiber'. Reminds Smith of a letter he previously wrote on genus 'Thalia', which is still in need of elucidation. Since Smith's departure 'Hedychium angustifolium' has flowered and 'Hedychium excelsum' is about to, and 'Alpinia mutica' for the first time in Britain. Tormented with rheumatism but intends to visit Norwich before winter.

Cataloguing the Holkham manuscripts [home of Thomas William Coke] taking longer than expected but has revealed the collection's importance; believes a published catalogue would be well received. Lady [Anne Margaret (1779-1843), née Coke] is making copies of some illuminations. Constant use of Codington's balsam has improved his rheumatism from when Smith was here. Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834)] and Duke of Sussex [Prince Augustus Frederick (1773-1843)] expected, current visitors include Sir Ronald Ferguson [(1773-1841), army officer and politician].

Postscript in margin of verso of first folio: beauty of the Coke ladies.

Nearly finished with his [cataloguing of Thomas William Coke's manuscript collection] at Holkham but thinks the project may have been beyond his capabilities. Ill-health caused the Duke of Sussex [Prince Augustus Frederick (1773-1843)] to defer his visit to Holkham. Dawson Turner visited and assisted with the manuscripts and has invited him to stay. Urges Smith not to invite too many people when he comes to Norwich as he is anxious for some rest following his two month stay at Holkham and the constant succession of guests. Mortal illness of Mrs Blackwell. Anxious about circumstances in Liverpool but confident he will not be called away.

Greatly pleased to meet Corrêa today at [Robert] Brown's but unsure whether he intends to visit Smith at Norwich even though Corrêa is to stay much longer than he expected. Had a "stout tug" with Brown on 'Scitamineae', particularly 'Thalia', but could not decide whether [Edward] Rudge's plants should be united with 'Maranta', 'Thalia', or form a new genus; discusses the new genus, 'Calathea', formed from 'Maranta casupo' Jacquin "Fragmenta [botanica]" in [Georg Friedrich Wilhelm] Meyer's new "[Primitiae] florae Essequeboensis".

Informed by Fanny Blackwell that her mother, Mrs Blackwell, is kept alive only by use of blisters; doubts her recovery. Lady [Anne Margaret] Anson's [(1779-1843)] daughter, Georgiana, has very ill but past the worst. Thanks the Smiths for their hospitality at Norwich.

Sending letter via Benson Rathbone. Forthcoming publications: publishing a 48 volume collection of the Italian poets with Mr Valpy, the London printer, discusses his ideas for the series; writing a life of [Alexander] Pope [(1688-1744), poet] and publishing a new edition of Pope's works with an association of London booksellers, a considerable labour considering the continuing debate as to his moral and poetical characters; adding an additional volume to his "Life of Lorenzo"; and his "Holkham Catalogue" [of manuscripts in library of Thomas William Coke].

'Hedychium excelsum' has flowered and a new species of 'Roscoea' sent as a species of 'Orchis' about to flower [at Liverpool Botanic Garden]; proposes name 'speciosa' or 'lucida', further remarks on the plant. Has made additions to genus 'Canna' and drawn up synoptical table of 20 species, and similar for 'Hedychium' and 'Curcuma' [for his "Monandrian plants of the order Scitamineae.."]. Thanks Smith for "Correspondence of Linnaeus & other Naturalists". Smith's anecdote about identity of the peach and nectarine reminds him of a similar confusion at Liverpool Botanic Garden where an unknown plant was distributed as 'Hedychium flavum' until it dramatically increased in size the following year and turned out to be 'H. coronarium'; [Roscoe has made a sketch of the flower, in ink].

Apologises to Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley] for detaining his 'Scitamineae' figures for so long; has made copies.

Taking up Smith's proposal of his going direct from London to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke], and visiting his friends at Norwich [Smith] and Yarmouth [Dawson Turner]. Publishing a vindication of himself. Failed to see Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley] at Sir George Cockburn's [10th baronet (1772-1853), naval commander]. Eager to finish his "wearisome task" in London; hopes it will answer purpose of showing [Jean Charles Léonard] de Sismondi [(1773-1842), historian and economist] in his "true light". Intends to finish his catalogue [of Holkham manuscripts] whilst there.