Prevented from immediately accepting Smith's proposal of a botanical excursion as he is waiting the arrival of his nephew Colonel Cockburn [Sir George Cockburn (1763–1847) army officer], to chaperone his female companions and has some business to conclude with Lord Bessborough [Frederick Ponsonby (1758-1844) 3rd Earl of Bessborough]. Turns down Smith's offer of accommodation, not wishing to intrude "in the first moments of so interesting an occasion as a marriage", will stay at an inn instead and shall travel by coach so as to be accompanied by [Nicholas] Gwyn. Trying to procure a tin box for plants.

Three small sketches of plants in ink and pencil on recto of second folio.

Invites Smith to accompany him with his nephew, Colonel Cockburn [Sir George Cockburn (1763–1847) army officer], to Jersey and Guernsey.

The proposed visit to Guernsey suspended as the War Office has ordered Colonel Cockburn's [Sir George Cockburn (1763–1847) army officer] regiment from Guernsey into camp at Netley, Hampshire. Intends to visit Smith in Norwich instead, as soon as possible. [Caspar von] Voght did not call on him.

Describes his return journey from Norwich to London, along the way saw 'Verbascum', '[Centaurea] cyanus, '[Centaurea] inlybus' and 'Echium'. Describes Thetford, Norfolk, and relates how a few days previous troops had been despatched on erroneous reports of a riot, and Epping Forest. The Guernsey expedition still in suspense. There is little news, with "no accounts being given of the Emigrants [it] looks unfavourably for them".

Had a good journey back to Dublin, relates his journey afterwards which was "altogether a Tragi-comedy", with one chaise falling apart and overturning and the horses of another refusing to move, meaning he had to walk five miles in a "storm of wind", believes it was the same night that did "such damage in England". Sends eight patterns for poplins, asks Smith to circulate them. Hopes Smith is comfortably settled in his "rural habitation". Hopes Smith did not forget to see the "engaging bird" at the Exeter Change, regardless of whether it is the 'Turdus nitens' or not. [Walter] Wade found 'Scilla verna' in abundance at the Giants Causeway and collected some roots.

Congratulates Smith on his upcoming marriage. Anxious that Smith may not have received the letter and patterns of poplins he sent. Comments on medals for Smith and [Thomas] Woodward. Relates the progress of a 'Datura' brought over from England which is now in blossom although has no scent. Did not realise that the "Flora Britannica" had already been begun, was hoping Smith would first complete the translation of the "Iter [Suecicus]" and hopes a map of the journey will accompany it, and the "Iter Lapponicum". Unsurprised by the bad harvest in England as "the weather till August was so wet and cold". Presumes Smith sees the Abbé Correa [José Francisco Corrêa de Serra], asks to be remembered to him.

The poplins, also known as tabinets, have been sent, discusses the order, fabrics, and arbitary nature of fashion, and sends an additional piece of "strip'd and spangled tabinet". Tells Smith to not bother getting franks for him as it causes more delay than it is worth. Reviews Thunberg's "Travels", finding most of it new to him not having read Kompter or [Peter] Kolben [(1675–1726) astronomer and traveller], but a particular grievance is with the paucity of attention given to 'Champaca' in fourth volume.