Glad that Smith has received "Hindoostan" [volumes one and two of "Outlines of the Globe"]. Complains of unfair treatment from the Linnean Society in their censuring him for profiting from his publications. Defends himself: states that he has never made a profit on his books, and has always kept back twenty copies of each run to gift; explains his finances; requests Smith to accept his voluntary resignation from the Society. His son David commanding corps of 100 men from the two parishes of their estate.

Thanks for Smith's "Tracts of Natural History", especially pleased with the account of [Conrad] Gesner [(1516-1565) Swiss naturalist]; discusses Gerard's death. Taking foxglove ['Digitalis'] for his anascara. Was introduced to Mrs Kindersley [a relation of Smith's] the last time he was at Bath, [Somersert]. Asks if Smith knows anyone who can give an account of the colours used in "Hindostan paintings", specifically if any are chemical.

Preparing a "Hindoostan" supplement [to volumes one and two of "Outlines of the Globe"] for publication in spring. Asks for an account of the Norwich shawl industry including materials and wools used.

Thanks Smith and [John] Harvey, [of Norwich, presumably for information on shawl industry]. Received news from the Lieutenant of [HMS] Canada of the victory at Lough Swilly, [Ireland, British defeat of a French fleet carrying members of the United Irishmen, plus troops, to assist in 1798 Irish rebellion against British rule]. Taking treatment of broom infused in gin for his anascara, description of its effect. Encloses extract from his intended "Hindoostan" supplement [to volumes one and two of "Outlines of the Globe"], "Of the shawl wool" [folio number 8.59].

A discharge from his leg has relieved his discomfort [from anascara]. Comments and questions on wool-bearing animals with references to his "History of quadrupeds" and "Arctic zoology", including: musk-ox; argali; broad tailed sheep; bearded sheep; caramanick sheep; Angora goat; shawl goat of Tibet, heard that Lord Egremont sells them [George O'Brien Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751-1837)]; camel; llama; and vicunna [vicugna].