Received collection of plants from New South Wales, Australia, from Governor [Arthur] Philip [(1738-1814) first governor of New South Wales] including 'Metrosideros' and 'Melaleuca', offers to send them, they are not in "White's collection". Encloses 'Emobothrium' [Smith has annotated underneath "'myricifolium'"]. Also a parcel of New Zealand plants from Dusky Bay, most are Forster's, offers to send. Apparently training a young man in botany, he is currently learning French.

Letter of introduction for Buchanan's friend [John] Fleming [(1747-1829) physician, Indian Medical Service, Bengal] who is bringing a copy of Buchanan's manuscript on fish, asks Smith to advise and assist as to corrections and publication. Hoping to return to Calcutta soon, will try to send specimens collected from area of Mount Emodus.

Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery. A parcel sent has been sent for Smith by Adam Afzelius, containing: lichens; some other plants; a packet of plants from [Erik] Acharius; a copy of his paper on ferns from [Heinrich Adolph] Schrader's "Journal [of Botany]"; and a parcel to forward to [Dawson] Turner. Asks Smith's opinion of the roses he has cultivated [and sent specimens of]. [Georg] Wahlenberg [(1780-1851)] has returned from expedition to Nordcap, [Lapland], but forced to leave his collections at 71 degrees latitude until the spring, is now collating his observations: 30 to 40 new lichens, several other undetermined plants, and a new species of Hedwig's ['Arrhenapherum'] moss genus have been collected. His topographical observations are curious. Acharius' "Methodus Lichenum" now printing.

From consultation of Smith herbarium the 'Rosa' specimens sent by Swartz appear to be 'Rosa caesia', 'Rosa spinoissima n', 'Rosa multiflora', and 'Rosa arvensis', which were all acquired in 1803.

Has been busy with assizes and visits at home and abroad. Does not agree with Trafford's notion that Lord Moira [Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings (1754-1826)], is a "precox Chevalier", having heard he was "too great a Jobber for the Character, and it came from those who employed him". Reckons that if the newspaper reports are true, and that Napoleon believed [William] Windham [(1750-1810), politician] wished him assassinated, it shows him "a poor mind", and his recent manifesto to the Swiss "proves him a Tyrant". Had once thought Napoleon "great", but now finds "melancholy" that only one person in history has "voluntarily quitted absolute power uncontaminated, and the new world has the glory of it" [probably referring to George Washington (1732-1799), first President of the United States]. Supposes Napoleon's ambition can "never be glutted", expects him to make a formal complaint against the liberty of the English press. Discusses his becoming a printer and arrival of the press; shall shortly commence printing his Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler] and is not concerned by reviews or newspapers.

Reminds Smith of Sir Joseph [Banks'] "famous letter" to the member of the [French] Institute on his election and adds that Banks has written to a lady thanking her for sending him a "most nonsensical ode on the death of Dolomieu". Delighted with the naked barley [Thomas William] Coke gave him, which will be a benefit to this country.

Encloses letter proposing [Fielding Best] Fynney as FLS to be forwarded to [Alexander] Macleay and asks that Macleay meet with [Jonas] Dryander to discuss Fynney's literary merits.

Hopes complaint in Smith's face is better. [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855), naturalist] moving to Wales, believes it will delay his 'Conferva' book. Asks for publication date of fungi part of Smith's "Flora [Britannica]", as he intends to write his own remarks. Compliments [James] Sowerby's figures [in "Coloured figures of English fungi.."], letter-press not as good and he has figured same individual under different appearances several times. Recommends fungi books for Smith to borrow from Sowerby, including Butch, Bolton, [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon, Bulliard, and Schaeffer.

"Flora Londinensis" bought by Samuel Curtis, of the estate of William Curtis, his intentions unclear.

Glad to hear of Smith's improvement in health and offers his own "quack" remedy when himself recently afflicted with two similar cases himself of an infusion of dandelion roots. Has been informed by the Marquess of Huntly that there will be plenty of ptarmigan eggs next season if desired. Has acquired [George] Don a position at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, which will be of great service to [Daniel] Rutherford. Recently sent [James] Sowerby a new 'Clavaria' but he never writes. Offers to send Smith a recently found in seed 'Asperugo procumbens'.

Has come to England partly to see the Linnaean collections but frustrated by the distance Smith lives from London; sends five specimens for Smith's opinion that he would have consulted about in person if it was possible. Requests a specimen of 'Hypnum myosuroides'. Leaving England in a month to visit Morocco, from where he will attempt to reach the interior of Africa with Domingo Badia [Ali Bey al-Abbasi (1766-1818), Spanish explorer]; author of a plan for finding new discoveries in Africa commissioned by Spanish government. [Antonio José] Cavanilles hoped Clemente would be able to visit Smith, desirous of some remark if this is agreeable.

Smith has annotated "the lichens were 'pollinarius', 'subfuseus' on walls, 'vinellus', 'cerinus' & 'saxicola'" and one near 'paellus' which could not be determined.