Praises Smith's "Exotic Botany"; flattered by the dedication. Criticises Smith for his treatment of "the poor snail" [Smith's response to criticism of his "Flora Britannica" in the "Monthly Magazine"] and thinks [William Fitt] Drake would have handled it better; applauds Drake's appearance in "Annals of Botany". Approves Smith's title page for "Flora Graeca". Saw Frederick Smith [Smith's brother] in Liverpool; looking forward to visit by Smith and Mrs [Pleasance] Smith.

Rejoices with Smith on the "happy events" [probably birth of a child to Smith's sister, Mrs Fanny Martin, resident in Liverpool] and was delighted to meet Mrs Smith [Smith's mother]. Has discussed Smith's upcoming Liverpool lectures with Mr Martin; anticipating Smith, Mrs [Pleasance] Smith, and [William Fitt] Drake's stay at Allerton. Admires plan and execution of Smith's "Exotic botany", but believes it needs better advertisement. Expects his "Leo" to be published in London in May.

Letter to Smith delayed by work and a feverish cold but has seen Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs Martin [Smith's sister], and their son. Subscription for Smith's Liverpool lectures has opened headed by Prince William Frederick [(1776-1834)], the Mayor, Dr Brandreth, and 30 more; confident the subscription will match or exceed the last course. His book "Leo" complete, gives his opinion of it.

Laments [James] Currie [(1756-1805), physician and author] and Clarke, who both died shortly after Smith left Liverpool. Remarks on positive change in character of his son, James, following his return to Allerton after long absence [training under Samuel Taylor of Norfolk, farmer]. Thanks for Smith's letter of observations and specimens; convinced his system will withstand criticism but has struggled to write dissertation on it.

Has learnt via [William Fitt] Drake that after receiving a "very violent" letter from [Richard] Salisbury, Smith has terminated all further intercourse; [Roscoe] glad Salisbury has shown himself publically, thus making the split justifiable and proper.

Reports on unexpected docking of "The Investigator" at Liverpool on way to Plymouth, and encounter with the two naturalists [Robert] Brown and [Ferdinand] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist]; their collections could not be opened or seen but informed they found only one Scitamineae, an 'Alpinia'. Smith has a start on them with "Exotic botany".

Postscript on left-hand side of verso of first folio: returns "valuable specimen" of the "Arur. Cardamom", keeping the other specimens for present.

Replies to Smith's letter of 20 November: yet to see the letters [copies of acrimonious correspondence sent between Richard Salisbury and Smith] but is glad to hear that Smith has acted with the "most decisive conduct" and believes the estrangement must be "absolute & total". [Robert] Brown and [Ferdinand] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist] do not feel threatened by Smith's "Exotic botany", though they were surprised on being shown the first numbers by [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden]. Prevented from sending Smith his dissertation on the "Monandrian plants".