Aware that his support for the "gradual abolition of the slave trade" could be misunderstood by his friends, but meant it to ensure the slaves' saftey and interests and not for the benefit of the merchants. Finds it inexplicable that William Smith has lost his Norwich seat, as "the slave trade is held in such general abhorence" there, and he has been one of its "most firm & active opponents". Admires Smith's [epithet] for Alderman Baseley and praises Smith's "excellent turn" for this kind of composition. Details printing for his paper on Scitamineae. Intends to see [James] Sowerby about "Exotic botany", which must not be discontinued. Found a "Flora Peruviana & Chilensis" in [Henry Richard Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron] Holland's [(1773-1840)] library containing figures of 'Canna', 'Costus', and 'Maruta', which he made copies of but forgot, and which confirm his and Smith's system [for determining 'Scitamineae' plants].

Asks Roscoe to visit [Alexander] Macleay at the Transport Office to settle urgent questions regarding his 'Scitamineae' paper waiting to be printed; the law only allows Roscoe twelve copies of the paper. Pleased that Roscoe is finding multiple confirmations of his system; resolves to obtain "Flora Peruviana". Hopes Roscoe will encourage [James] Sowerby, who is "in despair about the work" ["Exotic botany"]; the publishers Longman & Co. were to continue it but withdrew on finding the confusion surrounding it caused by Sowerby's poor business skills; [Smith] is keen for the final two parts of second volume to be published.

Informs Roscoe of how much he is "looked up to by the nation" on abolition of slavery, which is very popular with "all parties, clergy & dissenters, quakers, aristocrats & democrats, if good people", though some people fear Roscoe will compromise or fall short of expectations. Principle wish of the people is for "immediate abolition of the procurring slaves from Africa", and for emancipation to follow in time. Roscoe is taking a "decided lead" and it will lead him to greater political consequence as long as [William Wyndham] Grenville [1st Baron Grenville (1759-1834), prime minister 1806-1807] or another abolitionist does not take the glory. Invites Roscoe and family to Norwich for Easter.

Delayed in responding to Smith by "extreme hurry & agitation" of his new employment [MP for Liverpool], from which he feels a "depression of spirits". Corrected sheets of his 'Scitamineae' paper but was unable to include plants from [Henry Richard Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron] Holland's [(1773-1840)] copy of "Flora Peruviana".

Shares same sentiments as Smith on African slave trade and assures him he will not compromise; the bill is currently in the Lords, where if it passes its success in the Commons is guaranteed. Has not yet been able to visit [James] Sowerby. Unable to accept Smith's invite to Norwich as he must return to Lancashire.