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].

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.

His advocacy of abolition of the slave-trade proved unpopular in Liverpool, and a "very erroneous acc[oun]t from one of the London papers" was distributed in attempt to raise outrage against him; in retaliation a transcript of his speech arguing for gradual abolition was circulated, encloses copy for Smith. A meeting on abolition to be held tonight where Mr Windham is making a speech in favour of continuing the trade; thinks this is futile. Looking forward to Smith's arrival in London.

Printed address by Roscoe announcing his withdrawal as candidate for Liverpool at forthcoming parliamentary election. Lists achievements of the recently dissolved Parliament. Withdrawing due to the "general prejudice" he has met for his part in abolition of the slave trade, his difficulties in attempting to publically render an account of his conduct, and physical attacks on his supporters.

Printed by G F Harris.

Sorry he could not see Smith again before leaving London. Describes his return to Liverpool: express coaches were organised to hasten his return from London and he was welcomed into Liverpool by friends, though on reaching the Exchange a "scene took place" which he has described in the enclosed paper [extant - JES/COR/17/48] [Roscoe found himself in the centre of a riot orchestrated by local slave traders]. The election is to commence shortly and there are only two candidates, but he does not dare exposing himself and his friends to the to "public vengeance" directed against him.

Glad of Smith's good health; hopes he keeps out of aggravating London air. Defeated in Liverpool election "with about 400 single unsolicited votes"; blames the "great animosity" against him on account of the slave trade, suspects it is sometimes conveyed "in the more popular phrase of Church & King". Encloses an address on the matter; his friends insist there were irregularities in the poll but he is fed up of the "violence, abusy, & scrutiny" of elections.

Pleased to hear that Smith may be joining his mother on a visit to Mrs Martin [Smith's sister] in Liverpool. Relieved to be free of political life, especially as he has attained his "one great object", the abolition of the slave trade, and pleased to return to his botanical and poetical pursuits. Recommends [William] Wordsworth's [(1770-1850), poet] new poems, which he listens to "with a pleasure something like that of an infant to the prattle of an old woman", and are to be read in "listlessness & leisure".

Disappointed not to see Smith in Lancashire this year. Resolved to never stand as MP for Liverpool again. Will send Smith his notes on 'Canna'; pleased he is investigating 'Scitamineae', expects his own system to be overturned. Enjoyed and agrees with Smith's "grammatical paper about shall & will" [in October issue of the "Athenaeum"]. Pleased that publication of "Exotic botany" is proceeding; after seeing [James] Sowerby in London expected the quatro edition to be continued and the octavo given up.

John Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] has made valuable acquisitions from stoves and conservatories of London, including: Norfolk Island pine, multiple species of 'Banksia', several 'Nymphaea', hopefully 'Cyamus nelumbo', and many new Monandrian plants. Compliments both Mrs Smiths, Mr and Mrs James Taylor, and Dr [Henry] and Mrs Reeve.

Thanks for Smith's "Introdutcion to Botany"; praises the preface, Mr and Mrs Ratham have complimented it with "terms of the warmest approbation", and has already lent his copy to Mr Price, MP for Radnor, an amatuer botanist. Requests to be informed as soon as the herbarium Smith is preparing for Liverpool Botanic Garden is prepared; their finances are much improved and are nearly out of debt with an income of 900 guineas, aided by creation of 100 additional shares. Certain a second edition of Smith's new book will soon be demanded.