Account of his attempts to clear the Salisbury-Smith dispute whilst sitting as vice-president at Linnean Society: [William George] Maton excused himself from allowing Salisbury's pamphlet ["Generic characters of English Botany"] into the Linnean Society by pleading ignorance; told Salisbury at Sir Joseph Banks' that he was wrong to make the Linnean Society the arena for his and Smith's dispute and that the pamphlet should be withdrawn, to which he initially agreed and then reneged, Salisbury then gave him the roots of 'Crocus aureus' and seeds of a 'Dahlia'; attempted expunge the pamphlet from the Society with a Council but could not form one; [Alexander] Macleay has left the pamphlet out of the list of donations to the Society. Sorry to see that Salisbury has so many papers in the new "Linnean Transactions" volume but enjoyed [Thomas] Rackett and Maton's paper on British shells.

Was in London "when the explosion took place with respect to the late Ministers" [the "Ministry of All the Talents", a national unity government which was formed in February 1806 and broke up in March 1807 over Catholic Emancipation], the King [George III (1738-1820)] is "conscientious on the matter" and "would die before he consented to the giving of power to the R[oman] Catholics". [Jonas] Dryander has said both Smith and Salisbury have behaved badly, but Salisbury much the worse. Sees that Norwich has got rid Dr L Adkins, never could bear him.

Saw Lady de Clifford's Chinese botanical drawings, is hoping to buy the remaining half of the packet. Progress of the Marquess' [of Blandford, George Spencer-Churchill] garden at Whiteknights, [Reading, Berkshire], he has planted 85,000 foreign trees since Christmas. Has seen or dined with [Sir Abraham and Amelia] Hume, [Edward] Rudge, [William] Roscoe, Sir Joseph Banks, and Lord Seaforth. Sir Th[omas Gery] Cullum ill.

Unable to leave for London today on account of severe weather and illness. Received "Linnean Transactions" vol 8: the shell paper "very valuable" but wonders "how some of [Richard] Salisbury's trash got admittance" instead of his own papers, especially that on 'Conchium'; criticises Salisbury's paper on a salt storm. Macleay right to leave Salisbury's "lying pamphlet" out of the list of presentations to the Society; agrees with [Samuel] Goodenough that it ought to be expelled but will leave it to the Society to decide. Upset at the Society's response to the matter, but does not intend to defend himself in "Transactions" as he will not put himself "on a footing with a man whom [he now has] materials to drive out not only of our Society but of all society".

Sending continuation of his "Historia lichenum tinctor. Svec."; [Olof] Swartz has already sent two installments; publication plans for remainder of work. News of [Erik] Acharius and Swartz.

Advises Smith not to engage with or react to [Richard] Salisbury in any way during next trip to London. [Jonas] Dryander is against Salisbury. Wish he had known that Smith's papers for "Linnean Transactions" had been voted to be printed and yet left out of the last volume. Salisbury "commits himself in all his writings - it does not require so able a naturalist as yourself to cut him up by the roots".

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.

Received Smith's letter of 15 October [1806]. Sorry that he could not send Smith cuttings of 'Salix phylicifolia' and 'Salix sphacetata' as the place he got them from for [John] Lightfoot has since been cleared and ploughed. Has sent Smith a box of doubtful specimens including 'Salix' and other plants, listed: 'Salix myrsinites' Linnaeus and Lightfoot; undetermined 'Salix'; 'Salix fusca'; 'Salix arbuscula'; 'Salix lapponum'; 'Salix raticulata'; possible 'Salix incubacea'; 'Arbutus alpinus'; 'Erica dabaecia'; 'Azalea procumbens'; 'Rubus arcticus'; 'Cornus suecica'; 'Carex atrata'; '[Festuca calamaria]'; 'Acrostichum ilvense'; and 'Lycopodium inundatum'. Glad that Smith has principal charge of publishing of "Flora Graeca". His home and family life.

Until reading account in "Liverpool Chronicle" had been anxious to know truth of the "dreadful reports" from Liverpool, including that Roscoe's house had been burnt down [Roscoe had been caught in a riot orchestrated by local slave traders angry at his part in the abolition of the trade]. Urges Roscoe to resubmit himself as a candidate in the Liverpool election as "resistance to such abominable treatment" and to "set aside the election of y[ou]r adversary supported by violence". Mrs Gascoign told Lady [Amelia] Hume that there was expected to be no opposition to her husband [Isaac Gascoyne] or Roscoe, believes Roscoe can use this to both their advantage.

Staying with his cousins [the Kindersleys]. Roscoe's address [announcing withdrawal from Liverpool election] is admired by all, and Sir Joseph Banks told [Jonas] Dryander it was "the best he had ever seen", though all are convinced he should not withdraw, especially as William Smith has just been reelected. "Astonished & indignant beyond measure" at Roscoe's countrymen._x000D_

His health is good and lung iunflammation cleared following a "good dose or two of James's powder"; comments on "noise & dirt" in Covent Garden now. Roscoe not put into Linnean Society council as he is too far from London, though finds everyone at the Society is disposed to his wishes anyway. [Richard] Salisbury is "quarelling" with everyone, and whilst breakfasting at the Banks' on Sunday they had an awkward, accidental meeting, which passed with "distant civility", and was the first time they have met outside of the Linnean Society._x000D_

[Thomas] Johnes has lost his election and [James] Brodie likely to lose his, "a great loss to me as a franker", but not to the country as he was a "mere Melville tool".

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.

Sorry to hear of Smith's ill-health; he himself has been ill all winter with a very severe bilious attack, which leaves him unable to accept invitation Smith's invitation of meeting at the Freemasons Tavern, sends apologies to Linnean Society. Invites Smith to dine with him at home.

Thanks for books. Plants wanted by the Empress.

Smith has drafted his reply on recto of second folio: thanks for books. Apologises as he can no longer send the Empress any seeds or plants. Sends his "Exotic Botany" nos. 2 to 23 and "Introduction to Botany", including a copy for Broussonet, and six ferns from Botany Bay, [Australia]: 'Lindsaea microphylla', 'Lindsaea linearis', 'Darea' nov. sp., 'Marattia' nov. sp., 'Schizaea bifida', and 'Woodwardia caudata'. Asks if they knew each other in Paris in 1786 or 1787.

Studies botany during intervals from his work but has only an "imperfect" acquaintance with current state of botany in Britain, having been absent for nearly 20 years, but presumes he would be able to supply many desiderata; desires to establish a correspondence with Smith, exchanging plants for botanical information.

He is now at sea on a voyage to St Helena, recovering his health, but intends to immediately return to his station at Fort Marlborough, Sumatra. Sends drawings for Smith's interest [not extant], describes and makes observations on each: seed of camphor tree [Smith has part transcribed this paragraph]; a possible 'Brucea', used as an "intense & powerful" bitter; seeds. Difficulties of collecting.

West coast [of Sumatra] has been in possession of the nutmeg and clove plants for some time and extensive plantations are now flourishing, and outproducing the Dutch. He has also cultivated the coffee of mocha and 'Cacoa', the latter having arrived from South America via the Philippines. Productive botanic garden also placed in his care, where most of the tropic fruit flourish, including 'Cinnamon' of Ceylon, 'Cassia', and tea. Expects the English settlements on Sumatra to rise from obscurity to great "commercial & political importance".

Sends Cryptogams for determination.

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".

Introduces Mr Sozzi, a friend of his who will be travelling in England, and will give Smith two books for the Royal Society.

Glad to hear that Roscoe has not been affected by the agitation and anxiety of the last few weeks. Spent much of his time in London with the William Smiths. Looking forward to his visit to Liverpool and Allerton with his mother though it is only a short visit.

Busy with many publications, including: "Introduction to Botany", second part of first volume of "Flora Graeca", second part of "Florae Graecae prodromus", a sequel to "Exotic botany", and others in planning stages. Has undertaken to write the physiological, terminological, and biographical parts of the botanical section of [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", a "pleasant & easy" job, following illness of previous writer, [William] Wood of Liverpool, who is now well enough to resume descriptive part. Will read [William] Wordsworth [(1770-1850), poet] on Roscoe's recommendation. Has just completed 'Clusius' and Peter Collinson [(1694-1768), botanist] for "Cyclopedia".

Sending proofs of all completed blocks [for "Lachesis Lapponica"], with prices marked.

Returns [Thomas] Hardwicke's paper and his own on 'Conchium' for "Linnean Transactions"; defends his choice of name and his belief in right to give names, as discussed in his forthcoming "Introduction to Botany". Thanks for forwarding box and letter from Ventenat from France, which contained sequel of Ventenat's "Jardin de la Malmaison" and Redoute's "Liliaces", Ventenat has requested plants. Surprised to receive anything from France considering the "awful condition we are in", but he does not despair. Enquires after box of living plants including 'Ophrys corallorhiza' sent by Edward Maughan from Edinburgh.

[Letter incomplete: second folio cropped, presumed destroyed]