Congratulates Smith on his marriage. Preoccupied with educating his son and three daughters and in the last few years with the revolution, taxes and arrests, which included his own arrest for a time, and a siege which induced disease and famine [in 1797 Napoleon formed the Ligurian Republic, incorporating the Republic of Genoa and other areas, it was occupied 1800-1801 by Austrian forces]. Gave over his "Villetia" to [Carlo] di Negro [(1769-1857) poet] in a deal with the government. Management of the botanic garden has gone to [Domenico] Viviani who has been appointed Professor of Botany at University of Genoa and is using it as the School of Botany. Has a collection of 1400 plants in the country, asks Smith to recommend an amateur to exchange seeds with, suggesting "jeune Aiton" [possibly John Townsend Aiton (1777-1851)]. Thanks Smith in advance for the seeds of 'Mimosa', 'Hibiscus', 'Sida', 'Geranium' promised. Expresses admiration for volumes 2-5 of "Linnean Transactions". Impatience for the publication of "Flora Graeca". Intends to publish on the "Flora Ligustica and Italia" with Viviani and [Antonio] Bertoloni.

Relates information Smith apparently requested on Count C. Leggiadri Galloni in connection to a marriage. Uncertainty about the fate of Parma, with rumours that the French shall give it to the Spanish in exchange for money. Relates how he came to sell his "Villetia" to Carlo di Negro [(1769-1857) poet] and divide his collection of plants between his town and country residences. Plans to send a catalogue of these soon in order to generate exchanges. Has recently exchanged seeds with [Antonio José] Cavanilles and is keen to find a London correspondent after apparent failure of engaging Aiton [possibly John Townsend Aiton (1777-1851)]. Relates health of various friends.