Encouraged to write to Smith by "conviction of the liberality of [his] mind, and [his] readiness to assist the younger part of the community, displayed in [his] valuable works". Encloses specimen of an 'Endocarpon' of [Erik] Acharius, found on river Tyne, and identified by [Dawson] Turner as 'Endocarpon leptophyllum' Acharius and 'Lichen lectophyllus' of "English botany"; and "shields" of what Turner calls 'Parmelia turneri', accompanying 'Verrucaria amphibola' Acharius; observations.

Refrained from writing to Smith assuming he would hear his news through Liverpool Botanic Garden. Sending 25 specimens of plants to [William] Roscoe. Plans to travel another 1100 miles up the [Missouri], according to General Clark it is "peculiarly interesting". Recommends Smith examine a specimen of a pouched rat sent to Lord Hawley, possibly 'Mus bursorius', comments on the construction of the mouth, which resembles 'Arctomys'. Has found a 'Talpa' not dissimilar to 'Talpa europaea', and many undescribed 'Coluber' and a 'Crotatus'. His most interesting specimen is the 'Dioeica octandria' shrub which has a "much esteemed berry". Hopes to meet Smith on his return to England. In the most recent 200 miles of his journey has found more British 'Carices' than he has ever seen before in America and has now seen c 26 species of 'Carex'.

Delayed sending 'Lichen scaber' till Smith was in London; asks for any news of publication of his paper on subject.

[Spec 11 written in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

Left Bengal for restoration of his health and long abscence from that climate. Intends to tour the island and examine its natural productions. Sent a cabinet of insects of Bengal and surrounding sea coasts for the Linnean Society; details concerning its delivery. Intends to stay on Mauritius for 4 months before going on to Cape [of Good Hope], and may be in England next summer. Observations on climate. Accompanied by Captain Roughsedge of Liverpool.

Complains at being addressed as Mr in the Linnean Society's list of members and correspondence, instead of Esq.

Thanks for Smith's letter, just received; will be glad to have Smith's criticisms on the "Tab[ula] Syst[ematica]", as in addition to Smith's own practical botanical knowledge he has assistance of [John] Sibthorp herbarium. His hopes for future usefulness of his "Illustrationes Theophrasti". Sorry he is to miss Linnean Society anniversary meeting, hopes Smith may visit him near Liverpool in August.

Intended to be at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting and dinner but requested by the Duke of Portland [William Henry Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck, 4th Duke of Portland (1768-1854)] to attend the Marylebone Church Bill in the House of Lords and dine at Lord Lonsdale's [William Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale (1757-1844)]. Asks what the protocol is for appointing the Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] an honorary member of the Linnean Society and offers to propose or second him; lists his talents.