Brief description of 'Gnaphalium sylvaticum' of "Flora Britannica" found whilst walking on an old moor "now unfortunately under the plough". Asks if he was correct regarding 'Astragalus campestris', and [George] Don's 'Carex nivalis'. International affairs: America's "avowed friendship for Buonaparte", Russia's retreat from the French, and Spain's lack of spirit after all the assistance Britain has given.

Warns Smith of the the propensity for botanists to feel slighted, citing examples of Hugh Davies versus [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist], and Stokes versus Goodenough, in informing Smith that it was not Edmund Goodenough but Revd Holmes of Peterhouse, Cambridge, who sent Smith 'Arctium bardana'. [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist] has found a wild simple-leaved ash in a hedge near Pilton, Devonshire, and she has taken measures to preserve it in its location. Does not approve of Smith's name 'Carex rariflora' as it is used for name of a variety of 'limosa', suggests 'nivalis' instead. Arrived in London last week, with gout, but his daughter, Maria, is not worse. Price of posting raised from 3 shillings to 6 shillings per mile for four horses. Dreads discussions about to take place in the new Parliament. Wonders what [Dawson] Turner's intentions are as he has not published anything of his "Fucus" for seven months.