Extensive account of "the various combinations" that within the last year have "conspired to subdue the happiness" of [Francis] Boott, in large part due to the actions of a fraudulent family agent, entailing significant financial losses, and disappointment of his family in America.

Sends coloured drawing [extant] of what he believes to be an undescribed 'Syngnathus' after having consulted [Johann Friedrich] Gmemlin's [(1748-1804) naturalist] "Systema Naturae". Proposes to name it 'Syngnathus pentagonus', detailed description follows. Has recently suffered from a severe recurrence of his hematuria.

Coloured drawing of two fish, labelled "'Gasterosteus spinnachia' Linn., 15-spined Stickle-back of Pennant" by Smith and 'Syngnathus pentagonus' by Davies.