Suffered a stroke on 16 December, affecting his speech and right-hand side of his body, but much recovered after copious bleeding, blistering, and other remedies; still confined to his library. Finished his catalogue of the Holkham manuscripts, although [Thomas William] Coke has postponed its publication. His botanical work ["Monandrian Plants"] almost completed. Shortly before his stroke he concluded his correspondence with New York respecting the discipline in the prisons there, closing his investigation, so for the first time in many years free from any literary engagements.

Sends two small works lately published, one entirely by himself and other with the botanical part taken from his father's manuscripts [Thomas Furly Forster]; his plans for future botanical publication. He is now settled at Boreham, near Chelmsford, and getting into medical practice. Invites Smith to stay on his way into London. Improvements in "Curtis's Magazine". Sends seed of a new 'Crepis' from central France.

[Elizabeth Anne Tyrrell], the wife of his neighbour, [Sir John Tyssen] Tyrrell, has eloped with [John Humphrey] St Aubyn [(1790-1857)], son of Sir John St Aubyn [(1758-1839)].

Would be pleased to receive Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Difficulty of obtaining books from England. Revising his view on 'Scabiosa columbaria' following receipt of Smith's views, comments on confusion caused by it being given multiple names as mentioned in his last letter, with addition of 'Scabiosa acutiflora'. Debate on other 'Scabiosa' it could also be including 'Scabiosa maritima', 'Scabiosa atro-purpurea', 'Scabiosa indica', 'Scabiosa italica', 'Scabiosa argentea', 'Scabiosa rutafolia', and 'Scabiosa urceolata'. Desires Smith's opinion so is sending the 'Scabiosae' in question amongst other Italian plant specimens.

Found the 'Tilia' in "English Flora" which Smith was unable to find the fruit of, near Boughton House, [Kettering, Northamptonshire]; also found there 'Tilia parvifolia' growing to a large size, 'T. grandifolia' planted as much 'T. europaea', found fruit of what he thought 'T. corallina' of "Compendium florae Britannicae"; observations. Encloses seeds of a 'Rumex' gathered from a garden at Bannachra, Dumbartonshire, in 1823; observations on plant he grew from the seed, wonders if it is 'Rumex aquaticus', thinks it indigenous. Also encloses double variety of 'Arabis thaliana' from Staffordshire, possible 'Phascum crassinervium' of Schwegrichen; observations. Also sending 'Hypnum trifarium' gathered at Whittlesea Mere, [Huntingdonshire], which is excellent for botanising: 'Empetrum nigrum', 'Myrica gale', 'Andromeda polifolia', 'Liparis loeselii', 'Drosera anglica'. Notes on 'Liparia loeselii' and 'Malaxis paludosa'.

He is acquainted with Smith's friends Mrs [Lucy] Hardcastle of Derby and Dr [Francis] Boott.

Asks if the enclosed Lotus is 'Lotus decumbens'.

Thanks for fourth volume of "English Flora". Intends to stay in London till the Linnean Society anniversary meeting as the meetings of other societies and London dining hours are too late. Death of Daniel Moore FLS of Lincoln's Inn. Astonished by sudden disappearance of Mr Simmons of Paddington House, wonders if his flight was caused by ruinous speculation; recalls that Sir William Adams [(1783-1827)] the oculist committed suicide after being ruined by speculating in Mexican mines. Mrs Cullum possibly return to England with his son this summer.

A note at the end states that this letter was erroneously dated Monday 17 April 1828; it should have been written 17 March 1828.

Returns correspondence between [Lorenz] Spengler [(1720-1807), naturalist] and Linnaeus, along with other letters, including fragment of [Daniel] Solander letter, which Sir James [Edward] Smith had given her to look over.

Death of her husband [Sir James Edward Smith] always in their thoughts; glad she stayed with her aunts in Saxmundham, [Suffolk]. Hopes the Linnean Society will agree to purchase Smith's library and museum. His son and daughter-in-law have returned to Hardwick House, [Suffolk], but her ill health means they are to winter in a milder climate again. Invites Lady Smith to visit during the winter.