Account of the 'Lycoperdon tuber' of [John] Clayton [(1686-1773) plant collector in Virginia], being the 'Lycoperdon cervinum' of [Thomas] Walter [(c 1740-1789) American botanist] and species of 'Sclerotium' of [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon, a subterranean fungus found in several southern states of North America, written in response to its general omission from publications, including [Friedrich Traugott] Pursh's "Flora Americana". Acknowledges Dr James Macbride of South Carolina as providing most of the information. Has sent specimens.

Separate note: "Psorex? A non descript species of mus, - see Bartram "Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia etc." Philadelphia 1791" [unclear what this relates to].

Introduces Theodore Lyman of Boston, Massachusetts, who is coming to Europe for second time to meet "the most distinguished literary characters". Encloses account of the "great 'Lycoperdon' of South Carolina" from information given by James Macbride, who is now a FMLS. Hosack's pupils are collecting the plants of New York, an account is being prepared which will be sent to Smith or Linnean Society.

Received Smith's letter of 24 March and "Compendium [florae Britannicae]". [American] Philosphical Society to publish their second volume within the next six months, invites Smith to send a paper. Intending to send his son to Oxford or Cambridge. The books he is sending to Sir Joseph Banks and Horticultural Society, under care of his fellow former student [Joseph] Sabine, may differ from those he sends to Smith. Sending various unnamed magazines and publications, including book on "Life of Mr Fullar, inventor of steamboats", asks Smith to present it to the Royal Society after he has read it.

Sends papers on contemplated canal between Lake Erie and the Hudson river, work of which has begun under direction of DeWitt Clinton. Clinton has just been elected governor of New York, believes he will be the next President of the United States, nominates him to be a member of the Linnean and Royal Societies, lists his commendments including extensive botanical collections, referring Smith to second volume of "the Repository" for biographical information, shall write to Banks' on same subject.

Often sees [José Francisco] Corrêa de Serra who is enjoying a good income as the Portugeuse Minister to American government. Requests copy of third edition of Smith's "Elements"[?] and last edition of "Tour on the Continent"; "there is no book in our city library that has been more read". Bust of Smith placed in New York Institution. In reference to a conversation had in 1794 asks after the minerals in the Linnaean collections and whether the Institution would be able to purchase them.

Encloses paper by DeWitt Clinton for "Linnean Transactions" [unknown], with plants and seeds to follow. Appends an addition to his paper on "the Carolina fungus" in case it is published. Has sent a box of books.

Encloses remarks he published relative to the Cambridge botany professorship [extant]. Smith will also receive a letter and book from Governor [DeWitt] Clinton.

Newspaper clipping from the "The Statesman", New York: Wednesday evening, June 4 1823: discusses Smith's rejection for Cambridge botany professorship and warns America to "take warning by the example of Europe".

Introduces Charles [Lucien] Bonaparte, [2nd] Prince of [Canino and] Musignano [(1803-1857)], who has been residing in the United States studying natural history. Bonaparte has updated [Alexander] Wilson's ["American Ornithology"] and collected an extensive collection of American insects. Asks that he be made a member of the Linnean Society. Has received third volume of Smith's ["English flora"] including copy for "Lyceum of Natural History".