Received Smith's letters of 25 [April] and 2 May. Mrs Johnes grateful for copy of "New Holland Flora" [Smith's "A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland" (1793)]. Sending seeds of 'Dombeya' to Hafod, [Cardiganshire]. Has enquired after the 'Pultenaea' but fears getting it to Smith as he wishes. Accepts Smith's invitation to join Linnean Society, having previously felt too ignorant to request it for himself. His opinion on a court scandal involving Smith and de Lue, who acted with "illiberal & bigotted servile conduct" towards Smith. Liston safely arrived in Vienna and hopes he has made acquaintance with [Nikolaus von] Jacquin as desired. His family looking forward to seeing Smith.

Thanks for Smith's letter about sale of Lord Bute's collections [John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute (1713-1792)]; he intended to be a large purchaser but circumstances prevent him, so Sir Joseph [Banks] need not fear him. Admiration of Banks. In London soon on "message of the King's about all these Societies"; invites Smith to breakfast so they can become acquainted. His work on [Jean] Froissart [(c 1337-1405), French chronicler] had been progressing well.

His 'Walteriana' dead, killed gardener attempting to lay it. The plant called "Wana Ta", by the person who gave them the seed, is in fact a creeper and none of the seeds Smith sent of it have germinated, encloses leaf of the plant [extant]. Encloses list of medicines [not extant] for Smith to order from Mr Wilson and have sent from London to Aberystwyth, by sea.

Has returned hom from his regiment to ensure all workmen are out before Smith's visit. Intense hot weather: his dry and can no longer be proud of his cascades. Progress of his work on [Jean] Froissart [(c 1337-1405), French chronicler]. Dr [James] Anderson's "capital improvements" for canals; persuaded him to patent some of them as he was also the author of the patent stove but did not get any thanks as Brodie took a patent out for it and Anderson was too liberal and indolent to fight for money. 'Dombeya' doing well.

Smith has outlined his reply on recto of second folio: asks if Johnes is home in September, as he is lecturing till 18 or 20 August and could be detained longer, and asks "of Fraser's 'Monandrous' plant".

Specimen of a leaf, [Smith annotation on label : "'Bigonia'?"].

Thanks for Smith's letter of 15 [July]. In residence until end of September when he returns to his regiment. Content to stay at home and try to make his "poor neighbours happier & if possible better" whilst his old schoolfriend, [William] Windham [(1750-1810), politician], whose politics have altered much since then enters "on such a stormy sea". Quotes [Jean] Froissart [(c 1337-1405), French chronicler], in French, on historical point regarding King Edward and homage paid by John, Earl Montfort, for Duchy of Brittany.

Pleased Smith has "roused such a spirit for Botany" and thinks it will have a good effect, "for whoever applies in earnest to the study of nature, must feel his heart expand". Not surprised by what Smith says of the knowledge among the "higher ranks of men in trade"; their minds are accustomed to speculation, so as their "fortune increases, that speculation is diverted to other objects", as opposed to the "country squire", a "most despicable animal".

Announces discovery of a "very fine Chalibat spring" [Chalybeate Spring in Tunbridge Wells, Kent] near to the Devil's Bridge, four miles from Hafod, which convinces him more that "this country is not known". All other springs but this have dried up in the great heat. The gardener cannot find the plant Fraser mentions.

Received Smith's letter from Bungay, [Suffolk]; they are disappointed that Smith cannot visit and sorry to hear of Smith's sore throat, which many have complained of this season, his wife's medicines are not yet arrived. His wife thanks Smith for Mr Wilson's New Holland seeds, scarcely any plants have succeeded this year though they have "a fine yellow 'Hibiscus' in flower from seeds given by Smith, offers to send flower or plant. His garden doing well; vindication of those who thought it impossible. Late rains brought grass and turnips but cattle "very low indeed", which he blames on lack of fodder from England's drought last summer. Has not yet visited the "Chalybat" [mineral spring found close to Johnes' house] but from the taste it appears very strong and according to Dr [David] Davies of Carmarthen the strongest in Wales._x000D_

"That wild girl still continues as wild in her wishes to go to India" [Johnes' sister, Charlotte] and asks Smith if Mrs Kindersley would taker her under her protection when she sails, though they are all uneasy about it. Compares his sister to [Jean de] La Fontaine's [(1621-1695), French fabulist] letter of "the pigeon that wishes to travel".

Received Smith's letter of 15 September. Dr [James] Anderson not only delighted with Hafod's "romantick beauties, but says he never saw any country in its natural state so fertile, or that was capable of such very great improvements with so few obstacles", finds his enthusiasm contagious. Excited by prospect of seeing Smith.

Encloses letter [not extant] from [Johnes' sister, Charlotte] who is "wild to go to India"; all she requires is "the protection of any lady of character who is going out to that country".

Anderson asks to be remembered to Smith. Asks if he has seen Anderson's scheme for a "riding lockwork in canals", printed in his "Agriculture Survey of Aberdeenshire" for the Board. Anderson also working on a "most simple & portable water level" that promises to be of great utility. Afraid he shall soon lose him. He has been industriously employed at Hafod and if he had his whole income would make amends for what have been styled his follies, "some indeed properly enough", but defends his Hafod against that term. Very rainy and windy weather but his woods and cascades in high beauty.

Quotes motto of Harcourt family. Sees no end to the war and fears realisation of note by his friend, [Richard Payne] Knight [(1750-1824), classicist] , that all Europe will be "thrown into a state of Barbarism": peace will ruin the Convention [constitutional assembly in France after the revolution] as the "hordes in arms" have subsisted on plunder so long that they will quickly return to peaceable ways, and at home the "behaviour & insolence of the great towards the lower classes" have led the people to lose all confidence in any man and to believe they are motivated by "avarice or ambition". He would like to retire from public life.

Misplaced Smith's letter. Has never been more alarmed for his country than now: "there seems such a spirit of anxiety and indolence gone forth" by statesmen "are only occupied by squabbles for places"._x000D_

His sister's [Charlotte] happiness and well-being has revived since Mrs Kindersley kindness [offering to take her to India]; asks after the ship and provisions. Depature of Dr [James] Anderson a heavy loss: "he is a most valuable respectable man" and has recommended a new system of farming so that in a few years he will become "one of the greatest shepherds in the Island". Anderson strongly recommended sowing grasslands with 'Millifolium' or yarrow and asks Smith's assistance in locating a dealer; from the voracity with which it is eaten it is a very valuable plant. His books finally in his library.

Thanks Smith for his assistance with Charlotte [Johnes' sister, who Smith had arranged to go to India with Mrs Kindersley, a relation of Smith's]; further discussion of this. Thanks for being admitted to Linnean Society, will call in when he comes to London for Parliament._x000D_

Very uncommon weather for the season, which is more like spring than winter but with considerable rain. Despairs of peace until "some cursed event will force us to sue for it" as the French are "too much elated & enraged against us [...] whether they are Monarchists, or Republicans". Anxious to get the salt tax or coasting coal duty abolished or commuted as "it would do much service" but there are "such a hoard of offices employed that no minister will ever give up such patronage". Dr [James] Anderson has a substitute for the salt tax but believes he has not included the patronage.

Heavy snow fall delayed receipt of Smith's letter of 15 [March]. Condolences on death of Smith's father; comments that in such "melancholy cases" faith is the only recourse and blasts the French for attempting to take from the "wretched" their only consolation. Since his last letter they have been "seriously alarmed" at their daughter's health and Dr [David] Davies of Carmarthen stayed for a week; she is now improving and will come to Londonwith them. Details regarding departure of his sister, Charlotte, with the Kindersleys, to India._x000D_

Everything quiet in this part of the country and if the magistrates had "not acted imprudently" no agitation would have been needed: due to scarcity of food they must import barley or there will be famine before next harvest and got rid of the cavalry to save the horses from eating the poor's oats. Glad to hear that Smith's health improved and invites him to return from London with them for a change of air.

His daughter is now "as well as you can wish her" and she is impatient to see Smith. Country is in great beauty and if they can "fight off the scarcity till Harvest" they shall do well, and he will have the "pleasure of saving this country a second time from a famine". His champagne merchant lives and is offering him fine wine at 12 livres the bottle at Basle, and though he can sell it in France for 30 Louis he "wisely prefers the sterling coin".

Thanks for Smith's letter; pleased to hear he is to visit and gives directions for the most convenient route from Hereford. Coach details and places of interest on the route, including: Lord Maldon's house, Hampton Court, on way to Leominster, built in Henry IV's reign and with a "curious old picture of that king and a fine portrait of Lord Abergaveney"; his mother's house, Croft Castle, five miles on other side of Leominster, which has beautiful woods; Thebden Court, home of Lord Bateman, where there are some good pictures and a "fine statue of Mercury"; and Alderman Hadley has built a new house, Burrington, but he himself is not an admirer of Mr Holland's architecture. Ludlow one of prettiest towns he knows and recommends Smith take a day to see [Richard Payne] Knight's [(1750-1824), classicist] Downton Castle; Oakley Park is also pretty and near Ludlow, and there are magnificent view from the Bishop's Moat.

Received Smith's letter of 13 [October]; congratulates him on his approaching marriage. His opinion on his own marriage and the instituiton in general. Dr [James] Anderson staying. Weather "boisterous & rainy" but the cataracts and cascades have been in "high beauty" and never saw Devil's Bridge in "greater glory" than a few days ago, when he was visited by an old school friend.

Coming to London this month but longs for the time, as Falstaff [Shakespeare character] says, when "I can live cleanly & like a gentleman".

Silk for purses to be had at Gardons, St James's Street, London. Arrived back in Hafod from London late on evening of New Year's Day, which was like being "awakened from a frightful dream". An incident in London has made him "look on mankind with no friendly eye". Dr [James] Anderson has been "most amazingly active here", including starting work on a pensile garden for his daughter [Mariamne Johnes], and he is satisfied with his own gardens.

Everything quiet and "perfectly tranquil" in this part of the country; bread is 6lb wheat, 6lb rye, and 9lb potatoes, "which is equally good, to my taste, as yours at Hammersmith".

Thanks for Smith's letter of 21 [January]. Waiting to see Smith to fully explain his personal affairs; found that when "money comes into competition with [...] friendship the last vanishes away like an airy vision".

Suggests contents for Smith's proposed "short Tour" of his part of Wales, "which are hitherto maiden", for it to be published by Edwards will publish and for it to include "beautiful" drawings of his own and of Colonel Greville's, which alongside Smith's writing will "answer for the sale being very great".

They have had fine weather but very great storms of wind, rain, and thunder; many of his sheep killed by lightning. Introduced "capital improvements" in the economy of forcing plants and fruit in his garden.

Congratulates Smith on his marriage, which he saw announced in the Times newspaper. Read [Eberhard August Wilhelm von] Zimmermann a long time ago but "with great pleasure" and asks if Smith knows Lavater's "Journal", printed for Cadell in two small volumes.

'Strelitzia' and 'Illicium floridanum' in fine flower, the first drawn by his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] "incomparably well". Gives directions for delivery of the insect cabinet Smith promised her. His friend [Robert] Liston [(1742-1836)] has also recently married "an old flame", has not heard if he brought him anything from Constantinople and he is now to be ambassador to America. During the dry and sharp weather he burnt some furze covered mountains; "one of the grandest sights I ever witnessed".

Arrangements for payment for china for Smith. Smith's wife a "fine lady" in contrast to "most ridiculous account" sent him of a near relation of his at the opera, who most resembled a "Lamia or Sphinx". Asks if Smith has seen [Richard Payne] Knight's [(1750-1824), classicist] poem and Cumberland's account of Hafod.

"Curious golden ornaments" recently ploughed up at Dolecathy [near Hafod] and uncertain whether they are Roman or religious ornaments of ancestors. Sent Sir Jospeh Banks a "most exact drawing" of them by Trossavelli, and his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] will send Smith copy by same. Mariamne has "succeeded most surprisingly" in drawing 'Strelitzia' from nature for Smith, she also has one for Dr [James] Anderson.

Recounts his recent movements between Bath, Haford, and London, where he was called to prevent the destruction of all the timber at Croft, which Smith may have seen advertised, but failed. Saw Sir Joseph Banks this morning. Received from Dr [James] Anderson "a lock of the golden fleece" which he supposes Smith has accounts of in the papers; it is "very curious & just the colour of raw silk, a high gold colour".

Opportunity to acquire seeds from Constantinople, as long as the list corresponds with [Peter] Forsskål [(1732-1763), Swedish naturalist]; asks Smith to compile a list of rare and beautiful plants in return for a share of the seeds, had hoped to send list from [Peter Simon Pallas'] "Flora Rossica", particularly 'Rhododendron'. Much hampered by his mother's conduct but sale of the timber prevented by an injunction. Has heard from his sister, Charlotte; she and Mrs Kindersley both well and there is an addition to the family, she was going to Baughlepoor.

Thanks Smith for list of seeds to be requested from Constantinople. Forwarded Smith's letter to Charlotte Smith; sorry she has met with such "ill usage, the abuse of the laws is the severest tyranny" but thinks her writings are "the first in the romance line".

Has had a blow to his credit. Praises gallantry of his countrymen. Heard this morning that the Dutch fleet are at sea, the east wind prevents the Downs fleet from sailing after them. Slow recovery of his daughter's health at Bath, [Somerset].