Responds to Smith's three letters of: 6 August 1804, thanks for rare cryptogamic plants and news of Miss Smith's marriage to Mr Martin; 17 December 1804, gave [James] Sowerby 'Boronia alata', 'B. crenulata', and 'B. denticulata', also recommended Sir Joseph Banks' specimens; 5 January [1805], thanks for turkey and hare from [William Fitt] Drake, Smith's old appartments ready for when he comes to town.

Pleased to hear Smith is recovered from his late "tedious" indisposition. Unable to accommodate Smith and [William Fitt] Drake as usual this year as the house is being redecorated, and as his business has increased he is making more use of rooms than previously, and their maid Sally has also left. Will endeavour to acquire alternative accommodation for Smith.

Thanks for copy of Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Comments on error on page 263 regarding a 'Liliaceous' plant found by him on north-west coast of America, encloses note [extant] written by [Richard] Salisbury in margin of Sir Joseph Banks' copy of book stating same, offers to send the drawings and descriptions for Smith to reexamine.

Would have complied with Smith's wishes relative to the new 'Liliaceous' genus but [Richard] Salisbury has published it in last number of "Paradisus Londinensis" as 'Hookera coronaria'; transcribes the entry.

Thanks for turkey and parcel of Nepal mosses. Deaths of [Erik] Acharius, [Christiaan] Persoon, and [Daniel Rutherford], professor of botany at Edinburgh; understands it is a government appointment and already filled, though it would suit Smith.

Investigated vacant Edinburgh botany professorship at Smith's request: the government made its first offer to [Robert] Brown on 18 December [1819], three days after the death of the late professor [Daniel Rutherford]; Brown refused the post and it was given to Dr [Robert] Graham [(1786-1845)]. Satisfaction he and "every well-wisher to the science" would have had if Smith had been appointed; believes it is worth £1000-1200 a year. Glasgow professorship still vacant but not as valuable. Will endeavour to procure Smith's late servant a position.

Thanks for turkey. Looked into the loss of Smith's letters, they may be in a parcel left at [Dawson] Turner's. Dulness of London.

Asks Smith to compose an epitath for [James] Dickson.

Smith's epitath for [James] Dickson much appreciated by the family, who request permission for slight changes to be made to the wording.

Received letter from [Georg Heinrich] Noehden proposing Dr [Christian Fridericus] Schwaegrichen [(1775-1853)] as FMLS; forwards nomination certificate for Smith to sign and suggests also forwarding it to [Dawson] Turner.

[Smith has annotated on recto of folio]: "sent certificate to Mr D Turner, Dec. 30 1822".

Efforts to relocate Smith's missing trunk, hopes he has received it by now. Sorry to hear that Smith suffered a cold so bad on his way to Bristol that he had to be bled; hopes he will recover with use of James' Powders and usual precautions.