Writes on introduction of Corrêa. Necessity of European correspondence to supply defect of books during the present "imperfect state of science" in the USA; his sense of honour in having access to the "head sources of the science". Discusses botany of New England, little explored by European botanists; remarks that there are many small differences between American and European species, citing 'Salicornia herbacea', 'Callitriche aquatica', and 'Athusa cyanpium' of which he encloses seeds. Difficulty of exchanging specimens during the present war [War of 1812, conflict between USA and Britain 1812-1815]. Sends seeds of an 'Iris' and another unidentified plant; observations and small ink sketches of components. Printing an edition of Smith's "Introduction to Botany" for his students; not yet enough botanists in USA to induce booksellers to publish large works.

Hopes that the "general peace" approaching Europe will extend between USA and Britain [in reference to War of 1812, conflict between USA and Britain 1812-1815]. Published an edition of Smith's "Introduction to Botany", and is printing a "Florula Bostoniensis", of which he encloses a few pages [extant] to assist with queries in this and his former letter. Lists 11 doubtful specimens, requests Smith's opinion [Smith has annotated brief responses].

Manuscript pages from "Florula Bostoniensis": description of 20 species.

Thanks Smith for letter of 12th January, in response to his of November 1813, grateful for solution to his "doubts". As requested has sent a small number of local 'Orchidaceae' and a few 'Rosa' with his own names but corrections would be welcome, believes the whole genus of American 'Rosa' needs revision, has enclosed some specimens he thinks are rare and seeks Smith's opinion. Has refrained from involving Smith in the "chaos" of 'Asters', 'Solidagines', 'Hedysara', and 'Vaccinia' caused by multiple names for single plants. Encloses his "Florula Bostoniensis". Hopes to produce a Flora of New England but it is "the custom in this country to promise more than we perform", but hopes for encouragement from his appointment as lecturer at Harvard College. Caused an American edition of Smith's "Introduction to Botany" to be published. Sorrow at death of Dr [Henry] Muhlenberg. [José Francisco] Corrêa [de Serra] is in Tennessee.

Introduces Francis Boott; his knowledge and skills; possesses the best collection of American plants he has seen; intends to live in Britain for some years. Sends American edition of Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Sends 20 possibly new plants not found in Willdenow, Michaux, or Pursh, and full description, which he sends as a paper for the Linnean Society. Brief remarks on several of the specimens, including: 'Salicornia', 'Holcus', 'Melica', 'Hottaria', 'Rumex', 'Arenaria' or 'Stellaria', 'Prunus', 'Ranunculus paludosus', 'Sonchus'. Pleased Smith was satisfied with the packet he sent last year and the 'Orchideae'. Would welcome a copy of "Flora Britannica"; not available in USA.

[Francis] Boott unexpectedly returning to England. He has invited Boott to work on his "Flora of New England"; as yet they are novices in the science and have much to gain from Smith's advice; similarities and differences of New England and European floras. State of science in USA "rapidly progressive" but not yet advanced enough to support the "luxuries of science", such as coloured engravings of American plants; he is making the experiment in his "Medical Botany", sends plates via Boott. Sends pencilled sketch of an 'Orchis grandiflora', close to 'O. fimbriata'. Corrêa is Portugeuse Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington. Requests that the plants he sent Smith for determination be reserved for his and Boott's flora; some have since been published in Elliott's; further query on the two 'Rubus'.

Sends concluding numbers of his "Medical Botany"; apologises for the quality of the engravings, a consequence of the "low state of the arts" in USA; engraved in aquatint and printed in colours. Thanks for naming a genus in his honour ['Bigelowia']; unknown to him until supplement of Rees' "Cyclopedia" was reprinted here; recently obtained specimen of a new 'B. pubescens' from Mr Nuttall of Louisiana; [Jean Louis Marie] Poiret [(1755-1834), botanist] has named the genus 'Forrestiera'.