At Smith's request has sent an "imperfect draught" [extant] of a bird he supposes "non descript" and possibly a variety, not having seen a drawing corresponding exactly with it, and has only referred to Edward and Albin's "Natural History [of birds]". Requests Smith's opinion from his "perfect knowledge of natural history".

Coloured figure of bird [Smith annotation: "'Loxia enucleator'", "'Loxia curvirostra' female" crossed out and replaced with 'enucleator']

Looking forward to visit of Smith and [William] Roscoe from Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] to Narford. Thanks for ticket to the Norwich Ball.

Flattered by gratification Smith and [William] Roscoe received from their visit to Narford. Comments that whilst the English "for more than a century have been in the practice of purchasing minor curiosities in Italy, the French, "at one fell swoop", carried off the best statues, pictures, and the rarest books and manuscripts from the Vatican. Praises Roscoe. Will visit Smith in Norwich, [Norfolk], in the winter.

A recent, "most melancholy" family event delayed his response to Smith's letter. Selling the papers of Lord Chief Justice Coke [Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634)] to Thomas William Coke to relieve Coke of any "supposed obligation", even though he is aware that in the library at Holkham "they will be in their proper place"; asks Smith to value them.

In postscript adds that he intends to retain one manuscript from Coke in the office of Earl Marshall, and one printed book, the "Great Nuremerg Chronicle", as they were the property of Lord Coke and unconnected with law.

Forced to cancel his visit to Smith in Norwich following "sudden and unexpected" death of his father-in-law. Thanks Smith for agreeing to value the eleven volumes of [Sir Edward] Coke's papers [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke, to whom he sold the papers]. Pleased to learn from Smith's former letter that [William] Roscoe's prospects have improved [Roscoe was declared bankrupt in 1816], though sorry his library could not be saved.

Thanks for Smith's letter; has nothing to add in reference to [Sir Edward] Coke's papers [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke, to whom the papers were being sold] manuscripts and they are ready for collection. Regretted to hear Coke had been in great danger of losing one of his eyes, observes that individuals "in these large shooting parties" are in constant risk of being shot. Glad to hear of [Thomas] Woodward's good health in his seventy-third year.

Induced to part with the papers of [Sir Edward] Coke [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke] by the propriety of Coke's wish to possess the papers of the "great founder of the splendor of his family". Satisfied with the value Smith set on them.

Confirms details for payment of £100 by [Thomas William] Coke for the papers of [Sir Edward] Coke [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke]. Thanks for Smith's London invitation but his father's health prevents him from leaving Norfolk all spring. Pleased to hear of an improvement in [William] Roscoe's affairs [following a bankruptcy in 1816].

Comments that whilst the Earl of Leicester [Thomas Coke (1697-1759)] left Holkham "magnificently decorated", Coke is right to make improvements. Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke] has done himself honour by presenting a copy of his book ["Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis" (1816)] "to the first botanist in Europe".

Accepts Smith's invitation to Norwich, [Norfolk], and will be happy to also see [William] Roscoe, depending on the date. They have lost a "much valued friend" in death of [Thomas] Woodward.

Regrets that he will no longer be able to visit Smith whilst [William] Roscoe is also visiting, and proposes next month instead.

His family "harrassed" by sickness. Regretted missing [William] Roscoe whilst he was in Norwich, and was unaware until Smith's letter of Roscoe's botany interests. Thinks that Dawson Turner would be "highly gratified" to examine Smith's two chests of "botanical treasures" from the East Indies. Looks forward to hope of visiting Smith in Norwich.