His botanising is limited to the "rude mountains" of his locale and mists have made the season unfavourable to Highland botanists. Will pass through London on his way to East Indies this summer. Studying Persian in Edinburgh in a month; intends to send Smith "some small fruit of [his] botanical labours". Hopes Smith has received a copy of his thesis. Smith's opinion of 'Lichen gelidus' well founded; hopes to send specimens but difficult to procure. The moss he thought to be a 'Splachnum' may be 'Bryum capsulis nutantibus' and the 'Lichen caeruleo-nigricans' appears doubtful, believes it may be a variety of 'Lichen calcarius'. Sending specimens of [William] Hudson's 'Helvella plana' and a similar fungus. Will give Smith the [Robert] Morison book before leaving for the Indies.

Will send a parcel once he receives instructions from Smith. Encloses '[Hypnum] proliferum' in fructification. Offers to send the 'verticillatum' of [John] Lightfoot; believes his attribution is wrong as it totally differs from those of Linnaeus and [William] Hudson. Similarly, Dr [John] Walker [(1731-1803) professor of natural history] showed that Lightfoot's 'Salix arenaria' is Linnaeus' 'Salix fusca', from specimens of [Daniel] Solander's. Offers to send Smith '[Ptilium] crista-castrensis'. Has found '[Sphagnum] palustre' and a 'Boletus' with a "delightful smell" he believes to be the 'suaveolens' of Linnaeus ['Trametes suaveolens'], Lightfoot describes one under the same name but with no odour. The society [Natural History Society, Edinburgh] "rather low" but has received a great addition in Mr Alexander. Hopes to submit a paper soon.

Sent Smith specimen of 'Pancal bengalensium' preserved in spirits, encloses Latin description [extant], though when he sent specimen to [William] Roxburgh he returned a drawing of the same plant with the name 'Vallisneria alternifolia'. Sends his original description as believes it contradicts Linnaeus' theory of the fructification of Jungermannias and thinks Roxburgh's name not very correct. Sends seeds of 'Stratiotes alismoides' which belongs to the 'Enneandria enneagynia' with instructions for growing. Has started his duty at the General Hospital and studying the country languages, subsequently has had little opportunity for botanising.

Ordered to attend the embassy going to Ava, Burma, and anticipates being away for nine to ten months, doubts he will find a draughtsman. Sent Smith plants and seeds via Messrs Mercer and Bryce. Asks Smith to remember him to old friends, especially Baillie Young and Lubboch.

Has delivered a report on the botany of Burma to the East India Company, along with a set of specimens and loose duplicates, probably to be given to Sir Joseph Banks, hopes Banks will let Smith have duplicates. Has sent Smith a description and drawings of an animal and three plants with intention of inclusion in "Linnean Transactions". Asks Smith to look over and correct his "Enumeratio Plantarum" if the East India Company decide to publish any of it. Sending items to [William] Roxburgh. Arranging materials procured in Ava, Burma, for illustrating the geography of Eastern India. Has gathered materials on the religion and cosmogony of the Burma, Siamese and other eastern nations. Recommends if Smith and any friends have an interest in documents of the region see Sir John Murray who is returning to England with a collection of Burma, Siamese, Shan Palli and Kussay manuscripts.

Received Smith's letter of 1 February; congratulates him on his marriage and for giving up the "drudgery of medical practice" to devote himself to the "study of sciences". Urges Smith to undertake the production of a new "Genera and Species Plantarum" for the honour of Britain, as [Joseph Pitton de] Tournefort and Linnaeus did for France and Sweden.

Since his return from Burma has been botanising at Luckipore, India, on the east side of the Meghna River, and sending findings to [William] Roxburgh, arranging geographical papers, written a treatise on the religion of the Burmas, and is comfortable except for want of books and a wife. Concerned that the papers he sent for possible inclusion in "Linnean Transactions" have not been received, and that Smith is ignorant of the "Enumeration of Burma" plants, specimens and drawings that were probably offered to Sir Joseph Banks. If Banks is not interested in them he is confident that [William Fullerton] Elphinstone, director [of the East India Company], will assist Smith in procuring them for himself.

Makes some observations on his "Enumeratio", mostly corrections and clarifications in the naming of plants and new genera, with reference to Roxburgh and [Jonas] Dryander: his 'Asclepias tinctoria' is in fact 'Asclepias tingens'; his 'Sium ninsi' is '[Sium] sisarum' as stated by Dryander in "Linnean Transactions"; a new genus of 'Laurus' which Roxburgh names 'Buchania', believes the plant he sent which Smith named for him is a 'Valisneria'; does not agree that 'Oxalis corniculata' is two species as discussed in "Linnean Transactions"; his 'Rhizophora conjugata' Roxburgh has since named '[Rhizophora] decandra'; his 'Hibiscus strigosus' may just be variety of '[Hibiscus] cannabinus'; his 'Epidendrums' are all 'Limodorums'; believes his 'Bryonia saggitata' is the same as Roxburgh's '[Bryonia] umbellata'; his 'Pandanus pecten' is Roxburgh's '[Pandanus] foetidus'; and his 'Cissampelos pata' is Roxburgh's '[Cissampelos] hexandra'.

Does not collect insects but has sent a parcel of dried plants, will supply descriptions if desired. Dampness and insects currently make it impossible for him to preserve plants and form a collection. Notes on the plants he has sent to Smith: 'Gardenia bisperma' could differ from plant "barbarously" named by Roxburgh; he thought 'Asclepias reticulata' might be the 'Apocynum reticulatum' but now sure it is new to Linnaeus; his 'Polygonum sagittatum' may be the new species '[Polygonum] horridum'; 'Kirpa', a fine timber tree, is 'Decandria monogynia'; believes Roxburgh's 'Athulia aquatica' is a new genus; the 'Painlot' of the natives may be a 'Tannonia' although he has called it a 'Bryonia', has not found the female plant; the plant he called 'Urtica' may not belong to that genus, having only seen the female flowers; and the plant with six stamens inserted into a globular nectarium of which he formerly sent a drawing is 'Amur'. Literary pursuits frustrated by a lack of books.

He has temporary charge of the East India Company's botanic garden at Calcutta whilst [William] Roxburgh is at the Cape [of Good Hope] recovering his health. He has been drawing and describing his fish specimens; forwarding drawings and descriptions of 10 'Cyprini' as an example; his method for interpreting the Bengal names; has nearly 200 drawings of fish; unsure whether to publish as a separate publication or in "Linnean Transactions". Sending description and drawings of a bat for "Linnean Transactions". Received word that the Directors of the East India Company have received his Burmese plants specimens and given them to Sir Joseph Banks.

He is publishing a long paper on the "Religion of the Burmas" in "Asiatic Researches" vol 6; he has caused great offence amongst the Indian antiquaries by claiming that Buddhism is the original doctrine of Hinduism, and that the Bramins are "intruders from Egypt".

Last year he was employed in preparing a report on suitability of Chittagong and Tippera provinces for spice cultivation, which was unfavourable, but a trial is to be made at Chittagong for which he will send nutmeg and cinnamon trees. Collected a number of specimens on this trip. Intends to send Smith a parcel of seeds for distribution. Planning to an expedition through the Sunderbunds forests and considering writing an account of the natural productions of district watered by mouths of the Ganges and Burampooter rivers.

Received Smith's letter and notes on specimens of 17 May 1801. For most of 1800-1801 employed by the Governor-General [Richard Colley Wellesley (1760-1842) 1st Marquess Wellesley] to investigate the state of agriculture, commerce and the arts in the dominions of Tippoo Sultaum [Tipu Sultan (1750-1799) ruler of kingdom of Mysore] and was organising his materials in Calcutta when ordered to the court of Nepal, as surgeon to Captain Knox, British Resident to Nepal.

Working on his journal from the Mysore trip, which will include appendix with descriptions and drawings of animals and plants. Remarks on the geography and recent history of Nepal. Found many European plants including 'Anagallis arvensis', 'Ervum hirsutum', 'Sonchus palustris', 'Fumaria officinalis', and 'Saponaria'. Given two stuffed wild sheep, descriptions of the species. Uncertain how long he will stay in Nepal, financial constraints prevent him from returning to England. Intends to produce a "Flora Indica".

Comments on the catalogue and plant specimens sent to Sir Joseph Banks from his expedition to Ava, Burma. Found another species of 'Vatica' in Mysore and numerous 'Vateria'. 'Dua banga' may be a 'Soneratia' although it is quite different from 'Soneratia acida'. Long Latin description of the genus he proposes calling 'Hopea', although [William] Roxburgh has since named another genus after Hope. Short Latin description of the fruit of the 'Vatica'. Frustrated by 'Eugenias' and 'Conyzas'. Comments on Smith's acquisition of [John] Sibthorp's materials. Alerts Smith to the fact that [John] Fleming [(1747-1829) physician, Indian Medical Service, Bengal] may return to England with Buchanan's descriptions and drawings of fish, asks Smith to assist in selection and correction of the work if published.

Letter of introduction for Buchanan's friend [John] Fleming [(1747-1829) physician, Indian Medical Service, Bengal] who is bringing a copy of Buchanan's manuscript on fish, asks Smith to advise and assist as to corrections and publication. Hoping to return to Calcutta soon, will try to send specimens collected from area of Mount Emodus.

Leaving for India soon. Has materials for a "Flora of Nepal": 114 drawings, mostly of orchids, and 1100-1200 specimens and descriptions, of which 800-900 are new, indexed according to Jussieu's arrangement. Also has 131 drawings of plants from Mysoor, many unknown or previously badly described, many descriptions and some specimens. Offers to entrust them to Smith if they would prove useful for publications.

Frustrated in his intentions to go India by the Chairman of the Court of Directors [Sir Francis Baring (1740-1810) 1st baronet] of the East India Company so is going to Scotland for three weeks. Hopes to meet Smith after to discuss arrangements for his Nepalese flora materials; proposes that Smith publish the drawings and full descriptions in his "Exotic Botany" and he will separately prepare a Prodroumus like [Carl Peter] Thunberg's "Flora Japponica". Has seen [Richard] Salisbury and his work, advises Smith not to embroil himself in a controversy.

Shall probably accompany the new Governor-General [Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 1st Earl of Minto (1751-1814)] to India. Pleased with commencement of his Nepalese flora in "the exotic plants" [probably "Exotic Botany"] but notes the incorrect spelling of his name. Asks Smith for [Amelia] Hume's assistance in soliciting [Jacob] Bosanquet [a director of East India Company] to forward his views on India.

Directs Smith to ask Sir A[braham] or Lady [Amelia] Hume to recommend him as a botanist to [Jacob] Bosanquet [a director of East India Company] and to solicit Bosanquet's assistance with promoting science in the Court [of Directors of the East India Company]. Approves of Smith naming 'Hatucona' after [William] Roscoe and compliments Roscoe's paper on 'Scitaminiae'. Recommends renaming 'Sussodia' if Smith is urgently looking to publish a 'Buchanania'. Recommends Smith reuse the name 'Colebrookia' on new genus in the order of 'Vitices'; laments barbarous nature of names.

The new Governor-General [Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 1st Earl of Minto (1751-1814)] not sailing before Christmas. Had hoped to visit Smith in Norwich but delayed in his attempts to be named [William] Roxburgh's successor in India by Roxburgh having pushed for his son's appointment instead. Asks Smith to obtain [Amelia] Hume's support "or at least her being quiet".

Thanks Smith for recommending him to [Amelia] Hume regarding campaign to be appointed William Roxburgh's successor [at Calcutta Botanic Garden] over Roxburgh's son and explains why "young Roxburgh" is not adequately qualified. Has started working on an index for his journal.

Has been investigating the Dinagepour [Dinajpur] district of India but has had very little botanical success due to the season being unfavourable although optimistic about spending the spring in the Assam region. Sends seeds of 'Ocimum sanctum' [Holy Basil] and a species which is probably the 'Ocimum gratissimum' of Linnaeus so as to allow Smith to clear up any doubts and the differences between these and the Sweet Basil.

Comments on "Babui Toolsee" [babui tulsi, Hindi] and seeds which give "fine nourishment", perplexed that the natives give preference to the other plant which has "nothing remarkable about it". States that the "Encycl. Method." names 'Ocimum basilicum' as the holy Toolsy [tulsi] of the Hindus but believes what he is sending is the real plant, which is cultivated, whilst the "Babui Toolsee" grows wild.

Received Smith's letter of 25 April. Expecting to leave [India] in two years and will bring with him a large collection, although it will not be as interesting as the one from Nepal. His collection of fish is more curious and increasing rapidly, has been unable to trace more than a few in Lacépède. This year is working in the Bhagalpur district of India. A squabble the previous year between the British and Nepalese governments has prevented him from obtaining seeds and flowering specimens of the officinal plants of the Indian Alps. Has managed to procure specimens of one genus, similar to 'Caltha', two species used for medicinal purposes and resemble either the 'Ranunculus arvensis' or 'Ranunculus acris', and another species which is one of the most violent poisons known in India and is used by the natives on their arrows.

Received Smith's letter of 7 May. Remarks on Indian weather and seasons. Has visited Agra and Allahabad. Now in the Gorakhpur district, where he plans to finish his survey, followed by a short trip to Hurdwar and then returning to England via Calcutta next year. Has been collecting the flowers of 'Scitamineae' orchids and 'asclepiades' in spirits as dried specimens are not satisfactory and the want of an appropriate terminology prevents a full description. His collection is large and various, eager to show Smith so as to have a new terminology for fructification developed. Concerned its bulkiness will result in high duties but hopeful of meeting with a Lord of the Treasury as obliging as the Marquess of Blandford was on the last occasion.

Returned [from India] at the end of August. Confusion over Smith's current location. Going to Scotland in October, stopping by the way of Bawtrey, Nottinghamshire, to drop off a little girl that came home in his charge, but would like to see Smith. Intends to settle in Edinburgh but this depends on the inclinations of his sister who may prefer to live in the country.

Received Smith's letter of 25 September. Prevented from meeting Smith but will endeavour to do so the next time both are in London. "That vain, empty creature Lord Moira" [Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings (1754-1826) 1st Marquess of Hastings, Governor-General of India, 1813-1823] has seized all his natural history drawings made during his survey of India and disrupted his publication plans. Proposes an alternative scheme and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of writing in English or Latin. At present Edinburgh is the most eligible location for settling. Wishes to join the Linnean Society.