He has just acquired Professor Murray's herbarium, a "very rough collection" neither arranged or named; offers duplicates to Smith. Invites Smith to dinner. Encloses money, clearing his debt with Smith; thanks for the "very cheap supply of valuable works".

Busy with receipt of two mails from Jamaica. Has a "great respect" for the [banking] house Smith mentioned to him, which is a neighbour; does not hold the sins of their predecessors against them [in reference to slavery and planters]. Requests copies of Smith and Shaw's works ["Botany and Zoology of New Holland" (1793-1794)]. Informs Smith of 'Scutellaria minor' he found at Barnet, [Hertfordshire], for possible inclusion in "English botany".

Thanks for letter and East India seeds; offers to send plants to Smith's friends, particularly Lady [Amelia] Hume. Sent [James] Sowerby specimen of 'Metrosideros hispida' to draw and dry; observations, thinks it could be 'Eucalyptus'. His city honours [Alderman of London 1798-1803] a "sacrifice" to his conviction of the "serious nature of the times"; attacks those who "skulk" from their responsibilities.

Will gladly show [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] his garden at Clapham, [Surrey]; his Cape plants most noteworthy, especially 'Protea' and 'Erica'. Gets few things from Botany Bay but believes he is the only one to succeed in raising 'Embothrium speciosissimum' from seed. Requests seeds of 'Boronia serrulata'. Regrets that no Linnean frequently helps him with notes and collation as he does not have the time to study. Anticipating [William Roscoe's] "Leo X", enjoyed his "Life of Lorenzo de Medici".

Difficulties of Smith's new work ["Flora Graeca"]. If beginning his botanical pursuits again he would make a work comprising the new or rare plants he has introduced; the next best thing he could do was to keep his collection as open to possible to draughtsmen such as [Ferdinand Lucas] Bauer [(1760-1826), botanical artist] and [James] Sowerby, and [Henry Charles] Andrews [(fl 1790s-1830s), botanical artist] and [Sydenham Teast] Edwards [(1768-1819), botanical artist], though the former two have not had cause to use it. Initially averse to his name being given to any genus. He has not been so abundant in new plants since cutting of his communications with the Cape.

Newly formed Agricultural Society of Jamaica desires Smith as an Honorary Member.

On instruction of Legislature of Jamaica encloses copies of a Report of the House of Assembly and Resolution of the House on establishment of a botanic garden in Jamaica [extant]. Investigations to be carried out on how the soil of the island will support new vegetable cultivation or further of indigo, tobacco, and mulberry; lists skills required of curator of the garden, requests Smith's opinions.

Manuscript copies encloses copy of report of the House of Assembly, 14 December 1824, and resolution of the House Assembly, 16 December 1824, on establishment of a botanic garden.

Asks if Smith concurs with [William Jackson] Hooker on appointment of [James] MacFadyen [(1800-1850), physician and botanist] as curator of the Botanic Garden in Jamaica, as the Legislature wishes him to appoint someone recommended by Smith.