Thanks for Smith's letter received yesterday; forwarded its enclosed letter to Dublin. Glad Smith likes the second volume of his Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler] translation; the "British critic has used me handsomely, the Edinburgh very well, but has shown great ignorance". White [publisher] has the third volume and will have the fourth in May. Blasts those he thought his friends; in future shall "keep the world at a distance". Discusses his planned transations of other French chroniclers: [Jean de] Joinville [(1224-1317)] and [Enguerrand de] Monstrelet [(1400-1453)]. Will be happy to see Smith and Mrs [Pleasance] Smith in August.

Asks in which book they can find a 'Volkameria', a "beautiful cocinea spiry plant", which he has but unable to find in any of his books, would be grateful to Smith for any seeds. His conservatory and garden prospering, especially since making his cook also his gardener. [William] Roscoe's severe fit of gout is delaying his "[Life and Pontificate of] Leo X". Praises drawing skills of Mariamne [Johnes, his daughter]; he thinks her copies of the etchings in Spencer's "Leonora" are equal to the originals.

Thanks for Smith's letter and condolences, "the blow has been most severe, and more so, from bring so very unexpected" [possibly death of his sister, Elizabeth, wife of Hanbury Williams]. Will assist Smith in the publication of his "Tour of Hafod", though warns his circle of friends has reduced considerably. Not surprised by [Richard] Salisbury's conduct. Glad Smith likes [Benjamin] Malkin's [(1769-1842), antiquarian] book ["The Scenery, Antiquities, and Biography of South Wales" (1804)], who is a friend of his. Mariamne [Johnes, his daughter] is well and walks 5 to 7 miles daily. news. Asks that they be remembered to the Mr and Mrs Kindersley; "had our strange sister [Charlotte] followed his advice it would have been better for her".

Received Smith's letter yesterday, remarks on potatoes. Heard from [Benjamin] Malkin [(1769-1842), antiquarian] that Smith's book ["A tour to Hafod" (1810)] was in a "fair way of being made publick". Discusses views and drawings of Hafod, a plan of house, drawing of the mosaic "with its proper colours", internal rearrangements he has made, an engraving of the obelisk he erected to the late [Francis Russell, 5th] Duke of Bedford [(1765-1802)], has no drawing of the "charming chain bridge" on a new walk he has made.

They are all in good health except for [Hanbury] Williams [his brother-in-law], who seems "on the decline", though "if he would not give such way to his grief" [following death of his wife and Johnes' sister, Elizabeth] he would "last some time". Delightful weather and fine foliage, though the "urns of my river gods are almost dry".

Thanks for Smith's letter of 13 [August]. Will miss Smith's friend Colonel Purton as he will be at the Cardigan assizes. His wife has had a return of her spasms. [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician] has been dangerously ill but now convalescing; he is their "sheet anchor" as he knows all their constitutions so well. Describes interior and exterior improvements at Hafod; has let out the farm he had in hand at three times the rent as when he took it on, and has now begun improving 2000 acres of wildground to let out in four or five years time.

Happy Smith has been pleased with La Broequine and thanks him for his notes, which he will make use of in the next edition. Has been extremely inconvenienced by [John Henry Petty, 2nd Marquess of] Lansdowne [(1765-1809)] abandoning his purchase of the Priory.

Mariamne [Johnes, his daughter] has become a "prodigious fine miniature paintress". His work on [Enguerrand de] Monstrelet [(1400-1453), French chronicler] translation: first volume printed and second will be finished by March, keeps three printers constantly employed. Fire at Hafod House: his Venetian library in "grand confusion", having escaped the fire, but lost first volume of "Flora Graeca" and all "Linnean Transactions". Intends to restore library "as handsome as before".

Thanks for Smith's letters of 8 and 24 [February], gave his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] the packet of seeds. Believes lawyers and liars are "one and the same". Has not read Mrs [Anna Letitia] Barbauld's [(1743-1825), poet and essayist] book yet. Second volume of his [Enguerrand de] Monstrelet [(1400-1453), French chronicler] translation printed up to second volume but other frustrations have delayed publication. Pleased with the books he recently acquired, including five Caxtons. Shall forward Smith's letter to Ireland.

Admires [William] Roscoe's pamphlet and thinks [William] Cobbett's [(1763-1835), political writer and farmer] answer "clumsy". Considering a high relief of a Phoenix and Cicero motto in restoration of his burnt down library. Visiting Hanbury Williams in Bath before going on to London, who informs him that his brother is about to marry Miss Cuyler, daughter of the late general; he will have £3000 in hand and as much in money on death of Mr Knight, whose name he will take. Requests seeds of the "single tree peony" from Lady [Amelia] Hume.

Working hard to finish his literary work and constantly writes six sheets a week in preparation for spending the whole of next year visiting in the north. Confident Hafod House will be rebuilt [following a fire] and ready for habitation next September. Has long admired Smith's "bishop" [probably Samuel Goodenough, Bishop of Carlisle] from his speech on the "Catholic question" as it "effectually cuts off any further preferment"._x000D_

Discusses Laing's book, which shocked him. Has been told that "old Rose" is answering Mr Fox's book, he thinks this is a folly. Sorry [Nathaniel Edward] Kindersley did not call on him when travelling through this part of the country. Thanks to [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician] they are all "vastly well", though Mrs Johnes caught cold at St Paul's, when the "grandest sight" he ever saw of "the Charity Children took place". Beddoes has been exceedingly ill. Reminds Smith of 'Paeonia' seeds of Lady [Amelia] Hume he thought he could acquire.

Received Smith's letter of 24 [April]. An Aberystwyth surgeon has used "cuperose" with great effect to cure a young man's epileptic fits, and will write to him if Lady Amelia Hume wants the medicine. "Great loss" in death of [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician]. Returns Smith's manuscript and has made only minor corrections, offers plan of the present house [for Smith's "A tour to Hafod" (1810)].

Complains of the "miserable criticism" the "Edinburgh [Review]" of his [Jean de] Joinville [(1224-1317), French chronicler] translation; suspects it was "fabricated here by an ancient supposed friend". Laments "change in men's minds in last year", "they all seem unhinged" and they have "no heads and no leaders".

His family's tour of the north: visited Edinburgh, the south country of Scotland, Westmoreland to visit the Bishop of Llandaff [Richard Watson (1737-1817)], then Liverpool, [Lancashire]. Asks if Smith has seen Mr Blundell's collections at Ince, [Lancashire], where there are very fine marbles including a Theseus; he made him present of the "real hand" of his Bachuus, which is now complete. Disappointed to return to find rebuilding of Hafod ongoing.

Wishes Smith would print something in his "Tour of Hafod" to contradict the rumours that the Hafod estate is entailed on the male line, and to state that his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] will inherit it all.

Thanks for Smith's letters of 24 April and 3 May, his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] thanks Smith for the seeds. Has had a severe cold and fever and sprained his ankle in a fall. Asks Smith's brother the best place and persons to buy crimson serges from. Flattered by Smith's dedication [in his "Tour to Hafod" (1810)]; crossed out a few words in the preface for displaying "far too much vanity on my part, and alas this place has gained me enemies enough". Supposes it comes out the same time as his [Enguerrand de] Monstrelet [(1400-1453), French chronicler] translation, of which the entire edition has sold before publication. Impatient to go home but it will not be complete till the end of the month. Surprised by number of books he has saved from the fire or from being thieved; Smith's "Insects [of Georgia]" amongst them, and once all arranged expects to have a finer collection than before.

[In postscript] thanks Smith for wheat, which he sowed into the garden straight away.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 13 June but still waiting for "the handsome present", blames White [publisher] for not following his advice. Found that the best market for the serges he wanted is in Bristol; thanks Smith for his assistance. Knows little of [Thomas] Andrew Knight and does not share the same opinion "which he seems to have of himself".

Always though D'Eon "a man, & that it was a gambling trick of that scoundrel de Morande to gain money by the policy", and all has now turned out as he expected. Discusses [William] Windham's [(1750-1810), politician] death and his former friendship with him; received a letter from him just before the event. Returned to Hafod first week of June but workmen still here and has no bed to offer anyone. Satisfied to find that all he planned surpasses his expectations, "both for comfort & magnificance", and it is far superior to the old house.

Sending portfolio of drawings soon but Stadler wants them a little longer. Has not had his copies of his [Enguerrand de] Monstrelet [(1400-1453), French chronicler] translation; describes the contents. Discusses a poem and biography of [Emperor] Maximilian [I (1459-1519)] with curious wood cuts by same engraver; lost copies of both in his library fire and replaced former but not the latter yet.

Employing himself in "all the luxury of complete idleness". Though books in Britain are selling at "immense" prices surprised by prices in France, citing recent publication of three part work on Egypt containing 840 prints on vellum paper costing 5400 francs [pencil annotations of other figures]. Had some fine drawings for French edition of Monstrelet but they arrived too late. Decoration of his hall.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 31 December. His wife and daughter [Mariamne Johnes] have severe colds, and he has been ill, too, but by following medical rules of cupping, blistering, and Calomel, they have gained relief. Hopes to see Smith in London in the spring.

Has long heard of the treasures of Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] but doubts likelihood of his ever visiting. Has amused himself with the exiled King of Sweden's father's work, and Madame des Duffand's letter to Lord Oxford. High winds and heavy rain but no snow.

Franked Smith's letter to Mrs [Pleasance] Smith. His daughter [Mariamne Johnes] exceedingly ill and yesterday called in Bayley and Pearson, who both agree on its being a "strong nervous affection" and requiring a long recovery.

Received Smith's letter; sorry to hear he has been ill. His grief [at death of his daughter, Mariamne Johnes]; support from his faith and friends. Shortly returning home [to Hafod, Cardiganshire].

His grief and wife's grief [at death of their daughter, Mariamne Johnes]; a visit from Smith would do them good; has never seen Hafod in "such beauty". Expects [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841)] on Monday to consult about a monument [for Mariamne].

Previously sceptical of the fiorin grass called 'Agrostis stolonifera', or couch, but now convinced on its excellent qualities and on encouragement of Dr Richardson and Mr Miller set to convert his "dreary moors" to "the finest hay grounds". He is also improving a new farm which was only £20 rent, expecting in a few years for it to be worth hundreds, independent of the trees; he shall be "a better compatriot than either Pall Mall or Manchester Square [both in London] can boast of". Comments on an event that was a "total dereliction of principle & of all honourable feeling" and is very sorry for his country.

Has known [Thomas William] Coke since childhood at Eton [College, Berkshire], but ashamed to have never taken up any of his many invitations to Holkham, [Norfolk]. Struggling to catalogue his books. The weather is "miserably wet". Does not think his wife will ever regain her spirits to enjoy company.

Transcribes extract from letter just received from a friend, the governor of Banda [islands in the Indonesian archipelago]: collecting plants into his garden and requests to know the desiderata in England, and how they are described; requests Smith's assistance on strength of a book of his he has just read and describes the advantages of his location. Johnes forbears on commenting on the politics or the state of that country. Now has a daily post to and from London.

Congratulates Smith on the recovery of his health. His own health good except for a weakness in the hip. Forwarded Smith's enclosure to [Harvey] Spragg, thanks to convenience of new daily post.

Thinks that Sole of Bath, [Somerset], was too hasty is declaring 'Agrostis stolonifera' as "black couch" and "the worst grass that grows" in the Wiltshire Agricultural Report, as he [Johnes] is convinced that it will become the "most beneficial discovery that has been made". He was first alerted to it by the "greediness" of his cattle in seeking it out, and hopes to have nearly 100 acres of it next year.

Believes weather here is better than elsewhere; they have only had one very rainy day and are in expectation of a good harvest. Current politics are "disgusting", and expects the Catholics to "be thrown aside" in spite of the "fine promises" made.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 22 September and basket of plants, they have the 'Corchorus' which is "very beautiful" and thrives well outside. Recently visited Weymouth, [Dorset], where they now intend to annually spend the spring months, the only unpleasant ones at Hafod. Regrets never having accepted [Thomas William] Coke and Smith's invitations to Norfolk. Expects his journeys to London to become less frequent in future.

Nothing can be done in Parliament, and the "late disgraceful business of the Princess [Charlotte] of Wales [(1796-1817)] has shown all parties in base colours"; thinks it is the fault of the "two great leaders" being taken away, dreads a "general crash".

Ill-use by his relations has left him anxious to dispose of the reversion of Hafod to some "rich man of taste". He has made so many improvements that Smith would not know the place.

[Note in pencil states that Johnes was 66 years old on 2 September 1813]