Negotiations for fixing [William] Roscoe's pictures at the Liverpool Institution have failed and Roscoe is now pressing to auction the collection in London; suggests Smith approaching [Thomas William] Coke about purchasing it to prevent its dispersal. Collection valued at 1,500 guineas, but Roscoe offered it to the Institution for 1,200; lists some of the contents, contains 42-43 pictures.

Proposed by some of [William] Roscoe's best friends at Liverpool to raise a subscription to buy a £5,000-£6,000 annuity for him in recognition of his contributions to the city; asks Smith to interest [Thomas William] Coke, "the manly supporter and vindicator of all that is liberal in public and private life", in the fund. Roscoe's oppostion to the scheme has been overcome.

Forwards copy of a private circular [extant] prepared by a committee of [William] Roscoe's friends detailing scheme to raise funds to buy an annuity for Roscoe, outlines their reasons for not approaching local institutions for funds. Corrects Smith regarding sale of Roscoe's books; the money raised was returned to the subscribers after Roscoe refused the books, and the small part of the library which was purchased was presented to the Athenaeum. Roscoe's opposition to the annuity overcome.

Saw Mr Martin today, all the family well [Smith's brother-in-law].

Handwritten circular dated Liverpool, 8 September 1820 detailing scheme to raise funds to buy an annuity for Roscoe following "the sudden and calamitous reverse [...] in the fortunes of Mr Roscoe" four years ago [2pp].

Following a meeting of [William] Roscoe's "best and staunchest Liverpool friends" they have adopted the plan previously outlined to Smith to secure an annuity for Roscoe; as Roscoe is to visit Holkham [Hall, Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] soon asks that Smith and Coke treat the matter with caution, for reasons Professor Smyth will explain. Roscoe's unselfish nature at this difficult time for him.

Smith has annotated on recto of second folio "sent £50".

Apologises for delay in informing Smith of state of the subscription to purchase an annuity for [William] Roscoe; Smith's £50 transferred to the fund; about £3,000 already subscribed, exclusive of [Thomas William] Coke's £100 per annum. Roscoe appears pleased "at the manner in which this mark of the esteem and regards of his friends has been brought about". Roscoe has made himself unwell through overwork on several literary pursuits. The Martin family all well [Smith's sister and family].

Solicits Smith to provide a testimonial for [William] Swainson for his candidature for the British Museum post lately occupied by [William Elford] Leach; details Swainson's considerable natural history accomplishments. Mrs Martin [Smith's sister] also recommends Swainson.