Thanks Smith for "the very agreeable" description of the genus 'Monachorum' and praises the purity of the language. The very harsh winter has prevented him from botanising. Concern for the misfortunes of [William] Hudson [his collections were lost in a fire in 1783]. Criticism of writing capabilities of [James] Dickson and his intention to "publishing something new in the Cryptogamian way".

Received Smith's letter from [William] Young; pleased to hear he is still prosecuting his favourite study; Smith's paper to the [Natural History] Society gave great pleasure. He is about to commence his medical studies. Asks if the aquatic lichen he sent Smith has been determined yet; he has found it in great quantities in Lanarkshire growing with 'Tremella verrucosa'.; found 'Tremella nossoc'. Small sketch and description of an unidentified "thing" he recently gathered on the shore [an egg case or mermaid's purse].

Received Smith's letter of 4 [January 1784]. Apologises for tone of his last letter, which he knew would give Smith pain, but felt compelled to write it for love of his family [on purchase of the Linnaean collections]. Believes it is out the reach of their abilities to attain the collections, especially considering the "no small non-inelegant house" required to house them, and the claims of the rest of his children. Pleased that Smith has consulted Dr Pictairn and other "judicious friends"on value.

Requests tubs of herrings for his friends. He is in London for arrival of his son's [James Edward Smith] purchase of the Linnaean collections and for placing his youngest son, Richard, with an architect. Confident of the collection's value. His hopes for Richard.

Thanks for seeds. He was lucky to get copy of Linnaeus' "Supplementum plantarum"; wishes he could get Hedwig's "De Muscis"; impatient to see Linnaeus' "Amoenitates academicae" vol 8, though he admires Linnaeus more as a naturalist and systematist than philosopher. Laments death of the younger Linnaeus, "a severe blow to the progress of Botany & Zoology". Wishes to see [William] Aiton [(1731-1793), director Kew Gardens 1759-1793] "Hortus Kewensis". Thanks for Smith's attentions to his desiderata. Requests advice and information from London hospitals on improving hospitals here.

Thanks for Hedwig and Broughton books, specimens of British plants, information on a cabinet for dried plants, and list of botanical books. List of books to be purchased for University Library, including: [William] Curtis' "Flora Londinensis", [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Flora Austriaca", "Icones plantare rariorum", and "Miscellanea Austriaca", [Casimir Christoph] Schmidel's "Dissertationes botanices", [Anders] Retzius' "Fasciculus observationum botanicarum", and Meerberg's "Icones Ludg. Bat.".

Introduces Dr Young of the island of St Vincent's, where he had charge of temporary botanic garden.

[Note: letter written to Robert Batty] Thanks for news of safe arrival of Linnaean collections; he had seen some of the books at Customs House whilst collecting a parcel of insects sent from St Petersburg. Sends his compliments to Smith and invites him to Dartmouth, and asks to view the Linnaean collections when possible, never thought it would "fall to the lot of an Englishman to possess" them.

[Smith has noted his reply:] invites Latham to see the collections.

Congratulates Smith on purchase of the Linnaean collections, which "will be a means of making [Smith] much know". Dined with [Thomas] Woodward and [James] Crowe, latter anxious for Smith not to make any agreements as to disposal of collections before speaking to him. Glad Smith has said the purchase will not interfere with his medical studies, as exclusive study of natural history can only be pursued by those with independent fortunes. Advises Smith to buy the herbarium of the younger Linnaeus if not included in the main purchase, for the duplicates. Will now regard Smith as "a second Linnaeus", though afraid Smith's other pursuits will not enable him to make full use of the collections. Opportunity for correcting Linnaeus' incorrect synonyms in "Species plantarum". Many made unwell by "this cruel winter".

Pleased to hear of safe arrival of Linnaean collections, Smith must have been made anxious by long delay in its coming.

His considerations and advice on Linnaean collections, following discussion with Smith's father [James Smith]: recommends Smith focus on his medical studies, and after arranging and cataloguing it to his satisfaction he should decide what parts, if any, to dispose of; if Smith intends to give lectures then neither the minerals, plants, or insects can be disposed of. Recommends caution on publishing new editions of Linnaeus' works from the manuscripts, and suggests publishing a "Flora Britannica" in "Linnaean dress", if Smith can obtain [John] Ray's plants or verify his synonyms. Danger if exhibiting the plants of being pre-empted in publication of new English plants.

[Richard] Relhan has gathered 'Athamanta oreoselinum' Hudson and named by him 'A. hibanotis'. Hudson has found 'Corrigiola littoralis' on Devon coast.

Received Smith's letter of 14 October 1783, pleased to find he is not one of "those innumerable multitude of young men who are insensible to religion & virtue", as he feared, and pleased the person who had "the greatest share" in his friendship is of his religion. Pleased Smith is better, he is lucky to clear his pleurisy in Edinburgh climate._x000D_

He is assistant to Eyles Irwin [(1751-1817), Irish poet and writer], who is managing the Tinnevelly district of "the Nabob's countries", assigned to the [East India] Company for five years. Lack of integrity has hurt English name here more than anything. Insists that he has never received a bribe; effect this has on the people in knowing they can receive justice. His pay is "very handsome", and he keeps a palanquin and horse._x000D_

Describes the Tinnevelly weather and country, including floods and fires. Amused at ideas Europeans have of Indians; relates anecdote of a mutiny. Sends love to all his family, and his "charming Sally".

Envies Smith his access to Sir Joseph Banks as he has no library or collections. Promises Lichens.

Thanks Smith for introduction to Marquis Ippolito Durazzo.

Enquiries about Linnaean collections.

Count Castigliani of Milan.

Enjoyed his time in London with [Robert] Batty who now thinks of setting up as a surgeon and apothecary. Broussonet has been appointed professor of oeconomy at Paris and is working on a "Flora Monspeliaca". Returned [William] Withering's proofs, with comments.

His purchase of the Linnaean library and collections for 900 guineas; lists the contents, being everything owned by both Linnaeuses [Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), and Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1741-1783)], excepting the fossils of the elder which are given to the University of Upsal. Describes his luck of being friends with the man who was employed to negotiate a sale to Sir Joseph Banks. Estimates its value and ability to return. Intends to return to Edinburgh next winter.

Has been waiting for a letter from Smith. Fears Smith will only be able to continue his botanical studies in London by studying herbariums. Concerned to hear of a dispute at the Royal Society between Sir Joseph Banks and Mr Hutton. [William] Younge now President of the Edinburgh Natural History Society. Asks if Smith made a catalogue of the plants he collected from around Edinburgh; difficulties of collecting.

Lists requests made by his father, [John Hope] for Smith: list of the latest botanical works; list of new genera and species not included in "Supplementum plantarum"; best form of cabinet for a herbarium; copies of Dr [Arthur] Broughton's abridgement of "Flora Anglica", and Hedwig's "Historia muscorum"; and bark of the new 'Cinchona', a 'Carbaea'. Thanks for Smith's list of Scottish plants and habitats, including 'Verbascum massus', 'Eonymus europaeus', 'Polygonum pensylvanicum', 'Adoxa morchalellina', 'Chrysosplenium alternifolium', 'Drosera longifolia', 'Lathrea squamaria'. Lists various plants for Smith to provide habitats for. Asks if Smith is still a Brunonian. A one-day exhibition of air balloons.

Congratulates Smith on acquisition of Linnaean collections; speculates on their worth. Requests copies of works by Hedwig and [Arthur] Broughton. His growing herbarium. Physical Society laid foundation stone of a new Hall. Smith's Society [Edinburgh Natural History Society] is become "by no means inconsiderable" owing to number of respectable members; anticipating seeing Smith in Edinburgh.