Received Smith's letters of 21 August and 13 September 1786. Hopes for personal and professional knowledge Smith will take from his tour; confident Smith will not waste his time, health, or money. His principle Italian correspondents for Smith to call upon. Cousin Thomas Wordsworth died recently. Dr Cooper struggling to find success. Pleasure of Smith's poetry. Detailed news of the Norwich election, including a riot. A fungus grew under the lilac tree, which under [John] Pitchford's advice they have buried in dry earth until Smith's return. News of the Lord Chancellor; in very bad health.

Recent letter exchanges. Extension of Smith's journey to include Rome and Naples, where he has letter of introduction to Sir William Hamilton [(1731-1803)], ambassador to Naples. Warns Smith against taking a boat from Marseilles to Genoa or Genoa to Naples, for fear of shipwrecks, pirates, and quarantines. Introductions for Genoa and Milan. Warns against dangers of Vesuvius, subterranean journies, and extravagant pursuits of curiosity.

Received Smith's letter of 18 [November 1786]; their delight at Smith's account of his travels. Sharp start to winter in northern Europe. Dr [John] Hope dead, succeeded by Dr Rutherford. Various enquiries after Smith's "Thesis"; [Nicholas] Gwyn praises the Latin. Norwich news. October issue of "Monthly Review" very high in its praise of Smith's last publication. Reported that convicts are not to be sent to Botany Bay as the country is so extensive it may prove "too big for control", so are sent to New Norfolk Island. Price of silk falling.