There has been a delay in printing so will not require his articles until later. Will be in London in the near future and would like to see him.

Introduces himself. Encloses specimen of an unknown 'Epilobium' [extant] gathered in the Grampian mountains, Scotland, cannot identify it from third edition of "[Compendium] Flora Britannica". Prasies "Flora Britannica".

Specimen of 'Epilobium'.

Thanks Smith for his letter of condolence on the death of her [brother-in-law, Thomas Anson (1767-1818) 1st Viscount Anson] and the hymn he wrote.

Sorry to not have seen Smith yesterday. The general election and debate over arrangements for a visit, including accomodation of his indigestion. Keen for [Jacob] Bigelow to become a member of Linnean Society and a Foreign Member of the Royal Society.

Smith's canvassing for Cambridge professorship. Will shortly visit Smith in Norwich if the Norfolk election is not contested. [Jacob] Bigelow and his possible elections to Royal Society and Linnean Society. A "large serpent" has appeared in the sea "again", although changed enough in appearence for no notice to be taken of the "lumps upon his back" and with a head 14 feet long, relates remarks from Bigelow who compares it to a serpent that appeared off Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Explains how he came to miss Smith the last time he was in London.

Has been reading some of Smith's papers, awed by his industry. Will shortly visit Smith in Norwich before going onto Paris with his brother. Has received a letter from Sir Joseph Banks, who thinks the "snake" is the same as that which visited the coast last autumn.

Directions for various parcels for Smith to forward. Reviews [Jacob] Bigelow's "Medical Botany". Invites Smith to visit on his way to Liverpool. Fears he may have been "very presumptuous" with Lady Smith in "thinking so highly of Byron". Planning to ask Sir Joseph Banks to introduce Bigelow as a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Satisfied with the "malignity" of Monk's pamphlet [written in response to Smith's Cambridge pamphlet]; hopes Smith will not attempt to answer it.

Thanks Smith on subject of epitaph for [Henry] Kirke White [(1785-1806), poet] , unsure whether to speak to [William] Roscoe about it or go with his original intention to "make his monument his name alone". Asks Smith to remind [Edward] Rigby of his promise to Boott should an enlarged edition of "Holkham, its agriculture" be published. Pledges his support to Smith over Cambridge dispute.

Intends to winter in South of France and reside in Nice; requests introductions. Suffering from serious indisposition which makes him dread an English winter.

Happy about Smith's intention to publish a Mantissa, believes it should take precedence over translating "Flora Britannica" into English and would be the work on which "any lasting reputation must depend". Pleased to send Smith a copy of his "Hindu Genealogies". Preparing memoirs for different maps drawn by natives of Ava, Burma, to be published in the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal. His manuscript of the Gangetic fishes with the publisher. Took the name Hamilton in order to succeed to the estate of Bardowie. Wishes to procure everything that is likely to be naturalised in a narrow wooded glen and which does not already grow in Scotland.

Sends two copies of his book ["Primitiae florae Essequeboensis" (1818)], which he has dedicated to the Linnean Society, "renowned in England as well in the whole Continent". Intends to dedicate himself to botany; would appreciate an "alliance" with the Linnean Society. He is working on a "Flora Gottingenssis", which will include a new system of lichens and fungi and a "geognostix" description of the country. He is also writing a monograph on 'Alnus' and 'Betula'; Sir Joseph Banks has provided specimens. Asks Smith to reply via the Duke of Cambridge [Prince Adolphus (1774-1850)].

Encloses two sketches of proposed armorial ensigns, and would be pleased to receive them back with Sir William's preferences.

Went to London, and then returned for meeting of the Syndicate. Gives details of resolutions passed and also the one to which GP objects, viz body responsible for appointing observer. There is to be another meeting on Friday.

Meeting was not called by the Vice-Chancellor, so powers of the Syndicate are now at an end. Gives news of events at the University. Has had letter from J. B. Biot, who is to give a series of lectures on Newton's Principia.

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Hopes Smith will lecture whilst visiting Cambridge. Recommends Dr [Martin] Davy as advisor for Smith. Update on Trinity College members' inclinations: Mr Powell intends to run for professorship and although his knowledge of botany is slight, as a former fellow many other fellows have promised their votes to him, however junior fellows more inclined to vote for Smith. Confident that Powell shall not succeed.

Observer for the forthcoming observatory is to be the Plumian Professor. Gives news of other professorships and gives opinion of JH's chances should he apply for any.

Requesting support for Adam Sedgwick in the forthcoming election for the Woodwardian Lectureship. Has been unwell himself.

Comments on the candidates and the process for filling the Woodwardian Lectureship at Cambridge; also some other Cambridge University matters.

Making arrangements for a visit to JH at Slough.