Thomas Marsham, London, to James Edward Smith, chez Monsr Broussonet, 57 Rue des blancs manteaux, Paris, [France]

Received Smith's letter of 23 [August 1786]. All were anxious for Smith's health, particularly Dr [Samuel] Goodenough, who is now out of London on a natural history excursion with [William] Curtis. They have been unable to see Sir Joseph Banks. Pleased by Smith's zeal for the "new Society" [Linnean Society]; fears [William] Jones will not become a member; [William] Forsyth [(1737-1804)] happier to "weed the old rather than plant a new garden" [in reference to Society for Promotion of Natural History]; soon expects that Society to fold considering the lack of papers or specimens received recently. Promises to send Smith any insect duplicates he does not first send to [Nils Samuel] Swederus [(1751-1833), Swedish naturalist], who has complained of the collections at Paris