Thomas Johnes, Hafod, [Cardiganshire], to James Edward Smith

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Ref No GB-110/JES/COR/16/70
Title Thomas Johnes, Hafod, [Cardiganshire], to James Edward Smith
Letter date 10 Oct 1802
Author(s) Thomas Johnes 1748-1816
Number of Pages 4

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GB-110/JES/COR/16/70 from Thomas Johnes, Hafod, [Cardiganshire], to James Edward Smith (10 October 1802)

Metadata for GB-110/JES/COR/16/70 from Thomas Johnes, Hafod, [Cardiganshire], to James Edward Smith (10 October 1802) Close

Item data

Item Type: Document
From: Johnes, Thomas
Sent from: Hafod, Cardiganshire
To: Smith, Sir James Edward
Summary:

Has been busy with assizes and visits at home and abroad. Does not agree with Trafford's notion that Lord Moira [Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings (1754-1826)], is a "precox Chevalier", having heard he was "too great a Jobber for the Character, and it came from those who employed him". Reckons that if the newspaper reports are true, and that Napoleon believed [William] Windham [(1750-1810), politician] wished him assassinated, it shows him "a poor mind", and his recent manifesto to the Swiss "proves him a Tyrant". Had once thought Napoleon "great", but now finds "melancholy" that only one person in history has "voluntarily quitted absolute power uncontaminated, and the new world has the glory of it" [probably referring to George Washington (1732-1799), first President of the United States]. Supposes Napoleon's ambition can "never be glutted", expects him to make a formal complaint against the liberty of the English press. Discusses his becoming a printer and arrival of the press; shall shortly commence printing his Froissart [(c 1337-c 1405), French chronicler] and is not concerned by reviews or newspapers.
Reminds Smith of Sir Joseph [Banks'] "famous letter" to the member of the [French] Institute on his election and adds that Banks has written to a lady thanking her for sending him a "most nonsensical ode on the death of Dolomieu". Delighted with the naked barley [Thomas William] Coke gave him, which will be a benefit to this country.

Letter date: 10 Oct 1802
Languages: English
Prev Ref No: 16.137
Additional Information:
Note typeNote
Related MaterialFor Johnes' subsequent letter about Banks' letter see his of 2 December 1802, JES/COR/16/71.
Finding AidsDawson, W R (1934). "Catalogue of the manuscripts in the Library of The Linnean Society - Part I. The Smith papers: The correspondence and miscellaneous papers of Sir James Edward Smith", London: Linnean Society.
AdditionalSmith replied 24 Nov [1802]