Sends this before Smith leaves Norwich. Thanks for parcel and trees, though some in poor condition. Intends to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Thanks Smiths for congratulations on his military honours [Lieutenant-Colonel of Diss Volunteers], though he would prefer to be one step lower, as his current one involves great trouble and responsibility; reassures Smith his position does not involve any hard riding, though suffered from "gravel" recently, but it passed through.
Discusses reports of the dissolution of Parliament; worries that it will give Bonaparte opportunity to attack whilst the country is in confusion of a general election. The volunteers have had a great influence in preventing invasions, and in the last war and at the time of the Mutiny were the "salvation of the country".