Letter received by Banks from James Edward Smith, 29 December1798 (Series 72.167) - No. 0002

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will be better employed elsewhere, & more to your satisfaction.  I cannot leave home this severe weather, & therefore I shall get the forwarder with my Flora before I go to town.

Daphne collinae in the open ground full of flower buds seems as yet unhurt by the cold in my garden. 

Mrs Smith desires to join me in wishing you & the ladies many happy years.  I heartily condole with Lady Banks on the cold weather.  The thermometer here has been below [indecipherable] as I am told. 

I am ever
Dr Sir
Yr obliged & most  
ob.t [obedient] serv.t [servant]

J E Smith

Norwich  Dec. 29. 1798.