William Sherard papers The five volumes of letters indicate Sherard's wide circle of correspondents and show his generosity in gifts of specimens, seeds, living plants, books and subscriptions. One volume consists of copies of letters from Sherard during his time as Turkey Company's Consul at Smyrna. (MS/108) The great majority of these letters are concerned with botanical subjects: a fair number relate to Greek and Roman coins: a very few are of an official character, and there are some addressed to James Sherard, William's younger brother. There are also many rough drafts of William Sherard's own letters included. MS/252/1 covers letters 1 - 151 MS/252/2 covers letters 152 - 306 MS/252/3 covers letters 307 - 464 MS/252/4 covers letters 465 - 600 MS/252/5 covers letters 601 - 764 1694-1738