"A wretched headache" prevents him from answering Macleay's letter, and is "quite unable" to go into the country for change of air nor London for 15 June [1824]. Does not think he should nominate the vice-presidents until he is informed of his own re-election as President.

Happy to hear Smith has recovered from his "long and severe indisposition". Asks of probability of Smith being in London before May. Asks after [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey's [(1781-1841), sculptor] bust of Smith. Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] in London, has had a slight attack of gout. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert unwell after one of his dogs went mad and bit three of his servants. Asks if Smith has seen new their new volume ["Linnean Transactions" vol 13 issue 2], which is "very thin" for want of matter. Asks if they are ever to receive any paper from Smith.

Happy to see Macleay's handwriting, does not complain of him "as of many people for forcing me to write letters, on w[hi]ch subject some people have no discretion". His "whole daylight" devoted to third volume of his "[English] Flora". His health much restored but lost most of his teeth, long account of his recent illness. "Letter-writing is incompatible with Flora-writing", recent progress. Intends to come to London in April or May [1825] after completing third volume. Complains of "puppies chattering about natural orders which they do not understand"; the more that has been done in botany the more mistakes he finds.

Hopes to make "some stay" in London, including sitting for [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] and fulfilling his engagement of lecturing at the London Institution. [Robert] Brown the only writer he finds "most in the right"; now realises he has praised [Augustin] de Candolle too much, as he has made many errors.

Hopes Macleay favours [John] Frost's election as FLS.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 20 December [1824], they had heard alarming reports of Smith's health. He has accepted the post of Colonial Secretary in New South Wales, [Australia], intends to embark at the end of April; conflicted about the posting but was offered the post in a "very handsome and flattering manner". Suggests [Robert] Brown to replace him as Linnean Society Secretary, though Smith will have to convince him to accept, otherwise suggests [Edward] Barnard. Recommends that [David] Don [(1799-1841), botanist] be removed [as Society Clerk], his "pride and self conceit are really intolerable".

Thanks Smith for writing to [Robert] Brown [about his taking post of Linnean Society Secretary]; disappointed Smith has not remarked on his decision to leave for New South Wales, [Australia], at the end of April, more hurt after the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough] repeated several times that it would be "far beneath" Brown to take such a position. Three vacancies on FMLS list.

Reassures Macleay he is not "indifferent" to the "sad event" of his departure [to New South Wales, Australia]; he feels the strongest regret. Delayed replying to Macleay's news until he had heard from [Robert] Brown but still waiting; thinks it not suited to his "retired manners" but if he undertakes it "with heart & good will" he would be the best candidate, and would not have asked him if he did not think it did Brown honour, the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough] "sometimes singular in ideas".

Third volume of his "English Flora" must be finished before he comes to London, which keeps him very busy; his "correspond[en]ts have no mercy". Feels the loss of a "real friend" in Macleay.

Thanks for Smith's "very kind letter" [of 27 January 1825]. Pays tribute to their 31 years of friendship, during which they have been "intimately known to each other without any misunderstanding or coolness". Forwards delayed letter for Smith from [George] Hibbert [see RelatedMaterial below, requested Smith's recommendation for curator of a botanic garden in Jamaica]; suggests David Don [(1799-1841), botanist] for the post as a means for the Linnean Society to be rid of him.

Thanks Smith for "high compliment" paid to him by Linnean Society [in proposing a portrait be taken of him], only regrets it comes so soon after the subscription for Smith's bust, which raised £190, proud to be the proposer of it. Uncertain what has happened about nomination of [James] Bicheno to succeed him [as Society Secretary].

Confesses he is "not a man of compliments", but Macleay's "wide removal, as it were, to another world [...] seems to excuse & indeed require an opening of heart between us"; pays tribute to their 31-year friendship; urges Macleay to look out for his health, citing recent death of "a most invaluable" nephew of his in India. Hopes to be in London in time to see Macleay, will be giving his first lecture at the London Institution on 2 May [1825], and until then engaged with finishing third volume of his "English Flora".

Recommended David Don [(1799-1841), botanist] to [George] Hibbert [for curator of Jamaica botanic garden]. Will be happy to see [James] Bicheno as new Linnean Society Secretary, though would have been equally pleased with [Edward] Barnard. Delighted with Macleay's son's "most excell[en]t & learned papers".

Asks after the Linnean Society's charter, understanding that had been at Weymouth to received the royal signature. Received letter from Dr Walter Wade of Dublin informing him of discovery of 'Eriocaulon septangulare' in Ireland, never before seen outside the Isle of Skye; details of Wade's habitat; encloses specimen for the Society.

Appoints Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough], [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, [William George] Maton, and [Edward Smith-]Stanley as Vice-Presidents of the Linnean Society.

Contents of Linnean Society charter satisfactory, with the only remaining difficulty being the number of names in it; the Attorney and Soliciter General suggested the first Council, which was rejected by himself, [Thomas] Marsham, and Sir Joseph Banks on account of cost, so they are now examining precedents to include as few names as possible, or to otherwise limit Council names to 15.

Encloses letter, to be returned, which has recently caused much discord at the Society; account of the business, apparently related to nomination of [Johann Karl Adam] Murhard [(1781-1863)] as a FMLS.

[Richard] Pulteney has left his museum to the Society provided they keep it as a separate collection, or that it be sold at auction, the price being made up to £200 if necessary, and given to the Society for purchase of an annual medal of 5 guineas for best botanical paper. Banks has behaved "handsomely" to the Society.

Asks whether Smith would not prefer to have his note on 'Mentha' printed in "Linnean Transactions" as a separate paper, or with the extracts from the minutes; asks Smith's opinion of his proposed list of books donated to the Library. Subscription for [Richard] Relhan's herbarium is now at £91 10s, including the 3 guineas mentioned in enclosed letter by [John] Symmons [extant]; asks Smith's opinion of the letter; he himself is against applying again to those who have already subscribed.

[Copy of letter from John Symmons to Alexander Macleay, dated Paddington-house, Lonndon, 5 December 1799] After being informed by Revd [John] Davies that the subscription for Relhan's herbarium was lacking £14 of the required £100 he applied to Lord Valentia [George] Annesley and Mr Alderman Hibbert, who have both added an extra guniea each, as he has himself.

Thanks Macleay for this care and attention to him. The plant Macleay sent from [John] Fairbairn is a new 'Cissus', not in Willdenow, if he gets the flowers will write a specific character to go at end of "Linnean Transactions".

Congratulates Macleay, [Thomas] Marsham, and Sir Joseph Banks on success of the Linnean Society charter; agrees that 15 Council names would be enough. Regrets Society discord, suggests course of action for allowing [John] Parkinson to produce testimonials in favour of electing [Johann Karl Adam] Murhard [(1781-1863)] a FMLS, and for Macleay to regulate [Jonas] Dryander until he comes to London, he is an "indifferent person, & fear[s] neither". Unable to decide on [Richard] Pulteney's legacy until they see what it consists of. Sending Macleay a turkey.

Thanks Smith for the "excellent Alderman" he sent [a Norfolk turkey]. Present [Walter] Wade's specimen of 'Eriocaulon septangulare' and extract from his letter to the Linnean Society. [John] Fairbairn unable to to acquire flowering specimen of the 'Cissus' until May.

Pleased to state that the recent discord at the Linnean Society between [John] Parkinson and [Jonas] Dryander over the election of [Johann Karl Adam] Murhard [(1781-1863)] as a FMLS has been satisfactorily settled; has always been of opinion that it was a personal quarrel originating in words spoken after the Chair had been left. The Society has decided to accept [Richard] Pulteney's museum on condition of its being kept a separate collection.

The Linnean Society charter has passed "the ordeal" of the Attorney and Solicitor General and is now waiting to pass the Great Seal; "the trouble which has attended it is inconceivable". Warns Smith to be prepared for a summons to London, for whenever the charter passes the Great Seal the Society will consist of no more than the 15 people named on it, and it will be necessary to elect the others as soon as possible after, and the bye-laws need framing.

Concerned to hear Smith so ill since leaving London. Distressed by death of a "beloved and affectionate brother". The Linnean Society now has its charter; [Thomas] Marsham, [Jonas] Dryander, and himself are to meet on the subject but fear they will be able to do little without Smith's presence, asks when he is arriving in London.

Formal notice requesting Smith's attendance at Linnean Society meeting on 11 May [1802] to consider the directives in the Society's recently granted charter.

[Additional letter on second folio, also by Macleay]: After meeting with [Thomas] Marsham and [Jonas] Dryander they found that no summonses could be issued for the Dinner until the members of the Society be reelected, and as Smith's presence for such is not essential they made it the earliest day possible; his summonses was only to comply with a direction in the charter. Hopes Smith will be well enough to attend on 17 May [1802] for settling the bye-laws, and asks that he prepare an address to the Society upon its meeting as a chartered body.

Account of Linnean Society meeting [following granting of charter]: 12 met, only absentees being Smith, Lord Dartmouth [George Legge], and [John] Symmons; all Fellows, Honorary Members, and Associates reelected except those in arrears, and the business of the Foreign Members deferred until meeting next Monday, which he hopes Smith will be able to attend.

Concerned to hear about Smith's "serious illness" at [Richard] Salisbury's; hopes the worst of the erysipelas is over. Will send new Linnean Society list and "Linnean Transactions" vol 6 shortly. The Society rules are to be confirmed or rejected at the next meeting. Asks if he can do anything for Smith in the north of Scotland and Orkneys.

Arrived in London 3 weeks ago after an absence of 4 months in Scotland, pleased to hear Smith has recovered from his long indisposition. Linnean Society Council meering on Saturday to decide the motto for their Coat of Arms, asks Smith's opinion. Asks if Smith knows of any forthcoming papers for the Society.