Received Smith's letter and "curious melon seed"; currently his preferred variety is the green fleshed Egyptian melon. His family: son at Brussels, Lady Frankland confined by paralytic stroke since 20 October, and his brother become incurably blind.

Received Smith's letter from Woburn [Abbey, Bedfordshire]. His health good but Lady Frankland weakened by summer weather, gave up London trip to care for her. His son in Geneva avoiding the 400 English there, but returning to act as his uncle's executor and so Lady Frankland can meet her new daughter-in-law for first time. Grew successful crop of Great Mogul melons from the seeds Smith sent from Lord [Thomas, 1st Viscount] Anson's [(1769-1818)] and will compare with the green Egyptian and scarlet-fleshed melons, though thinks melons too troublesome to be worth raising.

Strawberry propagation: laid straw in two beds of alpine and pine strawberries, in the latter half of ripe fruit was daily found scooped out, the gardeners think it was slugs but he suspects beetles concealed in the straw during the day, encloses specimen. Strawberry plants given him by [Edward Lascelles, 1st Earl of] Harewood's [(1740-1820)] gardener in January 1815 not pines; they have a uniform shape, a higher colour, blood red inside, and firmer than pines, detailed ink sketch of fruit. Unable to succeed with hautboys even when raising from seed of very fine fruit of Mr [Christopher] Dundas' in Berkshire.

Two beetles in small blue envelope labelled "Beetles 'Carabus striatus' Kirby mss. near 'vulgaris'".

Thanks for Smith's letter of 13 [January]. Just recovered from severe cough and inflammation on the lungs, the same as last year which Mr Williams "wilfully" misdiagnosed. Surprised and upset by failure of [William] Roscoe's bank [Roscoe was a partner in the Clarke family bank, which failed in 1816]. Fears the country is in a "miserable state" and does not know what can be done to pay the nation's creditors. He has no rents and farms thrown "on hand", wishes that [Thomas William] Coke's tenant who "set a notable example of calling out his landlord" had been "more severely punished". Would be happy to see Smith's friend Mr Lane at Lympstone, [Devon].

By request of Mrs [Jane] Johnes informs Smith of the death of Colonel [Thomas] Johnes, at four p.m. yesterday afternoon.

Thanks Smith for the letter he sent Mr [James] Goss on the death of her husband, [Thomas Johnes], and for his friendship to him and their "darling daughter" [Mariamne Johnes]. Her grief and Christian faith.

Will of Thomas Johnes: estimated that after debts Thomas Johnes has left his widow [Jane Johnes] £40,000, "much more than sufficient" for a comfortable maintenance. A considerable legacy was left to Hugh Smith, late of Lincoln's Inn, and the reversion of Hafod, [Cardiganshire], was sold to Clauton two years ago, to be completed on Johnes' death.

Fruit experiments: after experimenting with white chili and black strawberry varieties to find specific identity is now convinced they are both varieties of the Canadian wood strawberry, culled by gardeners of the Duke of Kent [Prince Edward (1767-1820)], which is the parent of the common. Bred peach and almond freely so no longer doubts their specific identity and hopes to present fruit obtained from seed of almond and pollen of peach to the Linnean Society next year.

Attended Linnean Society anniversary meeting; there was general sorrow at Smith's absence and the cause of it, hopes he is well again. Happy to observe the increase of "friendly feelings" between the Linnean and Horticultural Societies, and the latter as the younger Society is careful not to invade on the Linnean's province. Received letter from [Charles-François Brisseau de] Mirbel; he has given Horticultural Society his hypothesis on the conversion of bark into albumum. Unsure of what to make of his "rival" Patrick Keith [(1769-1840), clergyman and botanist] in "Linnean Transactions" and two subsequent volumes [see RelatedMaterial below], as his "misrepresentations are too gross"; will ignore the books but must point out his "Transactions" errors.

A recent, "most melancholy" family event delayed his response to Smith's letter. Selling the papers of Lord Chief Justice Coke [Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634)] to Thomas William Coke to relieve Coke of any "supposed obligation", even though he is aware that in the library at Holkham "they will be in their proper place"; asks Smith to value them.

In postscript adds that he intends to retain one manuscript from Coke in the office of Earl Marshall, and one printed book, the "Great Nuremerg Chronicle", as they were the property of Lord Coke and unconnected with law.

Forced to cancel his visit to Smith in Norwich following "sudden and unexpected" death of his father-in-law. Thanks Smith for agreeing to value the eleven volumes of [Sir Edward] Coke's papers [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke, to whom he sold the papers]. Pleased to learn from Smith's former letter that [William] Roscoe's prospects have improved [Roscoe was declared bankrupt in 1816], though sorry his library could not be saved.

Thanks for Smith's letter; has nothing to add in reference to [Sir Edward] Coke's papers [(1552-1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician, ancestor of Thomas William Coke, to whom the papers were being sold] manuscripts and they are ready for collection. Regretted to hear Coke had been in great danger of losing one of his eyes, observes that individuals "in these large shooting parties" are in constant risk of being shot. Glad to hear of [Thomas] Woodward's good health in his seventy-third year.

Thanks for Smith's sympathy [on failure of his banking house]; speculates causes including the great employment of capital following the opening of the American trade and immense exports of Liverpool merchants, most of whom kept their accounts with them, although though most direct and immediate cause was from the least expected quarter [unspecified]. Confident that his and his partners' property will cover all debts and leave a disposable income for themselves and consoles himself with the thought of being freed from his many obligations. Was unaware that [Thomas William] Coke, Lord Derby [Edward Smith-Stanley], and others had been applied to. His family bear it well.

Current state of affairs [following failure of his banking house]: they have appeased the "great mass" of their creditors and pleaded for time to convert their funds to money; surprised and consoled by the kindness and confidence they have met with, following a meeting on recommencement of business which was "unanimously asserted to" by the 400 in attendance, some refractory persons remain. Comments on support and friendship of Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law]. Allerton, his library, and art collection are all to be sold, but as they will fully discharge his obligations he does it with pleasure.

Current state of affairs [following failure of his banking house]: has dispatched catalogues of his books, drawings, and prints and expects sale to be well attended; Lord [George John] Spencer has already expressed an interest; transcribes a sonnet on being parted with his library. Business of their bank increasing again and if not for the commerical depression they would quickly recover what they had lost, discusses the particular risks of Liverpool banking ventures.

Pleased by Smith's improved health and opportunities to see [Thomas William] Coke and Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke]; his own delight at making acquaintance of Lord [George John] and Lady [Lavinia] Spencer [(1762-1831)], who have invited him to spend Christmas at Althorp, [Northamptonshire]. Invited Dr Francis [Buchanan] to Allerton but his ship embarked early. Dispatched parcel of manuscripts to Coke at Holkham, [Norfolk].

Pleased [Thomas William] Coke is satisfied with the books he bought at sale of his collections, including particularly fine manuscript of the Bible, and the pitcures he bought are the "cream" of the collection; Hargreaves has made a miniature copy of the "Head of Christ" by Leonardo da Vinci. Keen to meet Smith at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke]. Congratulates Mr and Mrs Reeve. His daughter, Jane, recovering but still source of anxiety.

[Letter incomplete: first folio cropped, presumed destroyed]

Thanks for Smith's congratulations and refers him to Mr Martin [Smith's brother-in-law] for all information on subject [presumably a recovery in his affairs]. A reconciliation has occured between them and their friends at Greenbank, renewing friendship of 30 years.

Everything Smith said of [Thomas William Coke] has been fulfilled, and still hopes to meet Smith at Holkham, [Norfolk, Coke's home]. His studies and pursuits have been interrupted by the dispersal of his library, though he has long suspected that collecting literary and artistic curiosities has an unfavourable effect on original efforts, and now plans to focus on several unfinished labours.

Arrangements for [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford's first attendance at Linnean Society. His opinion of [John] Murray of Stranraer, [Scotland]; no claim to be FLS except on strength of his paper on vegetable poisons, he is "an itinerant lecturer", as [Richard] Salisbury once called [Smith]. "Far more sorry than surprised" regarding [Thomas] Marsham's financial troubles, asks Macleay to reassure Marsham of his continuing regard for him. Satisfied with title "Institutor".

Intends to have [Thomas] Martyn resign the [Cambridge botany] professorship in April, erroneous reports of Martyn's death have helped his cause; lists supporters. [William] Kirby intends to oppose him only as he [Smith] is a dissenter and not of the university; his low opinion of Kirby.

They have heard nothing of Miss Fanny Smith's intended marriage.

"Greatly surprised" to hear that [William] Kirby had put himself forward as a candidate for the [Cambridge] botanical professorship but believes he only did so as he thought the university's "shameful objection" to Smith would be fatal to Smith's cause, and thinks Smith wrong to charge him of hypocrisy. His opinion of Smith's chances and controversy surrounding him.

Recently discovered that the signature of the president is necessary before the Linnean Society seal can be affixed to anything; sends power of attorney for Smith to sign.

[William] Kirby acting contrary to Macleay's claimed reasons for his running for [Cambridge botany professorship]; he has the character of a priest, "in the bad sense, [...] essentially composed of hypocrisy & bigottry", which he distinguishes from a "Christian Divine, of whatever church or denomination". Discusses his own chances for Cambridge; has only to "try the fate of the election"; support pledged by Dean of Norwich [Joseph Turner (c 1746-1828)], Bishop of Bristol [William Lort Mansel], and "many other most orthodox clergy".

Comments on "sad event at Liverpool to poor [William] Roscoe" [whose bank failed].

His health continues very weak but mends daily. Hopes to be in London about 20 May to attend Linnean Society audit. Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley and Richard Taylor [(1781-1858), printer and naturalist] should be recommended for Council. Hopes to attend anniversary meeting. Asks to be remembered to [Thomas] Marsham.

All disappointed that Smith could not be at Linnean Society yesterday; [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford did not attend nor has he paid his admission fee; [Thomas] Marsham sent another £100 and resigned his offices of Treasurer and vice-president and his place on the Council; lists members to leave Council and proposed replacements, [Richard] Taylor [(1781-1858), printer and naturalist] unable to be considered as it would be a bad precedent to have anyone on Council employed as a tradesman by the Society.

Unable to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting as the situation of the country is such that it is "expedient for every person [...] to be at home to secure their own property"; reports of fires in vicinty of Bury, [Suffolk], "almost all malicious & wilful, from the discontent of the people". Poverty of the smaller farmers means that in every parish there are labourers out of employ and discontented, and rises in price of corn "only serves to irritate the poor". Describes a mob he saw in Norwich, but hopes recent falls in corn prices will quiet things.

[John] Stackhouse to republish his "Nereis Britannica" in which he will attack [Dawson] Turner for a "want of candour" in his own work ["Fucus sive plantarum fucorum"]. Criticises Turner for leaving his work in an unfinished state.