Plans for their visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]: advises Roscoe to leave for Norwich after 6 November and for them to set out for Holkham on 1 December; further details and questions regarding the visit, including trip to [Andrew] Fountaine at Narford [Hall, Norfolk].

Describes his journey after leaving Smith at Narford [home of Andrew Fountaine], travelling from Ely to Cambridge, before journeying on to Allerton [Hall, Lancashire] through a tremendous storm which on returning home he found had ripped up trees of 60 or 80 years growth. At Cambridge dined with Professor [William] Smyth [(1765-1849), historian] and recommended Smith to him [for his Cambridge botany professorship candidature] but he is under a "promise"; hears from multiple sources that Smith is considered the best qualified for the position, but rivals have either been ahead of Smith in their applications or are taking advantage of "supposed indecision" on Smith's part; St John's College the most adverse to Smith, but he believes if Smith maintains his high ground he will either succeed or "attach no small share of disgrace to the university".

Will send Smith tracings of [Charles] Plumier's [(1646-1704), botanist] drawings, but only copy two of the 'Scitamineae' not given in [Nikolaus von] Jacquin's "Fragmenta". Thanks Smith for the visits to Holkham and Narford [homes of Thomas William Coke and Andrew Fountaine, respectively]; on his return found his wife in much better health.

Has had letters from [Thomas William] Coke and [Andrew] Fountaine on their pleasure at meeting Roscoe. Describes recent extreme weather. Thanks Roscoe for his efforts advocating him at Cambridge [in his candidature for botany professorship]; aware of prejudice of St John's College but has support of [Charles Howard, 11th] Duke of Norfolk [(1746-1815)] who has great influence there. Expecting [William] Smith next week as steward of their ball, and they are to have a common hall "to give a kick to the income tax".

"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.

He and his daughters thank Smith for present of the "two fruit-pieces"; Smith can retain the 'Canna' drawings for the present; sending Smith tracings of [Charles] Plumier's [(1646-1704) botanist] drawings and volume of poems collected by Mrs Riddel, for Lady [Pleasance] Smith.

Shocked by reports of the burning of Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke], until realising impossibility of finding a mob to injure the man "who is the pride of Norfolk", though sorry to hear of the "ignorance & brutality" at Norwich. Expects to see Smith and Coke at Lord [Thomas, 1st Viscount] Anson's [(1769-1818)] this year.

Thanks for Roscoe's letter of 8 April, parcel of [Charles] Plumier [(1646-1704) botanist] drawings and book for Lady [Pleasance] Smith. Staying at his cousins the Kindersleys house; his wife at Lowestoft caring for her invalid parents._x000D_

With [Thomas William] Coke saw a picture of Napoleon being crowned king of Italy, painted at Milan, being sold for £1500. Details his and Coke's plans for their Lancashire visit and possibly Hafod, [Cardiganshire, home of Thomas Johnes]; invites Roscoe to join them. No comment on public affairs as it is all in the papers, excepting that there "still seems a backwardness for war". He is halfway through his lectures, which are well attended by a "very elegant & fashionable audience". Deaths of Dr [Joseph] Brandreth [(1746-1815), physician], and one of Mrs Reeve's sons. His mother thinking of travelling to Liverpool. Pleased that Roscoe is binding some of Coke's manuscripts. Received great encouragement from Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel] regarding Cambridge [his candidature for botany professorship].

[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.

Replies to Smith's letter of 15 December [1810]. Seldom sees [Dawson] Turner since leaving Bungay, [Suffolk]; has made observations on Turner's 'Fucus simpliciusculus' and its resemblance to his 'Ulva decorticata'; notes. Comments that Turner's work ["Fucus sive plantarum fucorum"] seems to relax as it approaches its end; a number has not come out for two months; criticises its unpleasant arrangement.

"Most severe loss" to Linnean Society and students of natural history all over the world in death [Jonas] Dryander; repsumes [Robert] Brown will succeed him at Sir Joseph Banks'. Death of Windham and the loss to residents of Earsham, [Norfolk]; obituaries.

[Letter incomplete: lower third of second folio cropped, presumed destroyed]

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.

Encourages Smith to extend his visit to them. Fears current bad weather will spoil the corn remaining in the fields and add to the other agricultural distresses; reports of similar situations in Newcastle and Berwickshire; although not superstitious almost thinks "a mark was set this devoted country, from the illconduct of the person who is at the head of it" [presumably George IV (1762-1830), Prince Regent for George III from 1811-1820]. Upset to see accounts of sale of [William] Roscoe's library, having hoped his affairs were not so bad.

Wishes some notice to be paid to [Richard] Taylor [(1781-1858), printer and naturalist] as a return for his "gratuitous assistance as Secretary". Has informed [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford that he can be admitted to Linnean Society at his leisure after paying the fee. Happy to hear [Thomas] Marsham as taking the "best method to silence "curious tongues"".

Account of his improved health, though he is still weak; arranged for Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] to preside at anniversary meeting, impossible for him to attend for fear of journeys such as those in 1802 and 1812 which affected his health so much, his current illness also caused by journey from London. If Marsham pays all he owes by 24 [May 1816] "some civil notice of him should be taken", otherwise "silence will be most prudent".

Confirms he is unable to come to London; hopes Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] will not treat [Thomas] Marsham , and if the remaining £200 be paid hopes nothing will be said of him. Asks Macleay to inform him how and when he appointed the vice-presidents in 1812. [Richard] Salisbury's paper "ought by no means to be printed" on grounds that the Linnean Society should not "sanction such changes" nor print "what may be only a trap for us, like his indecent paper".

Sorry Smith will not be at Linnean Society on Friday [for anniversary meeting]. Forwards letter from [Thomas] Marsham; surprised to find he still has a balance of £428, hopes he sends £100 on Friday and will then agree to a plan for paying the remainder. Smith should write to remind the Council he has the authority to appoint vice-presidents, and name his intended. [Richard] Salisbury's paper has not passed Council.

Everything passed "very smoothly" at [Linnean Society anniversary] meeting yesterday, and 54 attended the dinner; nothing was said of [Thomas] Marsham's absence. Asks Smith for list of his intended vice-presidents in time for next Council meeting.

Encloses list of his preferred Linnean Society vice-presidents. "A thous[an]d thanks for all y[ou]r intelligence, trouble & attention"; grieves for [Thomas] Marsham and hopes to one day see him at the Society in "honour & credit" but unhappy that Marsham originally said the whole debt was £400, as it makes him look "deceived or deceitful".

His friend, Joseph Sparshall of Norwich, "a good young entomologist", wishes to become FLS; vouches for his personal worth, he will call on Macleay on way back from Paris. Recalls Samuel Young of Formosa, Berkshire, now Sir Samuel Young, baronet, being proposed FLS 4 or 5 years ago; asks why he is not on the list.

Smith's list of Linnean Society vice-presidents received and entered in Council minutes; it was agreed that [Thomas] Marsham will repay his debt at intervals of 2, 4, and 7 months. Called on William Smith in Park Street to inform him that Smith is getting better.

He is "quite recovered" from his late illness and is to go into the country for several days before going to Lowestoft, [Suffolk]. His friend, [Joseph] Sparshall, pleased with his reception at Paris and now on his way home; presumes it was Sir Samuel Young's certificate for the Royal Society he was thinking of. They now begin to have summer.