Two vacancies for FMLS following deaths of [Eugen Johann Christoph] Esper [(1742-1810), entomologist] and Tingry; [Alexander von] Humboldt and [Jean] Cuvier proposed. An additional vacancy has arisen following death of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin; [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is to propose [José Antonio] Pavon, asks if Smith has any preferences other than [Augustin] de Candolle. Sees no problem in Smith signing the FMLS certificates, Sir Joseph Banks does the same at Royal Society.

Frustrated in his attempts to send Smith a turkey. Comments on death of "good old" [Nikolaus von] Jacquin. "Extremely anxious" that [DeWitt] Clinton be proposed FMLS; praises his introductory discourse in first volume of the New York Society's "Transactions". Prefers [Augustin de] Candolle to be elected next, followed by [José Antonio] Pavon, will write to [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert on the matter, though he is "worried to death with writing letters".

Thanks for turkey and Smith's letters of 2 and 11 [January 1818]. Requests certificate for [DeWitt] Clinton's nomination as FMLS; at the last meeting both [Augustin de] Candolle and [José Antonio] Pavon were proposed, so there are now 4 candidates for 3 vacancies; concern at Clinton not attracting enough signatures, encloses note with suggested wording for certificate [extant].

Smith misinformed as to [Thomas] Marsham being a defaulter to government, concerned that the report originated from a statement of his own and explains the situation; no doubt of who Smith heard the information from, and the "sanctuary which has been shown in that quarter against the poor unfortunate man in question has disgusted" many. Impossible nature of the situation; prison only option, which denies all the work Marsham did for the Society.

Encloses certificate nominating [DeWitt] Clinton for FMLS; [David] Hosack also wants him to be a fellow or foreign member of the Royal Society; hopes to be at Linnen Society meeting of 5 May but if there is any chance of Clinton being rejected would prefer he is not proposed.

Cannot justify prison for [Thomas] Marsham when the Linnean Society is "so highly indebted to his assistance". His own "private thoughts & speculations" on Marsham's character and financial history, asks for confirmation from Macleay.

Sending to Norwich a box of books including [Charles Athanase] Walckenaer's "Memoires des Abeilles Solitaires"; [Kurt] Sprengel's "Species umbelli ferarum minus cognitae"; a parcel from [Olof] Swartz; seeds, possibly Indian; a parcel from Vienna containing ninth and tenth fasicules of [Joseph Franz von] Jacquin's "Eclogae"; [Nikolaus Joseph Freiherr von Jacquin's] "Collectanea" and "Synopsis Stapeliarum"; and a letter from [Brownlow North], Bishop of Winchester, containing flowers of a 'yucca'. [Alexander] Macleay has just left for Scotland for two months. Question on presentation of two plates for Smith's article on 'Rhizomorpha medullaris' in "Linnean Transactions". Sir Joseph Banks is well.

Sends what he hopes "will lead to a final settlement of this foolish & contemptible business" between [Patrick] Keith [(1769-1840)] and [Thomas Andrew] Knight [Knight was offended by remarks made against him in several publications by Keith, including "Linnean Transactions"].

His lectures begin on Monday for 4 weeks, hopes not to hear anything further of above affair as he has "enough business" of his own, and intends to be at Linnean Society for 5 May [1818].

Satisfied with the "malignity" of Monk's pamphlet [written in response to Smith's Cambridge pamphlet]; hopes Smith will not attempt to answer it.

Intends to winter in South of France and reside in Nice; requests introductions. Suffering from serious indisposition which makes him dread an English winter.

Introduces Dr Yelloly, who intends to practice in Norwich, [Norfolk].

Unable to support Smith's application in favour of Richard Rees becoming Officer at British Institution, as he no longer takes an active part in meetings.

Arrangements for visit by Smith to Cambridge [to canvas for botany professorship].

Had always considered that the plates [Nikolaus von] Jacquin gave [John] Sibthorp were a gift and not a loan, following communications from [Joseph von] Jacquin to the contrary; Sibthorp had intended to use them to explain the text of Dioscorides; believes they were destroyed in a fire; on a visit to Vienna in 1798 neither of the Jacquins mentioned the claim now brought. Transcribes a response for Smith to communicate to Jacquin. Leaves decision over 'Mandragora' to Smith.

Will assist Smith's nephew, Edward Smith, as much as he can, though has never known so little business. Thanks for two prints of Smith's portraits. Enquires after Dawson and Mrs Turner's plant etchings. Hopes the Smiths will visit. Offers to send seeds of 'Verbascum virgatum'. Obliged for Smith's mention of him in 'Viola' article for Rees' ["Cyclopedia"], mentions 'V. pallum', 'V. fuciforme'. Working on English 'Rubus'; has found earlier botanists have confounded species. Believes [James] Sowerby could publish another 3 numbers of "English botany", excluding the cryptogamia.

Pleased Smith is in Derby and anticipates their introduction. [Francis] Boott delayed in London.

Introduces [Nathaniel] Wallich and proposes him as FLS. His official duties prevent him from pursuing his natural history interests. Compliments to [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, [William George] Maton, [Alexander] Macleay, [Thomas] Marsham, [Edward] Rudge, and [Robert] Brown. Considering returning to England on an 1818-1819 ship.

Introduces Professor [Edward] Everett [(1794-1865)], Professor of Greek Language at [Harvard University], Cambridge, [Massachusetts].

In acknowledgment of the pleasure he has derived from Smith's "Introduction to botany" sends his essay on the history and cultivation of the olive tree. His paper due to be published in America, asks Smith to advise on any necessary corrections.

Expresses his concern at being caught "without a Cinnamon", now unable to pursue botany and "even obliged to borrow a hand for writing".

Sending publications for Smith and the Linnean Society, including most recent memoirs of the Royal Academy of Sciences, first fasciculus of his "Lichenes Americani", dissertations on genus 'Daphne', and [Erik] Acharius' "Synopsis Lichenum".

Requests Smith to compare with Linnaean herbarium species of 'Veronica', 'Galium', and 'Sedum' he has placed within volume of memoirs. Praises Smith's ["Review of the Modern State of Botany"] that appeared in the "Edinburgh Encyclopedia" ["Supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica"]. Asks if the botanical articles in Rees' "Cyclopedia" can be obtained separately.

Observations on roses he is sending Smith.

Negotiations for fixing [William] Roscoe's pictures at the Liverpool Institution have failed and Roscoe is now pressing to auction the collection in London; suggests Smith approaching [Thomas William] Coke about purchasing it to prevent its dispersal. Collection valued at 1,500 guineas, but Roscoe offered it to the Institution for 1,200; lists some of the contents, contains 42-43 pictures.