Informed by [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert that Smith agrees to increasing the number of FMLS to allow five new members; requests Smith's own opinion.

Reports from morning part of Linnean Society anniversary meeting: convinced [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert that the Society's rules would not allow five new FMLS; [Thomas] Marsham only paid £28 of his debt but proposes to repay the remaining £400 in two, three, and four month installments; Goodenough asked [Alexander] Macleay to consider not toasting Marsham's name at the dinner.

Reports from evening part of Linnean Society anniversary meeting: fifty-four members present, including: [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley, [William George] Maton, Sir Thomas Cullum, [Thomas Andrew] Knight, Mr Greenough, two Forsters, Mr Simmonds, [James] Dickson, [Thomas] Hoy [(c 1750-1822)], Holmes, Mr Burchall, [Thomas] Rackett, and [William] Kirby. [Thomas] Marsham apologised by letter for not repaying the £100 as intended and proposed to repay the remainder in installments. Goodenough advised [Alexander] Macleay not to publicise this so as to avoid further disappointment. Marsham's name was not mentioned during the toasts at the dinner, and by accident Sir Joseph Banks and the honorary members were also overlooked.

President of the Horticultural Society [Thomas Andrew Knight] offended by [Patrick] Keith's treatment of him in "Physiology of Plants" ["A system of physiological botany"]. Shocked to see how old Kirby looks and how "amazingly distended" Hoy's chest is. Believes it would be better to reduce rather than increase number of FMLS, cites example of Royal Society who are reducing their foreign members to thirty; thinks forty is sufficiently large for Linnean Society, and proposes keeping ten spaces free for emergencies. In postscript states that whenever Marsham's name was mentioned there was silence.

Constant rain in Cumberland after a substantial dry period. Admires agricultural meetings, especially when they are purely agricultural like [Thomas William] Coke's, and not politicised as they are in Cumberland. Pleased that the House of Buckingham has "so fair a promise in Lord Nugent".

Fears potential civil unrest in the countryside following the harvest as the wages of labourers have not fallen, so farmers will be forced to employ fewer hands and in consequence many will be unemployed. Goodenough thinks it better for all to be employed regardless of the conditions, notes that manufacturers' wages are uncommonly low. Does not like either the Indian or Algerian wars [Third Anglo-Maratha war, 1816-1819, and Bombardment of Algiers, 1816]; has little confidence in Lord Moira's judgement [Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings (1754-1826), Governor-General of India 1813-1823].

Goodenough's son, Edmund, had a troublesome rheumatic fever but is now recovered. Edmund went to Malvern where he was puzzled by the variety of 'Ervum tetrasperum' with footstalks with only one flower. Goodenough does not recollect seeing Smith's variety of '[Iris] xiphium'.

Saw 'Rubus chamaemorus' in fruit on the mountains near Bewcastle, Cumberland. Doubts whether 'Galium witheringii' is distinct from 'Galium uliginosum' having found 'G. witheringii' growing very similar to 'G. uliginosum' in ditches. Specimen of 'G. witheringii' enclosed [extant].

Specimen, labelled 'G. witheringii'.

Replying to Smith's letter of 29 August. Forwarded Smith's letter to [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist]. A bad summer in Cumberland: very few flowers on their numerous carnations and for the first time he has ever known 'Lathyrus latifolius' also failed to flower, 'Orobus sylvaticus' and 'Cistus helianthemum' did flower. Vouches for Sir Thomas Frankland's reliability in condemning 'Carabus vulgaris'. Accepts Smith's offer to send new volume of "[Florae Graecae] Prodroumus" and new edition of "Compendium [florae Britannicae]". Knows nothing of Cambridge university politics and equates Smith's campaign [for botany professorship] to a game of chess; warns against moving the [Thomas] Martyn pawn at the wrong time [Martyn was the incumbent professor]. Pleased that Lord Exmouth Sir Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth, (1757-1833)] ended the Algerian war "at a stroke" [ Bombardment of Algiers, 1816]. Very poor harvest in Goodenough's parish, only fifty acres of eleven square miles have been brought in. Has been employing the poor when he can, and not just buying their idleness with money as fears is mistakenly done in London.

Frustrated by [Thomas] Marsham's delays in repaying his debts to the Linnean Society; blames those members who pitied and continued to think well of him and thinks Smith correct to call a Council, although uncertain if he can attend himself. Hopes that [Alexander] Macleay will be recompensed following break up of the Transport Board; he has spoken of leaving Queens Square. Bad harvest: the wheat in Cumberland is "very damaged" and none of the flowers in his garden had their usual rich odours, including the carnations, sweet peas, mignonette, but the 'Rosa semperflorens' was not affected by the weather; an example of its thorough hardiness, asks what its natural latitude is.

Hopes there are "no riotous doings" at Norwich, a "pefect system of terror prevails in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire", thinks it a pity that Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire should have been destroyed by Luddites [there were rumours that a fire at the castle was arson]. Isaac Milner [(c 1750-1820), Dean of Carlisle] is going to Cambridge, Goodenough has told him that Smith is the "most scientific naturalist extant" [Smith's campaign for botany professorship]. According to a letter from Ealing Sir Joseph Banks very ill.

Account of his seven day journey from Carlisle to London. Glad that the [Thomas] Marsham affair has so far been dealt with without his interference but believes it is necessary to cease shielding Marsham; if the money is not brought forward the Linnean Society's consistency and credit will be ruined. Criticises the Society's habit of holding Council meetings late in the evening. Looking forward to seeing Smith's "Compendium [florae Britannicae]" and final part of "Prodromus florae Graecae". Sir Joseph Banks was very ill but now recovering quickly. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert back in London sooner than anticipated.

Thanks for turkey. Linnean Society Council called, presumably to discuss [Thomas] Marsham's "wretched behaviour" [constant delays in repaying money he took from the Society]. Always thought Marsham would forsake the debt. [Alexander] Macleay and [Robert] Brown are in charge of the business but doubts their abilities. Goodenough thinks the actions of several leading members in screening Marsham has encouraged him to deceive the Society and set a bad example to other officers. Received Smith's "Compendium [florae Britannicae"]. Has Smith's copy of "Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis".

Thanks for Smith's sympathies on death of his clever and resourceful daughter, [Maria]. She was attended to by Dr [Matthew] Baillie, gives an account of her final illness and death: following her recovery from an indisposition which lasted over a year a bilious attack came on which gave way to a low fever and rapid accumulation of water on the chest and in the lungs, leading to instantaneous suffocation. During the fever her pulse was only from 78 to 84. Calomel, draughts, blisters behind the ears and on the scalp, and seed water were all tried. Sir Joseph Banks very ill but thinks his strong constitution will carry him through; the moderate quantities of L'Eau medicinale he has taken have not had their usual relieving effect.

Attended Linnean Society Council meeting yesterday, along with [Alexander] Macleay, [Edward] Forster, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, [Thomas] Thomson [(1773-1852), chemist], [Daniel] Moore, and [Joseph] Sabine. Unanimous resolution reached that [Thomas] Marsham should either "confess judgement", otherwise proceeded against immediately as it would then be clear he has no intention to repay his debt. Macleay read a letter from Marsham defending himself; Goodenough also received a letter from Marsham bragging of his honour, that he will repay the principal and interest shortly, and that he borrowed the money from the Society. Goodenough's good opinion of Marsham entirely changed and will not allow any consideration of him stand in the way of the welfare of the Society.

Received Smith's letter of 28 January. Glad that Smith and everyone else agrees with the Council resolution regarding [Thomas] Marsham, though Marsham has requested an explanation of what "confessing judgement" means. Goodenough certain that Marsham will not repay the money unless he is compelled. Reviews the "Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis"; disappointed by the "celebrated Fiorin grass" and doubts whether it should be called variety of 'Agrostis stolonifera' as the book claims, but thinks it "dog cheap" at three guineas.

Reassures Smith he franked Smith's letter to Mrs Martin, comment on Mrs Lloyd. Will be pleased to look over ["Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis"] with Smith; guards his copy and has only allowed [Edward] Rudge to view it, under supervision. Complained to Linnean Society about their habit of holding Council meetings late in the evening, which means he cannot attend, and against the Horticultural Society using the Society's rooms. [Thomas] Marsham has repaid £50 but Goodenough distressed to see the former resolution to make Marsham confess judgement has not been implemented and the business has been given to [Daniel] Moore.

Will give Smith's message about Norwich societies to Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844), Home Secretary 1812-1822]. [Henry] Hunt's meetings [(1773-1835), radical speaker] are fueling disorder amongst the "lower orders"; there are reports of respectable women being accosted for money on quiet streets and Goodenough himself was "accosted very rudely" in his own street.

Relates message from Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844), Home Secretary 1812-1822] following receipt of Smith's message: does not trust any information not supported by substantial facts, and assures him he knows everything that is or has been going on at Norwich.

Amazed by birth of quadruplets to Dr [Edward] Rigby's [(1747-1821)] wife. Fine weather in Cumberland after weeks of rain, though the temperature has always been high; there were swifts until 23 August which is late for the area. Smith's account of being given 'Juncus trifidus' as a new plant reminds Goodenough of the time [William] Withering sent him 'Eriophorum vaginatum' as a new 'Carex glavcosa'. Disappointed that Dawson Turner does not finish his "Fucus". Unsurprised that [Thomas] Marsham's children are marrying to escape their uncomfortable house. Hopes Mrs Lloyd will not offend Smith. Hopeful of a lengthy tranquility in Europe if not pulled into the "American vortex", and glad that no one in Parliament condemned Buonaparte "being prevented from bustling about amongst us again". His 'Lathyrus batifolius' and carnations have performed poorly this year.

Does not see a connection between the birthing and the death of one of Dr [Edward] Rigby's [(1747-1821)] quadruplets. Surprised that it took Smith so long to find 'Thlaspi arvense'; recalls finding it in abundance in the turnip and corn fields of Brompton, Oxfordshire, from whence he sent it to [William] Curtis for "Flora Londinensis" and supplied the London cultivators with seeds.

Glorious weather for the last six weeks but sharp frosts at night, heralded by the arrival of the Barnacle goose 'Anas erythropus'. Discusses Linnaeus' naming of two species under 'erythropus', his own being the male, and [John] Latham's 'albifrons' being the female. Thinks [Dawson] Turner undertook too much with his "Fucus". Ashamed by [Thomas] Marsham's behaviour [repeated delays in repaying money owed to Linnean Society]. Has not seen any of [John] Stackhouse's work but never had any opinion of his "skill or candour". Surprised that Sir Joseph Banks is to make his Lincolnshire journey, and admires the Bishop of Durham's [Shute Barrington] activity at the age of 85 and a half. [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist] in distressed circumstances and contemplating teaching marine botany.

Franked Smith's letter to [John Eddowes] Bowman. The line of distinction between 'Veronica hybrida' and 'Veronica spicata' is imperfectly marked, recalls having plants of both in his Ealing garden. Certain that Linnaeus was incorrect in labelling 'Anas albifrons' the female of 'Anas erythropus', as proved by his having obtained a female specimen of the latter.

Thinks it strange that Dr [Edward] Rigby's [(1747-1821)] quadruplets died so suddenly and without apparent cause. His daughter, Mrs Lynn, became ill with a fever whilst visiting with five of her nine children; Goodenough had to treat her himself with "a good bleeding", diluting and refrigerant liquids, and gentle purgatives. Cumberland farmers finishing their harvests, typhus fever has been worse than usual there this autumn.

Frustrated by the shortsightedness of his servants who do not consider the seven mile journey to Carlisle necessary to procure anything. Interested by all details of the birth and extreme suddeness of deaths of Dr [Edward] Rigby's [(1747-1821)] quadruplets; would like there to be a postmortem carried out on the last to die. Typhus fever endemic in the unclean parts of Carlisle, although it was only noticed after one of the physicians died of it; Goodenough thinks he might have recovered had he been allowed enough wine.

Seeing the pods of 'Thlaspi arvense' reminded him of his father's Oxfordshire home and the plant being mentioned in [William] Curtis' "Flora Londinensis", which he now reads for the comfort it brings in reminding him of old friends. Recently received as "rarities" 'Erysimum barbarea' and 'Agrostemma coronaria' but has not yet received 'Potentilla rupestris'. Remarks on a theory of Dr Clarke's regaring the tomb of Joseph and the Pyramids. Cumberland hills covered in snow, some "lazy" farmers still have cut corn in the fields.

The deaths of Dr [Edward] Rigby's [(1747-1821)] quadruplets reported in the newspapers; Goodenough very interested in the case and presumes from their weight that they were very small. Informed that Princess Charlotte's baby weighed 10 lbs [4.5 kg]; before the birth her size was described as alarming [the baby was stillborn and Princess Charlotte died shortly afterwards].

[Thomas] Marsham, his wife, and remaining daughter have moved from Winchmore Hill to Piccadilly, opposite the Lodge in Green Park. Goodenough refuses to have anything more to do with him, and has since heard that he was given £2000 and £200 per annum after losing his job at the West India Docks, but all was seized by other creditors; despairs of the Linnean Society ever recovering the money. Some in the Society say it is obliged to Marsham. "Immense numbers" seeking admission to the Society but [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert could only name two scientific naturalists.

Received Smith's letter of 14 December; clarifies that whilst he appreciates Linnean Society members with "good pockets, but no brains" he only wanted to hold up the "evil of indiscriminate admission". Discusses [Thomas] Marsham's dishonesty regarding his taking Linnean Society money and how a gift of £2000 from directors of West India Docks was instantly seized by creditors; doubts the Society will ever recoup its money.

Thinks that if Princess Charlotte had been of "common rank" and had a glass of the "good creature" she would have survived [Princess Charlotte (1796-1817), daughter of George IV, died 6 November 1817 of complications following childbirth]. Hopes Smith received the barrel of oysters he sent. Sorry to see [William] Hone [(1780-1842), political writer and publisher] acquitted of ridiculing "the most sacred services of the Established Church"; "well disposed people are roused to see the danger of letting the ignorant rabble loose upon the venerable orders & ordinances of mankind", Goodenough expects a crisis soon.