Had heard that Smith is "making a push at Cambridge" [for the Botany Professorship]. Knows no Cambridge people except Smith's friends Davies, Young of Trinity, and Holme of Peterhouse, but has convinced his Dean of Carlisle, [Isaac] Milner [(c 1750-1820), mathematician] that Smith's science "ought to beat down all barriers of doubt & difficulty & academic etiquette". Goodenough uneasy that Smith has Lord Hardwicke [Philip Yorke, 3rd Earl of Hardwicke (1757-1834)] and friends for supporters as there is "always a strong jealousy of them"; advises Smith to base his cause on his "infinite superiority in the science of botany". Having read Smith's account of his headaches fears Smith may be in danger of developing gout seeing as air and exercise neither "mends nor mars" him. Imminent marriage of Goodenough's daughter, Sophia.

Thanks Smith for turkey. News of Sir Joseph Banks: he "seems rather dull" and whilst he joins in any cheerful conversation he does not initiate them; takes Colchicum autumnale as soon as there is any sign of gout, the English preparation having all the effects of the French Eau Medicinal; spends twelve hours a day in bed and twelve out; Lady Banks "fatter than ever", so that Goodenough fears for her health.

Feels compelled to buy [William] Hone's [(1780-1842), political writer and publisher] account of his trial [for blasphemy]. Criticises Dr [Richard] Watson's [(1737-1816), bishop of Llandaff] book ["Anecdotes of the life of Richard Watson"] in part for showing how "weak and vain a great mind becomes, when it becomes absorbed in self importance". Expecting the first six weeks of Parliament to be stormy as strong measures against ministers are being proposed.

Franked Smith's letter to Mr Napier. Hopes Smith had a good class for his lectures in Liverpool. Goodenough was sent a Bristol Gazette containing an extract on Smith's Cambridge pamphlet and erroneous remarks stating that the duty of Cambridge tutors is to find out the truth; in fact it is to teach young people the settled principles of the Establishment. Requests name of enclosed plant [not extant, Smith has annotated 'Sisyrinchium striatum'] and makes observations. Enquires after Smith's Cambridge prospects [for botany professorship]; notes his opponents have taken a firm stand against him.

Death of Sir Joseph Banks' sister, [Sarah Sophia Banks (1744-1818)]; unsure how he and Lady Banks will cope without her as she managed everything at Soho Square. Sends two specimens for identification [not extant]; one used to be called 'Oenothera purpurea' or 'mollissima', the other like a 'Chrysanthemum'. Hears that [John] Barrow [(1764-1848), promoter of exploration] is "triumphing not a little" in the prospect [John] Ross' [(1777-1856), Arctic explorer] expedition [to find the North West Passage]. Will plant 'Corydalis' seeds next spring as Smith sent them so late. Asks if [Edward] Rudge was elected for Evesham, Worcestershire. Supposes [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's brother-in-law, Benett, ruined through electioneering. Strife in Westmorland carrying on with "acrimony".

Thanks for Smith's reply; recalls being given specimen of 'Oenothera purpurea' soon after its first introduction, and not having the new edition of "Hortus Kewensis" was unable to make out 'Chrysanthemum carinatum' but now uncertain whether it and 'Anthemis mixta' are not the same.

Sir Joseph Banks ill with gout but being treated with Sir [Everard] Home's [(1756-1832)] improved medicine, which anyone may now safely take [presumably Colchicum autumnale]. Lady Banks invited Goodenough to look over [Sarah Sophia] Banks' [(1744-1818)] antiquarian collections for disposal. Goodenough believes the King [George III (1738-1820)] is unaware of the Queen's death [Charlotte (1744-1818)].

[John] Barrow [(1764-1848), promoter of exploration] indignant that the captains of the ships of the polar expedition [to find the North West Passage] turned back just as they were about to make the discoveries for which they were sent out. [Edward] Rudge's candidate at Evesham, Worcestershire, came off "with flying colours", comments on hostility now existing between Rudge and Lord Northwick [John Rushout, 2nd Baron Northwick (1770-1859)]. Goodenough thinks he has a specimen of 'Dianthus arenarius' at Rose Castle. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert completely absorbed by botany and does not mention anything of the failure of his brother-in-law, Mr Benett, in the election.

Heard from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert that Smith intends to reply to Professor Monck [it was thought Monck had written a critical piece on Smith regaring the Cambridge botany professorship in the "Quarterly Review"]. Glad that [Dawson] Turner has completed his "Fucus". Thanks for Mrs Turner's "beautiful" etching of Smith. Sir Joseph Banks' recovered considerably; no longer suffering constipation, no attack of gout for fifty days, and gaining strength, it is accredited to Sir Edward Hume's administering of sixty drops of Colchicum autumnale. Goodenough's daughter, Charlotte, in Coldbeck, Cumberland, ill with typhus fever, which is endemic in that town; she has been treated with an emetic, an opening medicine, and a blister. Fears the medical men adminstering too many lowering medicines, as in the south, when after the first evacuants the patient is kept up with port wine and brandy.

Goodenough's daughter, Charlotte, recovered from her typhus fever.

Informed that it was someone at Oxford, and not [James Henry] Monk [(1784-1856), Cambridge regius professor of Greek], who wrote the critical article on Smith in the "Quarterly Review", but fears Monk's party against Smith is increasing [in his campaign for botany professorship]. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert indignant that the Linnean Dining Club continues to be held at the inferior British Coffee House. Goodenough fears the Horticultural Society comes too close to the Linnean Society and may provoke jealousies [the Horticultural Society hired rooms at the Linnean Society for a time].

Thanks for Smith's reply to [James Henry] Monk [(1784-1856), Cambridge regius professor of Greek] and Smith's critical reviewer in the "Quarterly Review" although he is now certain it was written by an Oxford man, which would exculpate [George] D'Oyly [?]. Glad Smith's Cambridge pamphlet is written with "such good temper" but thinks Smith exposes himself to attack by minutely going into the particulars of his religion [campaign for botany professorship].

The "Catholic question" in Parliament postponed by Lord Donoughmore [Richard Hely Hely-Hutchinson, 1st Earl of Donoughmore (1756-1825)] so can now attend Linnean Society elections as Smith desired.

Reports on last night's Linnean Society elections: [Augsutin Pyramus] de Candolle and [Louis Claude] Richard [(1754-1821)] elected FMLS, Lamarck and [José Antonio] Pavon were not. [Alexander] Macleay takes on great part of leading the Society. Goodenough thinks Royal and Antiquarian Societies are organised much more efficiently. There is a FMLS vacancy for Professor [Franz Karl] Mertens. Dr Douglas and Mr Brooke were ejected for not paying their dues and [Edward Berkely] Portman [(1771-1823), politican] admitted. Paper on the genus 'Antilope' [by Charles Hamilton Smith (1776-1859)] read, Goodenough wishes a better name for it had been found.

Has been visiting, confirming, and holding public days in his diocese this year; his last official duty to host a state dinner for the judges. Was recently sent a 'Lysimachia vulgaris' which turned out to be 'Lysimachia quadrifolia'. Read in the newspaper of death of Mr Walker of Liverpool, whilst awaiting delivery of parcel of plants from him, caused by an insurgent privateer firing on the pleasure boat he was travelling on. Weavers in Cumberland have returned to their work after some trouble; Goodenough would like clarification whether the "meetings of the discontented" are legal or not, believes that "our people did not think of grumbling until some incendiaries put it into their heads". Goodenough thinks it folly for [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's brother-in-law, Mr Bennet, to contest an election in Wiltshire. Death of [Samuel] Lysons [(c 1763-1819), antiquary]; he will be "much missed and desired". Sir Joseph Banks had jaundice but recovered and Mrs Goodenough well again.

His daughter, [Sophia], married on 5 November. Asks if Smith could include all the "perfect plants" furnished by George Don before closing "English Botany". Realises that cryptogamic research is endless, and has never been examined as closely as now by the likes of Smith, [Dawson] Turner, [William Jackson] Hooker, [William] Borrer, and others, but many are not aware of the precise differences defined by Smith. Believes the Allies' delay in crossing the Rhine and taking Antwerp will allow Buonaparte to escape, as he always does.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 27 August. Discusses possibilities for Smith publishing a new edition of "Flora Britannica" following the new edition of "Compendium florae Britannicae"; cannot advise on the "English Flora" not knowing anything of Smith's plan. Praises Lady Banks as "one of the best natured creatures alive" and recalls her skill in telling her "famous Lincolnshire story" and the interaction between her and Miss [Sarah Sophia] Banks [(1744-1818)]. His son Edmund appointed headmaster of Westminster School. Has always evaded staying with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert at Boyton on account of his "irregularities"; thinks Lambert's brother-in-law Mr Benett is ruined. For Goodenough "reform is but another word for revolution". Does not recall ever seeing 'Cricus tuberosus'. Has never seen Fonthill Abbey but from a distance, amazed by its fourteen mile enclosing wall [home of William Thomas Beckford (1760-1844), novelist]. Unsurprised that trade is suffering.

Thinks his son, Edmund, is the best appointment for headmaster of Westminster School. Believes that the discontent in the country is the fault of "itinerants who [...] poison the minds of everyone" by teaching them to think "they are denied every comfort". Uncertain what has been done at Manchester but the Attorney General confident he will prove at the trials that the magistrates and yeomanry deserved praise, not censure, in defending themselves [at Peterloo Massacre of 16 August 1819 cavalry charged into a large crowd demanding parliamentary reform, killing fifteen]. A meeting of radicals presided over by [Thomas Jonathan] Wooler [(1786-1853), journalist and radical] to be held on Monday, with the Whigs calling for another meeting the following day. Not surprised by Smith's account of the Russian train with the Archdukes. One of Goodenough's young male servants died of an inflammation thirty hours after drinking cold water when hot; his father lives with Colonel Woodhouse at Witten Hall, Norfolk.

Hopes Smith received the barrels of oysters he sent. Has not seen [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert for a fortnight, a private report says that Mrs [Catherine] Lambert is "quite deranged". Sir Joseph Banks unwell. The "famous American serpent [...] of immense size and length", mentioned by Aldrovandus [(1522-1605), Italian naturalist] now ascertained to exist after being seen by 300 people at once, and will hopefully be caught soon. Calls in north-west Yorkshire for military patrols following reports of radicals going about publicly armed; Goodenough thinks this "feverish anxiety" will come to a crisis soon, especially as [William] Cobbett [(1763-1835), political writer] has just landed with bones of Thomas Paine [(1737-1809), author and revolutionary].

Suffering terribly from a fit of gout but thanks Smith for turkey. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert likes to be asked out as much as possible, as long as Mrs [Catherine] Lambert's name is not mentioned. Lambert delighted with his new assistant, [David] Don [(1799-1841), botanist], son of George Don. Lambert gave a confused account of the "famous large plant of Sumatra" which grows in elephant dung.

Wrote to Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844), Home Secretary 1812-1822] in support of Smith for Edinburgh professorship and said that success there would end the "distressing contest" at Cambridge [also for the botany professorship], but Sidmouth thinks the appointment will be Scottish. [Robert] Brown reporting he refused the professorship after it was offered to him, Goodenough thinks if this is true then if it is offered to Smith it would secure the election.

Delayed writing following death of Smith's mother. The King [George IV (1762-1830)] almost died but is now recovering, dropsy was avoided after he lost 130 ounces of blood, the illness not caused by intemperance but was the same kind which killed the Duke of Kent [pneumonia]. Thinks ministers acted generously and wisely dissolving Parliament so early. A new Linnean dining club established at the Thatched House Tavern, dismisses concerns that it will cause a schism with those attending the club held at the British Coffee House. Two children of his son, Robert, died of whooping cough, his daughter Charlotte's ten children all had it but survived, she is now expecting her eleventh.

Received Smith's letter of 5 April; sorry to read of so many deaths. His son Edmund has been suffering from "this influenza". Goodenough has been housebound all winter on account of illness and bad weather. The Linnean dining clubs flourishing. Mrs [Catherine] Lambert unexpectedly recovering but [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert yet to see her. Sir Joseph Banks' stomach "fails to do its duty"; Dr [William George] Maton unsure what to do. Goodenough believes he has two octavo volumes of Linnaeus' letters. The King [George IV (1762-1830)] is "tolerably well again" but radicalism spreading; trouble in Glasgow and Paisley, hopes it will not spread to the Linnean Society, Goodenough horrified by disrespect being shown to the nobility.

No recovery as yet for Sir Joseph Banks; Sir Everard Home [(1756-1832), physician] says his stomach is failing but insists on eating pork, rejected Goodenough's suggestion of a milk diet. Does not think any attempt has been made to draw off attendance from the Linnean dining club held at the British Coffee House, which [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert now "disclaims entirely".