Except for Smith's communication and "a very absurd" paper on migration of birds by [John] Lyon there have been new new papers at last two meetings of Linnean Society, and they have nothing for the next meeting. Council meeting on Tuesday to discuss purchase of a house in Nassau Street. Knows nothing yet of Dr [William] Turton's [(1762-1835), conchologist] certificate but when it appears will speak out. Believes that any member who canvasses for blackballing a candidate after signing their certificate should be expelled from the Society; according to present regulations it now takes a third of members present to blackball a candidate.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 13 [January 1805], which came "very opportunely", as without it they would have had nothing to read at Linnean Society meeting. "Linnean Transactions" volumes being forwarded as instructed. Requests Smith's assistance in obtaining enough support to prevent election of Dr Maver.

Apologises for delay in replying to Smith's letter of 21 February [1805] accompanying [John William] Lewin's [(1770-1819), naturalist and artist] plates; he had begun describing the insects but "the brother here became jealous of my interference and is now to publish the whole in his own name" ["Prodromus entomology" (1805)].

Confirms that the Ambrose Serle [(1742-1812), colonial officer and religious writer] whose name Smith saw on the box is the same man Smith knew in Bristol in 1773, and is a great friend of his. Dr Maver not elected. The Linnean Society has agreed terms for new rooms at 9 Gerrard Street, Soho, and the Horticultural Society are to pay 25 guineas per annum to hold their meetings in the meeting room.

"No impartial person can approve of" [Richard] Salisbury's conduct towards Smith; approves of Smith's determination to not take any further notice. Requests paper from Smith to be read at next Linnean Society meeting at their new house in Gerard Street, [Soho], "which is fitted up in a very capital style". He continues extremely busy with his official work.

Sorry to hear Smith's health continues bad. Fears Smith misunderstood some of his expressions in his last letter and reassures him that he has not shown any of his letters regarding his dispute with [Richard] Salisbury; the only blame imputed to Smith is for "taking up the Gauntlet at all". Smith's "character as a Botanist stands too highly to be at all affected by anything Mr S has said or can say", pleased to hear Smith will not take the matter further. Mr [John] Loudon proposed FLS on Smith's recommendation.

Queries on [Thomas] Hardwicke's paper [for "Linnean Transactions"]; suggests a name and character for his new species [of Jerboa]. Sends three papers from which extracts will be printed for Smith to prepare. Intentions for next volume of "Linnean Transactions".

Thanks for turkey, which they had on Christmas Day. Praises Smith's "Introduction to Botany", not surprised the preface has been complimented so much; he has heard that [Richard] Salisbury is "not quite pleased with some parts of it".

Sends list of subscriptions [extant] to cost of a charter for Linnean Society; little doubt of their raising the required £300, though some Fellows, including [Erasmus] Darwin, Dr Thomas Young, Lord William Seymour, [Thomas] Rackett, and [George] Shaw have refused to contribute in various manners. Concerns that [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert has changed his opinion on the matter, though [Thomas] Marsham has listed him for £20 according to earlier understanding. Asks Smith to encourage his friends to contribute. Main reason for acquiring the charter is for it to act as a Deed of Trust for every Fellow, and thus authenticate the bonds for membership dues.

List of subscribers and amount pledged.

Sorry to hear of Smith's late illness. Still awaiting further funds for Linnean Society's charter application, which now stands at £276 11s; list of further subscribers. Forwarded parcel for Persoon.

Smith's paper read at Linnean Society meeting on 7 [October], where he also got additional subscribers to Linnean Society charter, bringing the total to £284 19s, and there is no doubt of the full sum being made. He and [Jonas] Dryander think it necessary for Smith to be in London about 15 November in order to consult about the Rules of the Society. Asks if Smith has any part of Persoon's "long lost paper on fungi". Time for another volume of "Linnean Transactions" to be published.

List of additional subscribers.

Requests two specimens of 'Papilio machaon', as he hears it is common about Norwich.

A draft of the Linnean Society charter is with Sir Joseph Banks for his opinion. Obliged to Smith for offer to send a Norfolk turkey and provides his address. The late [Benjamin] Robertson [(c 1732-1800)] of Stockwell, [London], has left property worth £80,000-£100,000 to establish a public botanic garden; he is one of the 7 Trustees it is left to, lists the others; regrets not making Robertson a FLS.