His concern for Smith's family and mother following a "calamity" and "insane" conduct of a Russian. Held a dinner at Liverpool for [Henry Peter] Brougham [first Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868), lord chancellor, at this time prospective MP for Liverpool]; the Lords present "spoke with great spirit" and letters from principal members of both Houses of Parliament were read; believes the meeting will draw connection between the "commercial & manufacturing interests & the nobility & great proprietors of the land" closer, which is essential for the prosperity and safety of the country. Quotes stanza from Thomas Gray's [(1716-1771), poet] poem "A Long Story" in declining Smith's invitation to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke].

Hopes to visit [Thomas William] Coke at Holkham, [Norfolk], in October after parliamentary election where they hope to return [Henry Peter] Brougham [first Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778-1868), lord chancellor] and [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician]. Trearing his sprained knee with leeches and astringents, which will limit his outdoor pursuits but as Smith has no "voracious appetite" for this will be content with his company.

Prevented by his knee injury from joining Smith in his visit to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]; suggests postponing until spring. Mortified by Liverpool election result.

His knee injury worse and confinement with rheumatism or lumbago across the "loins" prevents him from paying Smith and [Thomas William] Coke a Christmas visit. Has written and printed a review [see RelatedMaterial below] of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] Liverpool election speeches in response to his continual "attacks and sneers against all peaceable people". Repairs to his library and new additions, including a frieze in distemper by Michaelangelo under a picture of his master, Ghirlandaio.

Still confined with his rheumatism; abandons his intended visit to Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] and Norfolk. Prepared an account of improvements at his Chat-Moss farm for the Board of Agriculture. Compiling a catalogue of his pictures, drawings, and prints; discusses del Sarto copy of a portrait of Leo X and his cardinals by Raffaelli.

Hopes Smith received his review of [George] Canning's [(1770-1827), politician] speeches, which he wrote to be "obnoxious to so powerful a party both in politics & literature". Sends verses of his own composition for [Pleasance] Smith as thanks for the medicine recommendation; no relief from external stimulants of hot salt-water baths and frequent blisterings. Recently acquired Lord Bute's copy of Rumphius' [(1627-1702), botanist] ["Herbarii Amboinensis"].

Wishes Smith success in his Cambridge candidature [to become professor of botany]; has written to [William] Smyth [(1765-1849)], the history professor, in support of Smith. Remains lame but his sciatica pain reduced. Praises Smith's "New Doctors" song and epigram on Holkham. Fears they will not meet this year. Spending a few days at his Moss farm; recently sold 1000 acres to Willis Earle, and his son, James, has undertaken a large lot; farming now become his chief business, pictures and other works of art his amusement, and abhors politics and seldom reads books.

Has written to Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University] and [Thomas] Creevey [(1768-1838), politician] in support of Smith's Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship]; does not doubt Smith's success. His knee recovering but cannot yet commit to a journey to Norfolk. Has ordered [William] Roxburgh's "Asiatic researches" paper on 'Scitamineae', in which he appears to have partially adopted his [Roscoe's] arrangement but without acknowledgement, and eleventh volume of "Linnean Transactions" containing his paper ['On Artificial and Natural Arrangements of Plants']; his concerns about the paper. Will look out Smith's biography of [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis [(1732-1808), botanist] in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia".

Using leeches on his bad knee again. Cataloguing his books. Pleased to hear that Smith met the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University] at Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke]; the Duke's character and his efforts to interest him to Smith's Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship]. Concerned to hear of Coke's illness.

Sending Smith a full critique of [William] Roxburgh's 'Sciatmineae' paper in 11th volume of "Asiastic Researches". Thanks for East India seeds. Will write to Dr [Martin] Davy of Cambridge recommending Smith's candidature. Has little to say on his "wind-plough" as yet, it will be finished next month and is a scheme of his bailiff, Stannard.

Condolences on death of [Thomas] Taylor, who was his introduction to Smith. Called on his brother, Philip Taylor, who is in good health, but Meadow's [Taylor's nephew] leg injury from the rifle corps has swelled and erupted again. [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836, curator Liverpool Botanic Garden] began journey to London yesterday and will visit Birmingham and Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] on the way and after visit Smith at Norwich. Thanks for Linnean Society membership. Discusses the health of his two sons.

Sent Smith his criticism of [William] Roxburgh's 'Scitamineae' paper in "Asiatic Researches" to be presented to Linnean Society, though unsure whether the section on 'Canna' and description of three species of 'Alpinia' in Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's "Chinese Drawings" should be omitted.

Disgusted at the "arrogance, conceit, & bloodthirstiness" of his countrymen and is withdrawing himself as much as possible from political associations and public affairs. Recently made additions to his library from late Mr Willett's sale.

Hopeful for Smith's Cambridge candidature [for botany professorship]; discusses possible impediment of Smith not belonging to the university and concludes his success will have a "favourable effect on the interests of science in general". Before it is printed asks Smith to review his paper critiquing [William] Roxburgh's paper on 'Scitamineae' in "Asiatic Researches"; unsure whether to omit descriptions of new genera from Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley's "[Chinese] drawings". Resigned to not seeing Smith in Liverpool this summer.

Received Smith's letter of 3 [October] too late to accompany Smith and the Bishop [of Norwich, Henry Bathurst (c 1744-1837)] to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke], but the return of his sons, William and Robert, from France frees him to visit from beginning of November.

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.

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.