Disappointed by trip to Ramsgate, [Kent], and only stayed fourteen days; also visited Dover, [Kent], but too old to climb hills for 'Brassica oleracea'. Dr [Pelham] Warren [(1778-1835)] prescribed for Lady Cullum two grains of James's powder and two of rhubarb taken nightly, and neutral saline draughts. Attended Horticultural Society meeting; few in attendance but pines, grasses, peaches, and cherries dealt out. Called on a busy [Robert] Brown in Soho Square. Accusations against [Richard] Salisbury in the newspapers; he is to appear at the Old Bailey though Cullum imagines he will flee to Italy where his charges are "scarce reckoned any crime", informed he has resigned membership of Linnean, Royal, and Horticultural Societies. Thanks for plants of 'Lathyrus grandiflorus'. Comments on produce and prices at Covent Garden market produce, including gourds, Siberian crabs, elder berries, walnuts, and sloes; recalls when he importuned [James] Dickson to give an account of everything sold in the market with their names, uses, and prices.

Sends Smith copy of newspaper [not extant] reporting the incident involving "an unworthy member" of the Linnean Society [Richard Salisbury]. His son and family leaving for London and then Paris for winter for Mrs Cullum's health, against his recommendation of Bath, [Somerset]. Lady Cullum still suffering from an intermittent fever. Visited by Revd Dr Thomas Frognall Dibdin [(1776-1847)], author of "Bibliomania", "Decameron", and others, he is now working on a life of Thomas à Kempis [(c 1380-1471)]. Glad to hear of Mr Freeman, a young botanist, but laments to hear of so many persons being shot by "spring guns" placed in woods a botanist should not enter. Received specimen of 'Centaurea solstitialis' from Dr [William] Webb growing near St Edmund's Hill, Bury.

Offers copy of fourth volume of [Gaetano] Savi's "Botanicum Etruscum" just received from Revd Daniel Lysons [(1762-1834)]. Had not seen anything of "A.S." [Richard Salisbury] in the newspapers so Smith's account was new to him, until seeing report in the 24th October "Morning Herald" that "one of the confidential servants of the Turnham Green Cabbage Garden had decamped, after practicising a long series of frauds upon the pastoral simplicity of his employers" [Salisbury was involved with irregularities in the Horticultural Society's finances].

His sister Vernon has died, but like Sir George Baker [(1723-1809)] "easily and apparently [...] free from pain". Planning to attend Royal Society Charter Day, Horticultural Society, and Linnean Club meetings. His son and family in Paris but doubts he will see Mrs Cullum alive again, they intend to go on to Rome or Pisa.

Attended two Linnean Society meetings with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in chair. Attended Horticultural Society anniversary meeting but few members attended as they were electing new officers; a breakfast and general display of flowers and fruit is being held at Chiswick on 30th June. Davies Gilbert in chair at Royal Society meeting last night, after the readings they now retire to the library for tea and to view specimens of nature or art laid on a table. Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] at Linnean Club at Thatched House Tavern, alarmed by how ill he looks.

Lady Cullum never free from her "teazing fever", though she has been treated by Dr [Pelham] Warren [(1778-1835)] and Sir Henry Halford [(1766-1844)]. Was not at the [Horticultual Society's] disastrous public breakfast in Chiswick; it was left to one man to provide an afternoon breakfast for 3000 people. Intends to return to London shortly. Death of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough]. Informed that his old schoolfellow Mr Baker of Portland Place and Orsett, Essex, has left his wife £15,000 per year, her name was Trafford. Purchased account given by committee of the intended London University, notes that William Jackson Hooker is appointed lecturer in Botany and Vegetable Physiology.

Consulted Mr Alexander on Smith's behalf for his eye complaint, he prescribes the "narcotic fomentation". Received letter from [John] Latham that he is to produce an index for his ["A general history of birds"]. Laments death of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough].

[Note in Smith's hand detailing his reply of 10 September] enquiring of Mr Alexander if he can apply "camph. sp. of wine as heretofore, with cold water afterwards" to his rheumatic eye.

Mr Alexander has left London for a fortnight so he could not consult him further for Smith's eye complaint.

Glad to hear that Smith attended the musical festival at Norwich. Does not think Mr Alexander's hurried advice could have done Smith's eye much benefit. Lady Cullum visited Mrs [Catherine] Lambert in London, she is confined to bed having lost the use of one side of her body and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is in Wiltshire and attended the annual meeting of "literati" at Sir [Richard] Colt Hoare's. Attended Horticultural Society meeting; there were numerous apples and pears and a "magnificent" number of species and varietites of 'Dahlia', and in Covent Garden market Coe's plum or the golden drop are selling three shillings a dozen. London weather prevented him from going to the Chiswick garden. [John] Latham publishing an index to his "General History of Birds". Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough's] death gave him much cause for concern, and shocked at how few members of the Linnean Society from 1788 and 1789 are still alive.

In footnote Mary Cullum sends her good wishes to the Smiths.

Pleased by the visit of Smith's relation, Frederick Smith. [Thomas] Lister Parker [(1779-1858), antiquary] visited and mentioned the "great pine", believes branches and cones have been sent to [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Wishes her husband [Sir James Edward Smith] and himself had been young and well enough to attend first meetings of the season of the Horticultural, Linnean, and Royal Societies. His son and family are to winter at Nice but concerned that from [Thomas] Martyn's report of the weather in Nice in his "Tour through Italy" (1787) it will not help the ill Mrs Cullum. Returns basket with young pheasant.

Thanks for fourth volume of "English Flora". Intends to stay in London till the Linnean Society anniversary meeting as the meetings of other societies and London dining hours are too late. Death of Daniel Moore FLS of Lincoln's Inn. Astonished by sudden disappearance of Mr Simmons of Paddington House, wonders if his flight was caused by ruinous speculation; recalls that Sir William Adams [(1783-1827)] the oculist committed suicide after being ruined by speculating in Mexican mines. Mrs Cullum possibly return to England with his son this summer.

A note at the end states that this letter was erroneously dated Monday 17 April 1828; it should have been written 17 March 1828.

Death of her husband [Sir James Edward Smith] always in their thoughts; glad she stayed with her aunts in Saxmundham, [Suffolk]. Hopes the Linnean Society will agree to purchase Smith's library and museum. His son and daughter-in-law have returned to Hardwick House, [Suffolk], but her ill health means they are to winter in a milder climate again. Invites Lady Smith to visit during the winter.

Concerned at account given of Smith's health and her rheumatism, which he has been suffering from himself. Lady Cullum cannot get rid of her nervous intermittent fever despite advice of [Willam George] Maton and Sir Henry Halford [(1766-1844), physician]. Surprised to see [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, who has had such delicate health for last thirty-six years, at public meetings and dining with friends at home every day. His son and family spending winter in Paris and summer in Rome or Nice. Regarding negotiations for Linnean Society's purchase of [Sir James Edward Smith's] museum suggests compiling of a catalogue and that three valuers are appointed, one each by Smith and Society and another by both. Mr Oakes the banker died this morning.

Death of his [second] son and approaching death of his sister, Mrs Palmer. His eldest son and family to stay in Paris for winter as Mrs Cullum still very ill. Compares Bury and its archery, cricket, and horticultural meetings, to Norwich and its having always been "famous, for flowers & gardens". Saw Smith's name as a subscriber to the Norwich Museum. Glad Smith has settled with the Linnean Society [purchase of Sir James Edward Smith's collections], with assistance of [Edward] Forster and himself for advice in establishing a fund for the purchase.

Lady Cullum losing her eyesight to cataracts but Sir William Adams [(1783-1827), oculist] will not operate till she is almost completely blind in both eyes, hopes it can be done by May as warmer summer months not suitable.

Attended Royal Society meeting and dinner; Sir Joseph Banks too ill to attend but [Davies] Gilbert, Mr Raper, Dr [John] Latham, and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert did. Was not aware of Mrs [Catherine] Lambert's "deplorable state" until seeing the muffled rapper on Lambert's door; a letter from Sir George Staunton says she continues in the same way, he has lately bought an estate at Leigh in Hampshire. Received from Copenhagen the continuation of "Flora Danica", observes that "Flora Britannica" and "English Botany" are frequently quoted, along with [Thomas] Velley and late [John] Stackhouse. Congratulates Smith on his appointment to botanical professorship at the Royal Institution. Flattered by Smith's article on 'Cullumia' in [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia" which has been copied by Dr [John] Sims in the "Botanical Magazine". Encloses note for Smith's neighbour, Stevenson [not extant].

Waiting for Lady Cullum to have her cataract operation before coming to London; hopes to attend meetings of Antiquarian and Horticultural Societies and Linnean Society anniversary meeting, though Smith will have to announce deaths of [John] Stackhouse and [Thomas] Woodward. The "celebrated" Arthur Young [(1741-1820)] of the Board of Agriculture died recently at Bradfield, near Bury. Introduces Mr Longstaff, bearer of this letter and an astronomcial lecturer. Hopes to attend some of Smith's Royal Institution lectures on "the affinities of plants" in May. Has grown plants of either Smith's 'Dianthus virgineus' or 'Dianthus alpinus' from his "Tour of the Continent" from seeds collected on ruins of Catullus' villa on Lake Garda. 'Tulipa sylvestris', 'Rheum undulatum', and 'Scrophularia vernalis' coming into flower soon.

Lady Cullum's cataract operation a success: performed in under five minutes with no pain and before the intense heat of June which would have complicated her recovery. Operation took place same day as Sir Joseph Banks' death, 19 June. Observations on possible 'Dianthus virgineus' grown from seed collected on Lake Garda and mentioned in last letter, it is figured in "Botanical Magazine" tab.1740. Thinks [Nathaniel Shirley] Hodson's [(fl 1800s-1830s)] botanic garden at Bury "a romantic scheme" but has subscribed two guineas and though Hodson is unqualified and "quite an amateur of flowers" he has occassionally procured curious and scarce plants.

Prior to operation Lady Cullum's eyes were treated with drops of infusion of leaves of 'Atropa belladonna', some oculists also use 'Datura stramonium' and 'Hyoscyamus'; believes [John] Ray confounded the effects of 'belladonna' and 'datura' in "Syn[opsis methodica stirpium Britannicarum] p.266", though it now turns out both dilate the pupils [Smith has annotated "Ray caused this confusion - compare ed. 2 & 3"]. Did not see [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert before he left London, little hope of Mrs [Catherine] Lambert's recovery. Invites the Smiths to visit Bury in October.

Mary Cullum adds postscript, in her own hand, sending her love to the Smiths.

Thanks for copy of Smith's "Grammar of Botany", hopes it will show the Horticultural Society "the usefulness of scientific botany". Hopes it is true that the Linnean Society are to take rooms in Soho Square [home of late Sir Joseph Banks]. Expects to see "Councillor Gage" at their assizes next week, he is an entertaining man but doubts he will succeed as a public speaker at the bar. Will feel the loss of Banks when he is next in London. The waters at Bath did not relieve his son's wife twelve-month long "rheumatic and gouty complaint".

Received call from Lady Mary Ann Gage, widow of Sir Thomas Gage, who said that Gage wished for his friends and Smith to have any duplicates from his considerable natural history collections. Invites Smith to visit so he can look over the collections at Hengrave, [Suffolk].

His daughter-in-law, Mrs Cullum, dangerously ill with a rheumatic complaint, and having been treated with lancets and blisters she is now to take the waters at Barèges, [France], for a year. Attended Linnean Society meeting and dinner in February at the Thatched House Tavern with Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert; Mrs [Catherine] Lambert still ill and restless. Presumes Smith has heard of Horticultural Society's plans to establish a garden; they intend to fund it by increasing by a guinea the admission fee for new member, wishes the Linnean Society would adopt a similar plan. Sorry that Smith could not visit to view Sir Thomas Gage's collections, thinks the cryptogamia curious and valuable and encloses list of the 'Orchis' and 'Ophrys' [not extant]. Hopes to see Smith in London in May.

Thanks Smith for Hull Botanic Garden account, which he shall bind with [William] Roscoe's Liverpool and [William] Curtis' 1778 proposal for a subscription for a London botanic garden at Lambeth Marsh. His sister's health very precarious but he intends to tour Suffolk and Norfolk before end of summer. His daughter-in-law recovered a little from taking the waters at Barèges, [France], they intend to winter in Italy. Reports that Mr Grigby of Drinkston, Suffolk, was seized with a paralytic affection of his lower extremities whilst walking.