Received Macleay's letter of 13 [July 1816]. Returning to Norwich, [Norfolk], tomorrow before leaving for [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford's and Holkham [Hall, Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]. Sir Benjamin Hobhouse wishes to become a FLS.

Uncertain if [George] Caley's [(1770-1829), farrier and botanist] collection [of New Holland zoology] is worth paying much for; in general he never used to bring such subscriptions before the Linnean Society, thinks "that for [Richard] Relhan's herbarium was entirely thrown away - he & his collection being equally worthless", but will subscribe £10 anyway; thinks the Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] "ought to do something for us" and asks Macleay to privately inform his of this subscription.

Asks that all his belongings be sent to Norwich, though his "chapeau may remain". Apologises to [Thomas] Woodward and [John] Stackhouse for missing anniversary meeting.

[Letter labelled, in red ink]: Sheepshearing

His arrival at Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke], other guests include Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke] and Lord Tavistock [Francis Russell, 7th Duke of Bedford (1788-1861)], Lord Albermarle, Sir Watkin William Wynne, Lord Nugent, Mr Greig, General Walpole, Fitzroy, Sir B Hobhouse, Mr Barnwell; viewing and discussion of agriculture, including folding of sheep; a hundred people at dinner.

[William] Roscoe has forbidden any purchases from his library intended to be gifted back to himself [following his bankruptcy]. Coke and others have spoken to Blundell and they hope he will alter his conduct. Disappointed with the likeness of Coke's miniature, done at Liverpool.

Full account of [Thomas William] Coke's meeting is in Stevenson's paper, written by Samuel Taylor junior. Account of Lord Nugent [George Nugent-Grenville, 2nd Baron Nugent (1788-1850)], who was also at Coke's. Details of his and Coke's upcoming visit to Woburn Abbey, [Bedfordshire, home of Duke of Bedford]; shall come to Pleasance in Lowestoft first.

Writing from Woburn's [home of John Russell, 6th Duke] "splendid library". Account of their journey to Woburn [with Thomas William Coke and Mr Cobb]: called on late Mrs Watt's servants, Mr and Mrs Baker, at Swaffham, [Norfolk], who were left £400 each in the will; called on Brewsters at Brandon; could not dine with [Martin] Davy at Cambridge; passed through Lord Ossory's park and saw the inscribed pillar. Describes the party at Woburn, including: Marquis of Bath, wife, and daughter; Lord Clare; Duke of Devonshire; Lord and Lady Tavistock; Lord and Lady Morley. His opinion of the Duchess of Bedford. Lord Bath "very shy". Duke of Bedford has brought many antique marbles, columns, and sculptures from Italy. His projected plans on leaving Woburn. Lady Morley is dressing up various guests "to exhibit characters in pictures".

Account of remainder of his time at Woburn [Abbey, Bedfordshire, home of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford]: further guests included Duke and Duchess of Beaufort and their children, Lord and Lady Robert Spencer, Mr Capel; every evening Lady Morley, Lady Tavistock, and the Duchess [of Bedford] exhibited tableux of famous pictures and Lady Morley gave animal imitations. Went on to visit Lord and Lady Tavistocks's [Francis Russell, 7th Duke of Bedford (1788-1861)]; visited Professor [Thomas] Martyn at Peternhall, [Cambridge], rather feeble and anxious to resign in Smith's favour; visited Dunham Lodge, home of Mr Cobb.

Confident Pleasance's mother will get better. Expects to come over to visit. Visit by Sir Thomas and Lady Cullum in August.

Leaving for Woburn Abbey, [Bedfordshire, home of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford] tomorrow. Received [Thomas] Woodward and [Robert] Stone's [(c 1751-1829), botanist] guinea Linnean Society subscriptions; directions for sending their copies of "Linnean Transactions". Remarks that "pay is become a prevalent word in our language".

Recently stayed at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] with Mr Barnwell and Lord Nugent [George Nugent-Grenville, 2nd Baron Nugent (1788-1850)]. Intends to see Professor [Thomas] Martyn on way to visiting Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke] with Coke. Invites the Cullums to visit during Norfolk assize week before going to Holkham again.

Beginning of a draft response in Lady Cullum's hand at bottom of recto of second folio.