His wife died 13 September of the intermittent fever she had suffered for last seven years, she was attended by Dr Probart and Dr Smith, and his in Rome unaware of the news as letters take a month. Did not burn any of her husbands letter [Sir James Edward Smith], though it will time consuming to collect them. Praises Dawson Turner.

In postscript writes that he just received a China vase from Dresden without any damage, would like Turner to confirm the genus and species of the moss it was packed with.

Death of his father, [Sir Thomas Gery Cullum], on evening of the Coronation Day [of William IV, 8 September 1831]. Notes that September appears ill fated to him, having lost his aunt Mrs Palmer on 12th, his mother on 13th, and now his father on the 8th.

Recently returned home from Yorkshire but his prevented him from making any botanical excursions. Saw [Richard] Salisbury at Fetherstone, near Pomfret [Pontefract], he intends to move to London within two years. Found 'Lythrum hyssopifolium' at Alconbury Hill and a 'Mentha' which he encloses for Smith's revision of that genus, thinks it closest to [William] Sole's 'Mentha pratensis' but without the strong smell of peppermint. Invites Smiths to visit them for the Bury Fair, saw Smith's brother at Wakefield.

Postscript note: "'Thlaspi campestre' an 'Thlaspi' vaccariae folio glabrum Raii [John Ray]".

Received visit from [Thomas] Marsham who says the 'Mentha' he sent Smith is 'Mentha sativa'; asks how figure in "English Botany" 448 resembles no.21 in [William] Sole's book ["Menthae Britannicae"]. Does not think Sole is a very skilled botanist, pointing out that Sole considers Dr [John] Hill [(c 1716-1775)] one of the first botanists. Hopes Smith received the parcel of Scottish plants sent by his son from Mr Bruce.

Hears "Flora Britannica" progresses well, recommends providing a reference for plants also appearing in "English Botany". Revd [Henry John] Wollaston has seen 'Senecio paludosus' growing abundantly in ditches near Brayford Water near Lincoln and at Nocton Fen on banks of River Witham leading to Boston, [Lincolnshire], proposes him as a FLS. Lately received letter from [Samuel] Goodenough. Dr [George] Shaw's 'Bradypus ursinus' was exhibited during the Bury Fair; agrees with [Thomas] Bewick's "Quadrupeds" that it is of the genus 'Ursus' and the animal in Bury is male whereas that shown in [Holborn] was a female, makes brief observations, in Latin.

Has so much work at the moment that he is glad to write as few letters as possible. Received the parcel of Scottish plants sent via Cullum's son though its contents not very important. The 'Mentha' Cullum sent is a small variety of the 'Mentha sativa' figured in "English Botany", agrees with Cullum's opinion [of the inferior botanical merits of William Sole]. Cannot adopt Cullum's proposal to reference "English Botany" plants in "Flora Britannica" as it already printing, objects to anticipating references, and intends to publish a pocket "Epitome" on an original plan of his own. Thanks for [Henry John] Wollaston's habitats for 'Senecio paludosus'. Does not agree with Cullum about 'Bradypus ursinus'. Beginning "Flora Graeca" next year. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert recovered slightly.

Investigated report in old letter from [Samuel] Goodenough that 'Veronica spicata' and 'Veronica hybrida' grow on a chalk bank at Icklingham, [Suffolk], with assistance of his "Calendarium florae", and in relating his observations thinks there are two species of 'Veronica'. Found a 'Serapias' distinct from Smith's "English Botany" 'Serapias latifolia' in Dunmow, [Essex], and Clare, [Suffolk], woods as mentioned on p.442 of [John] Gerard [(1545-1612), herbalist]. Observations on the 'Oppioglossum' he recently collected in every state. Praises Smith's paper on 'Mentha', found it much clearer than [William] Sole's "Menthae Britannicae". 'Erysimum cheiranthoides' in full flower in their sandy hills. Encloses specimens of the 'Veronica' discussed.

Thanks for civilities Smith has shown his son in Norwich. Proposes Sir Thomas Gage as a FLS, he has collected all the scarce plants of the Lake District. [John] Gerard [(1545-1612), herbalist] says several species of 'Helleborine' grow in woods at Dunmow, Essex, and Clare, Suffolk; Cullum thinks the 'Serapis' he found between the two does not answer to any in "English Botany" and is between 'Serapis latifolia' and 'Serapis palustris' but he failed to gather a specimen. Had not heard of [William] Sole's death until seeing the advertisement letting his garden and Hortus Siccus. Hopes to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting as the King has not signed the charter unsure whether he is welcome as a member anymore, apologises for his inactive approach to botany. Invites the Smiths to stay at Bury on their way either to or from London.

Thanks for the Smiths congratulations on a family wedding [possibly his son]; sorry that a boil on Smith's shin with erysipelatous appearances kept him at home. Surprised by death of Alexander Aubert [(1730-1805), astronomer and businessman]. Sir Thomas Gage has moved from Bury to Portman Square, London, and has seen Sir Joseph Banks, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, and [William George] Maton, who sat in Linnean Society chair.

Has only seen first two numbers of [Richard] Salisbury's "Paradisus [Londinensis]". An 'Alea alle' was taken at Herringfleet, [Suffolk], nine inches in length and weighing four ounces, thinks [Thomas] Pennant's "British Zoology" plate 82 made the bill too sharp and omitted the white spot on upper eye lid.

Heard of Smith's good health from Dawson Turner. Received wild specimens of 'Draba aizoides' from from [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855)]. 'Ophrys monorchis' and '[Ophrys] spiralis' in abundance this summer and autumn; 'Cuscula epithymum' withered on 'Erica' but in full flower in shady places on 'Lotus corniculatus' 28 Sep; 'Genesta filosa' which begins to flower about 20 May for a month regularly flowers again in September, from when he has specimens; suspects a 'Verbascum' growing in lane near his house is from a garden, answers except in colour to 'Verbascum phaeniceum' in Murray's "Syst[em of] Vegetable[s]". Compliments [William Fitt] Drake and wishes his eyes were sharp enough to find plants such as 'Lathraea squamaria', which he has not seen since leaving Bath sixteen years ago. Presumes [Dawson] Turner and [William] Kirby must have keen eyesight. Frost has stopped the 'Verbascum' flowering, encloses specimen.

[Aylmer Bourke] Lambert unexpectedly visited but was in a peculiar mood and evasive regarding a promised visit to Smith in Norwich. Sorry to hear of [James] Crowe's death, said to be from a carbuncle boil. Lambert writes that Sir Joseph Banks is bedridden with a large abcess in his leg. Expects a contrast when either [George] Shaw or [Charles] Konig succeeds [Edward Whitaker] Gray [(1748-1806), physician and curator] at the British Museum. Shortly leaving for London.

Asks if Smith saw his letter in the Bury Paper of 21 January discussing mistletoe on oak; the man who first saw it surrounded by sycamores and maples loaded with mistletoe could not find it again, Cullum had intended to place an oaken bough with mistletoe on either side of the President's chair at Linnean Society meeting. Lambert took young plants of 'Holosteum umbellatum' and 'Sisymbrium polyceratium' growing near his house.

Thanks for Cullum's account of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, did not press Lambert to visit Norwich as [James] Crowe was dying which would not have been well for Lambert's low spirits. Praises Crowe's character, he died of a carbuncle on the side of his neck; account of day of his death. Anxious about Sir Joseph Banks' health. Has presumed that Banks had assisted [George] Shaw to position at British Museum and [Charles] Konig was to have Shaw's place. The 'Verbascum' Cullum sent him is the 'Blattaria alba' of Bauhin, Linnaeus thought it a variety of his 'Verbascum blattaria'; Smith thinks it may be a species.

Recently suffered recurrence of his old complaint affecting his teeth. Sorry Smith did not call on him in Bury on his way to Norfolk. Spent two days in Bungay, [Suffolk], with [Thomas] Woodward: weather bad but saw living species of 'Orobanche ramosa' growing with 'Cannabis sativa' at Meltingham, offers specimen; collected specimen of 'Pyrola rotundifolia' on Bradley Common near Gorleston, growing with 'Salix caprea', 'Sphagnum palustre', 'Hydrocotyle vulgaris', and 'Valeriana dioica'; could not find 'Gentiana pneumonanthe' from his late brother's [Sir John Cullum, 6th baronet (1733-1785)] habitat near Lowestoft church due to drainage of the wet common and enclosures.

Recommends [James] Sowerby do new drawings for Smith's new edition of "Flora Lapponica", and that the frontispiece be an engraving of Sir Joseph Banks' portrait of Linnaeus; hopes that the frontispiece of the new proposed edition of "Historis muscorum" will be an engraving of Dillenius from the Oxford portrait. Requests Smith's assistance in finding London lodgings. Publications: asks Smith's opinion of last fasciculus of "Flora Danica"; sent a poor tenth volume of the "Amunitates" by White [publisher]; wishes for someone to go on with a "Flora Londinensis" or "Flora Anglica" and to see the two new volumes of [John] Latham's "Description of birds".

His summer uneventful but saw [James] Sowerby on his way back to London after staying with [Dawson] Turner in Yarmouth, and received letter from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert who was in good spirits and said first Linnean Society meeting was very full. Proposes establishment of annual Linnean Society medal for the best paper, similar to the Royal Society's Copley Medal. Sorry for the death of [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow. Will be in London at Pall Mall from February to April.

Recovered from several violent catarrhous complaints and coughs. Also heard a good account of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and the Linnean Society, "both are in good preservation". He and others doubt the eligibility of Cullum's proposal for an annual Linnean Society medal for best paper, "pure fame is a better object than gold". Currently working on the syngenesious class of Greek plants, which will finish third part of "Florae Graecae Prodromus". Recently wrote lives of Philip Miller and [Robert] Morison [(1620-1683), botanist] for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", and [Francis] Masson's [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector] has just appeared [in a footnote to this paragraph Cullum has noted that Smith was paid £3000 for his contributions to the "Cyclopedia"]. Praises Hooker's work "Jungermanniae".

Discusses Smith's candidature for Cambridge botany professorship: Sir Joseph [Banks'] illness was a great loss; thinks it curious that the dissenting Smith should be supported by two Bishops [presumably Bishops of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough, and Ely, Bowyer Sparke (1759-1836); the Bishop of Winchester, Brownlow North, also pledged his support for Smith in August 1813], but concedes "Botany is of no sect"; hopes Smith will be his successor but supposes he would have to conform to the Establishment. Responded immediately to Smith's report of the canvassing but too much of a philsopher to care what happens at Cambridge. Recovered after a confinement of three months caused by typhus.

Expects his campaign for Cambridge botany professorship to be successful. Received encouraging letter from [Thomas] Martyn [incumbent professor of botany] explaining the three-part composition of his botanical professorship: the university professorship, elected by Senate; the Regius professorship, given by the King; and the garden and lectureship founded by Dr [Richard] Walker [(1679-1764)]. Martyn has proposed to resign the garden lectureship in favour of Smith to allow him to gain an interest for when the others become vacant. Discusses his plans to canvas for the garden and lectureship and expects his rivals, Brook, [George] Leathes [(1779-1836)], and [Richard] Relhan to withdraw. Received assistance from Cullum's friend [William] Webb. Intends to go to London, Cambridge, and then home. Gathered 'Monotropa' in woods near to this place.

Reports on his summer excursion: visited Sir Joseph Banks at Spring Grove, Smallbury Green, and his garden and "elegant dairy", afraid Banks will not walk properly again; the Bishop of Winchester's [Brownlow North] garden containing magnolias, tea trees, 'Salisburia adiantifolia', 'Arbutus andrachne', and rhododendrons; disappointed by Isle of Wight other than Sir Nash Grose's [(1740-1814), judge] house; impressed with Portsmouth's fortifications and dockyards, thinks that it will be a great loss if those of the 7000 [French] prisoners in Portchester Castle are stopped making their lace; also visited Chichester, Arundel, Worthing, Brighton, and London. Heard of deaths of [George] Shaw and Dr [John] Davie, Master of S[i]dney Sussex College, Cambridge. [Thomas] Martyn evidentally still intellectually active, having edited Dr Steven's "Treatise on Human Happiness".

His opinion of Sir Joseph Banks greatly increased following the two days he spent with him in the summer. His campaign for Cambridge botany professorship: visited Dr Davie at Bungay, [Suffolk]; he is suffering from an ulceration of the throat and will not return to Cambridge for months; gained support of Dr [William] Gretton [(1736-1813)], master of Magdalen, but he is dangerously ill; if [William] Frere [(1775-1836)] becomes vice-chancellor in November certain of gaining the garden and lectureship, does not expect difficulties attaining the professorship.

Troubled with his old, untreatable headaches. Reading Cullum's brother's [Sir John Cullum, 6th baronet (1733-1785)] "History of Hawstead"; transcribes an epithet he wrote for a musical friend. In Norwich tomorrow for the Sessions' ball and musical festival. Chiefly worked on Rees's "Cyclopaedia" this summer: wrote elaborate article on 'Passiflora' enlarged with species not in [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow. Third edition to his "Introduction to Botany" just finished printing. Message for Mr Barnwell: he has "hinted in vain for what I mentioned ab[ou]t the heart of Anne of Bretange - her funeral is very particularly described in Montfaucous' "Monarchie Francoise".

Discusses Smith's campaign for Cambridge botany professorship: unfortunate that Smith has to win over the powerful vice-chancellor, Professor [Isaac] Pennington [(1745-1817), physician and chemist], and Professor [Busick] Harwood [(1750-1814), anatomist], for Dr [Richard] Walker's [(1679-1764)] lectureship. Begs Smith to become a member of the university first to remove obstacles other candidates will take advantage of. In comparison to the expense of the knighthood it would be a minor cost, and as the Linnean Society already has a Duke, Earls, Viscounts, Bishops, and Lords, it is no great favour for the President to have an honorary distinction.

Looking forward to seeing Smith in London. The Linnean Society is flourishing "more & more every year"; [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert last filled chair "with great good humour & cheerfulness", [William George] Maton absent on account of death of his mother. Sir Joseph Banks passed winter surprisingly well, it gives "one less pain to see him wheeled about, than to see him walk in such a crippled gait". Recently wrote to [William] Webb of Clare Hall; it would be worthwhile if Smith went to Cambridge on his way to London to meet with his supporters there. Transcribes lines of a satirical poem written when the "late Bishop of Norwich" [Charles Manners-Sutton (1755-1828)] succeeded [John Moore (1730-1805)] as Archbishop of Canterbury, "in a more amiable style [sic] than the couplet on poor Lady Brownlow".

Thanks for copy of Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Reports from his excursion into Yorkshire: wishes Smith had been with him at the "dropping well" at Knaresborough, there were jungermanniae, lichens, and mosses; found 'Inula helerium' and 'Sedum telefitium' in a hedge bank, 'Atropa belladonna' in churchyard near Ferrybridge, Yorkshire, and in hedges near the town, and 'Colchium autumnale' in meadows about Knaresborough. Recounts anecdote in Dr [Thomas] Zouch's [(1737-1815)], prebendary of Durham and FLS, unpublished "Memoir of the life of Dr John Sudbury", dean of Durham in 1661, about the detainment of the cathedral library's copy of [John] Gerard's "Herbal" by Colonel Robert Lilburn; thinks it curious in showing the estimation in which the book was held. Invites the Smiths to visit for the Bury Fair.

Postscript by Lady Cullum repeating Cullum's invitation.