Unable to visit in October as he is already due to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] with "our Bishop" [presumably Bishop of Norwich, Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. Agrees Cullum's anecdote relating to Gerard's "Herbal" is curious. Recommends Dr [Thomas] Zouch's [(1737-1815)] life of Sir Philip Sydney. 'Inula helenium' a very rare plant, does not remember seeing it growing wild but someone once brought a specimen from Suffolk. Has heard good account of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] but nothing of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Going to Cambridge early November.

Reviewed first volume of "Linnean Transactions" with [Thomas] Woodward, their opinions: Woodward thought it very thin but Cullum would be happy to see annual production of similar sized volume; [Espirit] Giorna's paper on insect wings should have been translated; [Adam] Afzelius' paper on 'Trifolium' "tedious"; wonders what the Society in Warwick Street [Society for the Promotion of Natural History ?] think of it.

'Colchium autumnale' now in flower, transcribes Latin observations on it made by a near relation of his in 1773. Suggests travel arrangements for Smith to reach his house in Suffolk, hopes Smith will return the many visits he paid Smith in Marlborough Street. Publications: asks after Hoffmann's "botanical pocket book" he has seen advertised; when "Flora Lapponica" is to be published; and if there is any thought of a new "Species plantarum". Asks Smith to pay his bill to [James] Sowerby for him.

Invites Smith and his wife to stay next week whilst [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mrs Lochee are also visiting.

Unable to visit as they are expecting [William] Roscoe, who is to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] with them, and Smith must be in Norwich on 29 November as steward of the first ball. Intends to write to Dr [George] Thackery, new vice-chancellor of Cambridge, regarding garden and lectureship, which if he gains he will enter the university and if not remain as he is, as advised the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel]. The Dean [of Norwich, Joseph Turner (1747-1828)] says that the university cannot avoid offering the professorship to Smith and if they do he should be offered an MA without entering. Invites the Cullums, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mrs Lochee to them instead. Dr Davy dying of a cancerous disorder in the mouth at Dr Tuthill's, Soho Square, a great loss.

In postscript addressed to Lambert invites him and Mrs Lochee to Norwich whilst Roscoe is staying; they cannot alter their day of going to Holkham as they are engaged to meet the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University], with whom Roscoe is well acquainted.

Violent headache compelled [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert to cancel his visit to Bury at the last moment. Approves of the advice given to Smith regarding Cambridge botany professorship and garden. Grieved by Smith's account of Dr [Martin] Davy's mortal illness and recalls others who have died or are dying from cancers of the mouth.

Reports on letters received from Mrs [Catherine] Lambert concerning [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's ill health, including violent headaches and insomnia. Cornwallis Hewett to succeed as Downing Professor of Medicine following death of Professor [Busick] Harwood [(1750-1814), anatomist], although uncertain who will succeed to astronomical professorship, believes Hewett's father exhibited his collection of gold, topazes and amethysts to Smith at Cullum's lodgings in King Street, Covent Garden, [London]. Invites [William] Roscoe to call on him should he return from his Norfolk tour via Bury.

[William] Roscoe visited him in Norwich and they visited Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] and Narford, [Norfolk, home of Andrew Fountaine], together; Roscoe could not visit Cullum via his journey home as he was anxious to return to his ill wife. Dawson Turner was also at Holkham, together they made a catalogue of Coke's collection of two hundred manuscripts. Around two hundred pieces each of pictures, old prints, Raphael's earthenware, and old French enamel, at Narford [Hall].

Vice-chancellor of Cambridge, [George] Thackery, refusing to assist him in gaining the garden and lectureship. Concerned for health of the "old professor" [Thomas Martyn]. The Dean [of Norwich, Joseph Turner (1747-1828)] has gone to Cambridge to argue Smith's case, and has also given [William Fitt] Drake another living of £150 a year. Sir Joseph Banks "tolerably well". [John] Fairbairn died recently, hopes William Anderson [(1766-1846)] from Mr [James] Vere's will succeed him [as curator of Chelsea Physic Garden]. Reported that [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert occupied in botanical matters.

Mrs [Catherine] Lambert reports that [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert continues to have restless nights. Interested to see Smith's catalogue of Holkham manuscripts [home of Thomas William Coke], hopes Lady Cullum will be able to see the Raphael Delph at Narford [Hall, Norfolk, home of Andrew Fountaine].

Attended Royal Society anniversary and dinner with Sir Joseph Banks, Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough], Mr Lysons , Mr Marsden, [Edward] Rudge, and Mr Raper. Attended Linnean Society meeting; Lambert was in the chair and [William George] Maton also attended but [Alexander] Macleay still recovering from his "violent peripneumony". Concerned by [Thomas] Marsham's removal from Baker Street to Winchmore Hill. Convinced [William] Webb in Cambridge to put himself forward for Linnean Society; [Arthur] Biggs' [(1765-1848), curator of the [Cambridge] Physic Garden, nomination certificate for Associate put up. Asks if Smith has seen [William Elford] Leach's "[Zoological] miscellany"; does not approve of the "frequent new generic names".

Has been unable to procure enough signatures to propose [William] Webb as a FLS. Hopes Smith will meet with Webb whilst they are both in London and that Smith can arrange for the certificate to be signed; includes a prepared one with his own signature [second folio of this letter]. Webb is considering taking a vacant parsonage and rectory near Bury but Cullum hopes he will wait for the mastership of his college [Clare Hall, Cambridge].

Promised to send Forster bulbs of 'Tulipa sylvestris' and roots of 'Genista pilosa'. 'Osmunda lunaria' "nearly in perfection".

Received Cullum's letter of 10 May late as he has moved to his cousin Kindersley's house and has since been unable to reach [William] Webb. Will ensure Webb's proposal certificate to become a FLS is signed. Hopes to see Cullum at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Fears [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is "rather nervous & restless".

Pleased by Smith's report of the recovery of Dr [Martin] Davy, the signing of [William] Webb's proposal certificate to become a FLS, and Smith's intention to visit Bury. Webb is considering accepting gift of the rectory of Fornham, [Suffolk], from the Fellows of Clare Hall, Cambridge, though Cullum thinks it inadvisable to give up all future College prospects.

Has not seen many plants: 'Genista filosa' has been flowering for a month, 'Veronica verna' in seed, 'Seleranthus perennis' and 'Osmunda lunaria' "in full perfection". Impatient for first volume of [William] Kirby's "Introduction to Entomology". Lady Cullum has curiosities to show Smith and will be delighted if Smith has seen the "pig-faced lady", of which she has a print placed opposite the print of the "hog-faced servant" painting at Winchester College ["The Trusty Servant", painted by John Hoskins in 1579].

Looking forward to visit by Smith and his cousins; Napoleon's abdication was not known of when Smith sent last letter. [William] Webb still undecided whether to take vacant preferment [parsonage and rectory of Fornham, Suffolk], Cullum has advised to wait for mastership of the college [Clare Hall, Cambridge]. Smith's visit to Bury will be quiet with everyone away at either the Commencement at Cambridge or the Ipswich Races and the presentation of plate to the "gallant" Sir [Philip Bowes Vere] Broke [(1776-1841), whilst commanding the HMS Shannon he captured the USS Chesapeake on 1 June 1813, during the War of 1812].

Hopes Smith is in the country for his health and not London. Briefly saw [Richard] Salisbury and his "elegant conservatories" and "valuable library"at Chapel Allerton but made few botanical acquisitions. Requests "Linnean Transactions" to be forwarded when published and White to send him third volume of Gmelin's "Systema [naturae]".

Smith to tell [James] Sowerby that the cornfields with 'Veronica verna' are fallow this year. Found 'Pyrola minor' in abundance and less commonly 'Cicuta virosa' and 'Caucalis daucoides'. All of [Jonathan] Stokes' [(c 1755-1831), botanist] and [Thomas] Woodward's botanical work destroyed in the attack on [William] Withering's house in the Birmingham riots [the Priestly Riots of 14 to 17 July 1791 targetted religious dissenters]; expects to shortly hear from Woodward of the preservation of the valuable "Repository", comparable to Smith's and Sir Joseph Banks'.

Was surprised not to hear anything from Cullum during "the great stir" caused by [Thomas] Martyn's [erroneously reported] death; certain it has not damaged his campaign for the Cambridge botany professorship. The Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke], Lord Hardwicke [Philip Yorke, 3rd Earl of Hardwicke (1757-1834)], Lord Spencer [George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer], [Viscount] Althorp [John Charles Spencer (1782-1845)], [Marquess of] Tavistock [Francis Russell (1788-1861)], [Lord] John Thynne [(1772-1849)], Dean of Lincoln [George Gordon] and others have all come out in support of Smith. Will canvas at Cambridge for a week with Dr [Martin] Davy, and if the conditions are right and the vice-chancellor approves will ask Martyn to resign the professorship and hold the election. Edward [Hall] Alderson [(1787-1857)] of the Temple has a committee sitting for him. Will or has recently seen [William] Webb and [William] Kirby. Both the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel] and Lord John Thynne convinced Smith will succeed. Plans to be at Linnean Society on 2 April to admit the Duke of Bedford a FLS.

Attended a dinner at Clare Hall, Cambridge, with [William] Webb and Dr [Martin] Davy, who hopes for Smith's success [in campaign for Cambridge botany professorship]; neither [George] Leathes [(1779-1836)] or Davies were mentioned [Smith's rivals for professorship]. The university divided on mode of election as there has not been one for a botanical professor for fifty years, and whether the college heads can reduce the number of candidates to two.

Attended Linnean Club dinner; [Alexander] Macleay in chair supported by [William] Smith and [Joseph] Sabine, William Webb admitted a FLS by Sabine, [Edward and Thomas Furly] Forster also present, [William George] Maton absent on account of death of his father, and [Thomas] Marsham absent until "times are better with him". Sir Everard Home [(1756-1832), physician], took chair at Royal Society as Sir Joseph Banks too ill, two archdukes who wanted to become FRS announced and duly elected. A botanical publication brought from Paris by Bowater for [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert seized with the contraband items it was packed with. [William Elford] Leach, "the great zoological reformer", has been elected FRS and Duke of Norfolk [Bernard Howard (1765-1842)] nominated by Banks. Presumes Smith and the Council will propose a plan for amending Linnean Society finances.

Hopes [William Elford] Leach's long paper in the new volume of "Linnean Transactions" ['A tabular View of the external Characters of Four Classes of Animals'] will not lead the Society to be called the "Crabby, or Crusty Society".

Honored by Lady Cullum's visit to him in Bury. The "severe east wind & most abominable atmosphere" in London have given him several colds. No news of the lawyers opinion of mode of electing a future professor [Smith's campaign for Cambridge botany professorship]. Intends to return to London for 7 May to attend Linnean Society and admit Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke] FLS. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "rather nervous, but cheerful", Sir Joseph Banks "very well" and Lady Banks "very fat, good humoured & kind as usual". Very full club at last Royal Society meeting, four new fellows admitted. Attended dinner and party at [Edward] Rudge's with the Goodenoughs, Marsdens, Blackwells, Sir William and Lady Anson, and Bathursts.

Lady Cullum pleased by her visit to Smith. [William] Webb, Master of Clare Hall, wonders if the Cambridge collge heads can reduce the number of candidates to two [Smith's campaign for botany professorship].

Reminisces that at this time of year in his youth he collected 'Orchis mascula' in the meadows and 'Ophrys aranifera' in the chalk hills and pits. If in Yorkshire this summer hopes to see 'Trientalis' growing on its native soil near Scarborough and to pick 'Primula farinosa', as [William] Curtis did. Glad Sir Joseph Banks is well but wishes [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert in better spirits. Enquires if a Linnean Society list for 1788 was printed, to complete his collection of 1789 to 1815 inclusive; a minute of the first meeting in his possession lists Smith, [Samuel] Goodenough, Jonas Dryander, James Dickson, John Beckwith, Thomas Marsham, and John Timothy Swainson in attendance. Wishes Marsham had continued as Secretary.

Suffering from a violent cold caused by severe weather and "pestilential town air". Plans to visit Cullum in Bury after visiting [Humphry] Repton in Harestreet, [Essex]. Does not think a Linnean Society list was printed before 1789. Edward Forster to be proposed as new Society Secretary and Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley as Vice-President. Sir Joseph Banks ill in bed with a slight erysipelas on his toe and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "well & cheerful, but nervous".

Smith missed at Linnean Society anniversary meeting and dinner; Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] took chair with [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley, [William George] Maton, [Jelinger] Symons, [Edward and Thomas Furly] Forster, and President of Horticultual Society [Thomas Andrew Knight] also attended. Glad Smith and Sir Joseph Banks have been elected honorary members of the Horticultural Society, though concerned whether both it and the Linnean Society can thrive. Leaving for Yorkshire shortly. Little notice taken of [Thomas] Marsham's resignation letter. [John] Francillon's [(1744-1816), entomologist] ill with asthma and dropsy, no hope of recovery.

Developments at Cambridge leave him hopeful for Smith's success [campign for botany professorship]; Dr [Martin] Davy wants Smith to admit himself a member of Pembroke College. Bundle of Cayenne plants left for Smith by Sir Thomas Gage.