Brief account of his knighthood by the Prince Regent [later George IV (1762-1830)], which was entirely managed by Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844), statesman]. Encloses paragraph [extant] detailing this for insertion in the newspapers.

Note detailing Smith's knighthood.

Returns proof sheets. Macleay should never expect anything from him "by return of post" as their letters are not delivered in enough time. Uncertain whether his "Sir-ship" should appear in the title and headlines of his paper, as though the paper was written long before his knighthood he believes the author should have the designation belonging to him at the time the paper is published; leaves decision to Macleay. [Thomas William] Coke to send Macleay some game on his behalf. Hopes Macleay received paper he forwarded by [Constantine Rafinesque] Schmaltz.

Sorry to hear Macleay has been "attacked by my old enemy in the lungs", warns him to be careful in the severe weather, which is much like that which made him so ill in 1812. Will soon send a paper on "fishes from America" [by Samuel Latham Mitchill] for Linnean Society meeting. Requests Macleay's servant to deliver two letters to Fludyer Street, [London, home of George D'Oyly].

Pleased to hear Macleay is recovered, knows "from frequent experience in the same complaint how tender one's whole frame is afterwards"; further advice for Macleay. Macleay's son should use him [Smith] as an introduction in Paris. Encloses some American papers for Linnean Society meeting. Congratulates [Robert] Brown. Leaves [James] Sowerby to "do as he will" with "Exotic botany".

Satisfied with what Macleay says of [William] Travis [(1771-1851)] and will communicate it to Sir Thomas Frankland [who solicited Smith for Travis' readmittance to the Linnean Society]. Thinks the Society right in publishing [Edward] Rudge's papers, "as we may be glad of even imperfect information ab[ou]t New Holland plants", especially as there is no hope of the government asking [Robert] Brown to publish his plants properly, though he thinks it "a debt due to the public, who have paid for them".

Returns proof sheet with necessary corrections. Glad Macleay's son returned safely from France; deplores the "unexpected return of war & desolation", and thinks it "ought to have been effectually guarded against" [return of Napoleon]; hopes the French can settle it amongst themselves, "for they are no more worth cutting honest men's throats about than the Spaniards"; glad the Duke of Wellington [Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852)] got away safely, expected him to be murdered.

Directions for forwarding seeds sent by [Andre] Thouin. Intends to be in London for 18 April, following a visit to Lowestoft, [Suffolk], on account of his mother-in-law's paralytic stroke.

Sends paper from [Erik] Acharius to be read at Linnean Society in due course. "Grieves [...] deeply" to hear that "it is all over" with his "old & valued friend", [Thomas] Marsham; but takes consolation that "the warning afforded by losing elderly friends is rather soothing than dreadful", in comparison to sudden sorrow of losing younger friends.

He is setting of on a 6 week tour tomorrow with [Thomas William] Coke, one of his "best-loved friends", to Staffordshire, Wales, Lancashire, Cumberland, and Northumberland; looking forward to seeing [William] Roscoe, [Thomas] Johnes, and Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough].

Sorry to hear that Marsham has disappointed [James] Sowerby as to money, fears "all is not right".

On tour with [Thomas William] Coke, not home before end of the month. Anxious to hear news of [Thomas] Marsham, dreads the worst. His "most beloved" brother, [Francis Smith], has died since his departure, leaving a widow and 6 children. He has been much with [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford, and proposes him as FLS. He will be at Anson's [Thomas Anson, 1st Viscount Anson (1767-1818)], Shugborough Park, Staffordshire, from 10 to 15 October.

At Lord Anson's [Thomas Anson (1767-1818) 1st Viscount Anson] with [Thomas William] Coke and [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford; encloses latter's certificate for FLS, "truly a practical Linnaean botanist" who would make a good Honorary Member in due course. Grief at death of his brother, Francis Smith, and impact on his tour. Anxious about [Thomas] Marsham, in event of his death proposes Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley as replacement Linnean Society vice-president, his qualities.

Rejoices at news of [Thomas] Marsham's recovery but laments his "suspicions relative to his concernes prove too well founded". Agrees with Macleay's proposal of Edward Forster being next Linnean Society Treasurer and approves of [William George] Maton's idea, returns his letter. His plans for returning to Norwich, [Norfolk]. [William] Smith, who first introduced himself and [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford, would probably like to sign latter's FLS certificate.

Thanks for Macleay's letter, still recovering his "tranquility of mind" [after sudden death of his brother, Francis Smith].

Remarks on proposed "Minutes of Council" section of upcoming volume of "Linnean Transactions": suggests it be placed at beginning of volume; in transcription of the Society's address to the Prince Regent [later George IV (1762-1830)] believes the King [George III (1738-1820)] should be named founder of the Linnean Society's charter rather than the Society itself; submits paragraph on receipt of his knighthood, as he wishes it to be known he publicly owes his title to his association with the Society and nothing else. Asks if he could be called Founder and President.

Afraid they have printed something of [Samuel Latham] Mitchill's paper on "New York fishes" in new volume of "Linnean Transactions", which was not to be printed on account of its appearance in an American journal; a Dr Francis will inform Macleay of it as Sir Joseph Banks'. [Francis] Buchanan, currently an ALS, wishes to become a FLS, as does [John] Murray of Stranraer, [Scotland], who wrote a paper on "vegetable poisons". Recommends Dr Burke of Lowestoft, [Suffolk], who is to visit the Transport Office.

Complains that letters sent to him at the Linnean Society are not forwarded quickly enough. Sends bill of lading for "most valuable present" for Linnean Society sent from America. Asks if Macleay received box of roots of Sicilian 'Orchideae' from [William] Swainson in Palermo, [Sicily], which he had arranged to be sent to Mr Anderson at Chelsea. Asks if [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford and [Francis] Buchanan have been elected FLS yet.