Informs Smith of death of [Thomas] Reynolds, a member of Linnean Society Council; necessary to fill the position within 3 months. Currently 6 vacancies on FMLS list, following deaths of [Erik] Acharius and [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon; encloses nomination certificate for Lamarck, hopes both he and [José Antonio] Pavon will be elected this time.

Macleay's letter of 17 [December 1819] "but a melancholy necrology"; sorry to hear of [Erik] Acharius, but fears [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon was in uncomfortable circumstances and had faults, "somewhat in the [Frederick] Pursh [(1774-1820), botanist] style", which made him reluctant to be "his introducer here" had he come to England as he once discussed. Arrangements for Lamarck's and [José Antonio] Pavon's FMLS certificates. Laments death of [Thomas] Reynolds. Asks after Macleay's daughter, has learned "never to despair of young people".

Comments on death of [Thomas] Marsham; asks if they can give "any favourable acc[oun]t to the [Linnean] Society".