Dined at [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's with Captain [Phillip Barker] King [(1791-1856], the great New Holland navigator, how is about to publish his voyage, and has named in honour of him a group of islands on the southern coast of New Holland.

[Letter incomplete: fragment only]

Change in the weather; "extraordinary phenomena" of a "yellowish substance" observed on surface of rain water cisterns which on burning proved to be sulphur; Mr Dalton the chemist says it has not been observed since the execution of Charles I and Cromwell's usurpation, as mentioned by Baker, unable to find this in his "Chronicles"; other opinions on the cause, including being swept up from volcanic mountains. Discussion of Norwich election with Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. A grebe taken on a ship's deck; sent to be stuffed. A very bad mackerel voyage, causing the pedlars to make trouble. Dined at the Lockwood's; a picture of Mrs Lockwood's great aunt by Sir Thomas Lawrence.

Account of his and Charles' [nephew of Smith's] excursion to Sunninghill, [Berkshire, home of Smith's Kindersley cousins]; a violent storm with hail, which they collected for iced water; visited Mr Barclay's grand house, including stoves and botanic gardens; searched in vain for tomb or memorial of his uncle Ireland in Reigate, [Surrey], church, the sexton had known his uncle and knew of the "incestuous anecdote". Everyone praises his improved looks and colour. Looked at carpet patterns; his opinion. Sitting for last time for [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] tomorrow.

[Letter incomplete: folio[s] missing or destroyed, fragment of second folio pasted to end of recto of folio]

Thanks for Pleasance's letter. Weather "very hot", and he is going on with his "[English] Flora". Asks that Pleasance give "dear little Pleasy some kisses for [him]". Comments on flowers in the garden, including 'Coreopsis tinctroia', 'Agapanthus', and 'Balsam'. His plans for the next few days.

[Note by Pleasance Smith on recto of second folio] "I think this is my dear James's last letter!".

Pleased by the visit of Smith's relation, Frederick Smith. [Thomas] Lister Parker [(1779-1858), antiquary] visited and mentioned the "great pine", believes branches and cones have been sent to [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Wishes her husband [Sir James Edward Smith] and himself had been young and well enough to attend first meetings of the season of the Horticultural, Linnean, and Royal Societies. His son and family are to winter at Nice but concerned that from [Thomas] Martyn's report of the weather in Nice in his "Tour through Italy" (1787) it will not help the ill Mrs Cullum. Returns basket with young pheasant.

Death of her husband [Sir James Edward Smith] always in their thoughts; glad she stayed with her aunts in Saxmundham, [Suffolk]. Hopes the Linnean Society will agree to purchase Smith's library and museum. His son and daughter-in-law have returned to Hardwick House, [Suffolk], but her ill health means they are to winter in a milder climate again. Invites Lady Smith to visit during the winter.

Concerned at account given of Smith's health and her rheumatism, which he has been suffering from himself. Lady Cullum cannot get rid of her nervous intermittent fever despite advice of [Willam George] Maton and Sir Henry Halford [(1766-1844), physician]. Surprised to see [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, who has had such delicate health for last thirty-six years, at public meetings and dining with friends at home every day. His son and family spending winter in Paris and summer in Rome or Nice. Regarding negotiations for Linnean Society's purchase of [Sir James Edward Smith's] museum suggests compiling of a catalogue and that three valuers are appointed, one each by Smith and Society and another by both. Mr Oakes the banker died this morning.

Death of his [second] son and approaching death of his sister, Mrs Palmer. His eldest son and family to stay in Paris for winter as Mrs Cullum still very ill. Compares Bury and its archery, cricket, and horticultural meetings, to Norwich and its having always been "famous, for flowers & gardens". Saw Smith's name as a subscriber to the Norwich Museum. Glad Smith has settled with the Linnean Society [purchase of Sir James Edward Smith's collections], with assistance of [Edward] Forster and himself for advice in establishing a fund for the purchase.

Sorry Sir James [Edward Smith] could not visit him in Bury following his own visit to Smith in Saxmundham; hopes his health is recovering. Lady Cullum's trip to Brighton did not revive her health; she is now taking ass's milk to prevent "an irregular & teazing intermittent fever". His son and daughter-in-law staying in Pisa so she can treated by the "celebrated Dr Vacca", but as the baths of Barèges, [France], and Sorrento, [Italy], doubts the worth of this. Death of Sir William Watson [(1744-1824), physician and naturalist]; recalls that when he stayed in Bath he would meet at Governor Pounal's house with Sir William, Dr Parry, [Thomas] Velley, [John] Stackhouse, Sir Thomas Frankland, Archbishop of York [William Markham (1719-1807)], and Dr Falkner, reminded of death of Sir Joseph Banks and the loss of a place where so many friends would meet together.

Sir James [Edward Smith's] health considerably improved and muscle strength regained since they met at Saxmundham, [Suffolk]. Smith constantly working at his "[English] Flora". If Lady Cullum were Smith's patient he would prescribe her James's powders for her feverish symptoms. Read of Sir William Watson's death [(1744-1824), physician and naturalist]. Regrets that Mrs Cullum [Cullum's daughter-in-law] is still ill; recommends she walk up and down the "hanging tower at Pisa". Enjoying reading Lady Morgan's [(1781-1859)] "tour in Italy". Their friend Miss Trafford in Florence accompanying the Queen and Princesses of Haiti [Marie Louise Christophe (1778-1851), wife of Henri I, and Françoise-Améthyste (d 1831) and Athénaïs (d 1838)].