Sends seed-spike from what he believes to be an undescribed species of 'Phleum' [extant], grown from seeds from north-east of Poland and adjoining part of Russian Empire. Makes his own observations and states differences from 'Phleum pratense', to which he believes it will "prove superior [...] for agricultural purpose". If it is a new species requests Smith name it in a manner that relates to Knight's name and residence as the farmers whom Knight gives the seeds to will do the same and it is desirable that the "common and botanical name should be somewhat similar", as well as showing "whence and how it came into the country". Convinced by a seedling raised from a fruit stone from Siberia, and shown to Smith, that 'Prunus armeniaca' is a native of Siberia; it also bloomed in the Siberian manner, as soon as the snow disappeared. On verso of second folio Smith has written "Ansd. Phl pratense".

Specimen of 'Phleum' seed-spike.

Agrees with Smith that the seed-spike of the 'Phleum' he sent is a variety of 'Phleum pratense', even though it differs significantly from wild specimens he and its habit of going to seed soon after being sown make it "valuable to the farmer", discusses further attributes that differentiate it. Hopes to prove his Siberian apricot as a common apricot by obtaining a "prolific raised breed".

Discussed with [Alexander] Macleay and [Robert] Brown the design for the ornamented page for Prince Leopold's signature in the Linnean Society Charter-book, to also be used for other royal signatures. Process by which the Prince will sign and bye-laws. Pleased Smith has not promised his vote for new Royal Society president to anyone. Brief details of Sir Joseph Banks' will: [Robert] Brown to receive the library, museum and £200 per annum for life, to afterwards go to the British Museum, and Lady Banks given whole of the landed property for life, afterwards to be divided between Colonel Stanhope and Sir Henry Howley, Banks' closest relatives. Flattered by Smith and [William] Roscoe naming ['Matonia'] after him.

Describes places of interest on the route from Stafford to Arley, including Coalbrook Dale, the China works at Coalport, and Mr Whitmore's grounds at Apley, in anticipation of imminent visit from the Smiths.

Thanks for seeds, intends to sow the perennials now so they survive the winter under shelter. Thanks for Smith's observations on his plants. Will ask Smith to acquire aquatic and bog plants for him later in the year. Hopes that the Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] will visit. News of learned societies: informed of Royal Society news by [Charles] Babbage [(1791-1871) mathematician], secretary to the "new Astronomical Society", [Annesley] believes this new society will injure the Royal Society; election of [Sir Humphry] Davy as Royal Society president not beneficial, comment on his wife; asks how the Duke of Somerset [Edward Adolphus Seymour] has offended the Horticultural Society. Received letter from [William] Roscoe. The ferns from Trinidad are growing in his garden. Anxious to hear from Dr [Nathaniel] Wallich as there is no news of the plants and seeds collected in the last survey of New Holland [Australia].

Condolences on death of Pleasance Smith's mother. Comments on the "havock" death has wreaked on their "N" friends since he came to know them, refers to death of another and approaching death of Smith's niece. Called at [William] Wilberforce's [(1759-1833), abolitionist] to see [Isaac] Milner [(1750-1820), natural philosopher and dean of Carlisle], who had been ill there for several weeks; he died the next day. Remarks on "how gloriously are things going in Spain" [the Trienio Liberal, period of three years of liberal government in Spain following the revolution of 1820]. The Board of Longitude are commissioning an observatory at the Cape [of Good Hope].

Presented a petition for the repeal of the Test Acts before adjournment of Parliament, believes he may be called to bring a motion although he would rather wait for a bill "for the relief of the Catholics". Further discussion of this subject and parliamentary affairs. Remarks that Sir Joseph Banks' will "has been thought to breathe the cold spirit of selfish aristocracy"; abstains from further judgement.

Criticises the Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV] for outraging "all the decencies of which she ought to be the fairest example" but many friends think his opinion "rank treason against injured innocence". Reports that his daughter Fanny wrote from Baden that "[Caroline] had exposed herself everywhere. Bemused that "domestic & party intrigues & politics" are distracting attention "from those questions which are of the greatest zeal" including the "lamentable downfall of those 3 species of legitimate monarchy: Spain, Naples, & Portugal". [George and Caroline married in 1795 and had a fractious relationship. After years of estrangement and accusations of adultery a bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 17 August 1820 to strip Caroline of her title and end her marriage to George IV, prior to his coronation. There was massive popular support for Caroline in the ensuing trial, the bill was eventually withdrawn].

[Note in another hand stating that Fanny, William Smith's daughter, was the mother Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), reformer of nursing]

From William Thomas Brande, Secretary of the Royal Society, inviting subscriptions for a monument to the memory of Sir Joseph Banks. Annotated by Smith, stating that he has subscribed £10, the maximum amount, and that "no one has a greater claim on his gratitude and regard than [Smith has], nor can any one be more ready to acknowledge it".

Sends 100 kinds of seeds; list of desiderata.

At author's request forwards Smith an additional copy of [Georg Franz] Hoffmann's "Genera plantarum Umbelliferarum", following miscarriage of the first copy sent.

A chest has been sent to Smith via Captain Phillips of the Henry Porches, containing plants from Nepal, Sumatra and Penang. Portion of the Nepalese plants were collected within the first range of the Himalayas by the late Mr R Stuart, the Sumatra and Penang plants are from Mr Jack, employee of Sir Stamford Raffles [(1781-1826)]. Some of the scitamineae plants are for [William] Roscoe, pleased to hear from Roscoe that four new species of 'Roscaea' were amongst former parcels sent. Received a synoptic account of all the 'Hedychia' he has sent, by Roscoe. Hopes to gather more species of 'Hedychia' during his Nepal expedition commencing next July, intends to send regular parcels to Smith, Sir Joseph Banks, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, and [Henry Thomas] Colebrooke [(1765-1837), orientalist]. Was unable to send a chest of plants to the Linnean Society as he wished. Copies of first volume of [William] Roxburgh's "Flora Indica" sent for Smith and the Linnean Society. List of the plants contained in second volume of "Flora Indica", with observations.

Hopes Smith received his letters of 24 July and 6 August [1819] [not extant]. News of [Henry Lloyd] Loring [(c 1784-1822), Archdeacon of Calcutta].

Suffering terribly from a fit of gout but thanks Smith for turkey. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert likes to be asked out as much as possible, as long as Mrs [Catherine] Lambert's name is not mentioned. Lambert delighted with his new assistant, [David] Don [(1799-1841), botanist], son of George Don. Lambert gave a confused account of the "famous large plant of Sumatra" which grows in elephant dung.

Wrote to Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844), Home Secretary 1812-1822] in support of Smith for Edinburgh professorship and said that success there would end the "distressing contest" at Cambridge [also for the botany professorship], but Sidmouth thinks the appointment will be Scottish. [Robert] Brown reporting he refused the professorship after it was offered to him, Goodenough thinks if this is true then if it is offered to Smith it would secure the election.

Delayed writing following death of Smith's mother. The King [George IV (1762-1830)] almost died but is now recovering, dropsy was avoided after he lost 130 ounces of blood, the illness not caused by intemperance but was the same kind which killed the Duke of Kent [pneumonia]. Thinks ministers acted generously and wisely dissolving Parliament so early. A new Linnean dining club established at the Thatched House Tavern, dismisses concerns that it will cause a schism with those attending the club held at the British Coffee House. Two children of his son, Robert, died of whooping cough, his daughter Charlotte's ten children all had it but survived, she is now expecting her eleventh.

Received Smith's letter of 5 April; sorry to read of so many deaths. His son Edmund has been suffering from "this influenza". Goodenough has been housebound all winter on account of illness and bad weather. The Linnean dining clubs flourishing. Mrs [Catherine] Lambert unexpectedly recovering but [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert yet to see her. Sir Joseph Banks' stomach "fails to do its duty"; Dr [William George] Maton unsure what to do. Goodenough believes he has two octavo volumes of Linnaeus' letters. The King [George IV (1762-1830)] is "tolerably well again" but radicalism spreading; trouble in Glasgow and Paisley, hopes it will not spread to the Linnean Society, Goodenough horrified by disrespect being shown to the nobility.

No recovery as yet for Sir Joseph Banks; Sir Everard Home [(1756-1832), physician] says his stomach is failing but insists on eating pork, rejected Goodenough's suggestion of a milk diet. Does not think any attempt has been made to draw off attendance from the Linnean dining club held at the British Coffee House, which [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert now "disclaims entirely".

Comments on Smith's delight at [Francis] Chantrey's [(1781-1841)] monument to the Dean of Lichfield's [John Woodhouse] two children, though he prefers [Louis-François] Roubiliac's [(c 1702-1762)] bust of [Alexander] Pope [(1688-1744), poet] in the British Gallery. Sorry to hear that the Dean of Lichfield is destroying old work in the cathedral and remodelling it in Roman cement, Goodenough recalls being pressured but refusing to do the same when superintendent of repairs at St George's Chapel, Windsor, and only replaced old work where it was already gone, as with the window mullions.

By coincidence witnessed the Queen's [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV] entry into London to a "huzzaing" mob; describes her progress from Pall Mall, Carlton House, St James's Street, to Alderman [Matthew] Wood's house in South Audley Street, accompanied by that "young boy or man ([William] Austin)" and a three year old girl she has adopted, at the same time the King [George IV (1762-1830)] was presenting papers in Parliament instituting proceedings against her. Goodenough not taking a side. Prince Leopold [(1790-1865)] wants to become President of Royal Society, Goodenough thinks him "too far above the level of mankind".

Mrs Goodenough taken ill with constipation then diarrhea on journey to Rose Castle but successfully treated her with Calomel. Sir Joseph Banks died day before he left London, initiating a contest for Royal Society presidency: Banks named [Davies] Gilbert; [William Hyde] Wollaston [(1766-1828), chemist and physicist] and Sir Humphry Davy have declared themselves candidates; [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Sir Alexander Johnson are urging [Edward St Maur, 11th] Duke of Somerset [(1775-1855)] to contest; and Carlisle the surgeon is canvassing for Prince Leopold.

Sir Joseph Bank's will: [Robert] Brown given £200 per annum, a poor pittance in London; Sir Everard Home's [(1756-1832), physician] omittance extraordinary but appears Banks borrowed £4000 of him without repaying; Revesby Abbey in Lincolnshire Lady Banks' for life and afterwards Sir Edward Knatchbull's [9th baronet (1781-1849)], Lady Banks' nephew. The Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV] "engrosses all conversation at present", Goodenough thinks if even a small part of the rumours are true it would be shocking; Sir Humphry Davy, who lived near her abroad, has been closeted with the King [George IV (1762-1830)].

Had never seen 'Hypnum recognitum' before and thinks it a rarity. Despairs at the Royal Society presidency contest: unsure why Davies Gilbert withdrew after previously indicating he would be willing to devote £10,000 a year to it, suspects his wife; [Edward St Maur, 11th] Duke of Somerset [(1775-1855)] not acceptable to the "valuable part of the Society"; Sir Humphry Davy the most eligible candidate; unaware that [William Hyde] Wollaston [(1766-1828), chemist and physicist] had withdrawn.

Glad that septuagenarians have been excused from the royal divorce case in the House of Lords, but sure that Bishop [Samuel] Horsley [(1733-1806) of St Asaph, Denbighshire] would have called for full attendance of bishops. The Queen's [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV] responses to the addresses, as reported in the press, are "shocking & inflammatory", and agrees with Smith that if she has "rope enough given her, she will do her own business". Surprised to hear of Sir Joseph Banks' £4000 debt to Sir Everard Home [(1756-1832), physician] as Banks' estates are worth £24,500 per annum. Duke of Marlborough [George Spencer-Churchill] and Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] now the only remaining Honorary Members of Linnean Society. The new Dean of Carlisle [Robert Hodgson] enthusiastic natural historian but fears he will not find a companion as "there is no gain in it".

Thanks for Smith's letter of 28 August. Discussion of several stately homes: enjoyed Smith's account of the Duke of Rutland's old "magnificent" mansion [Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire ?], unsure why noblemen feel it necessary to rebuild such places but concedes that expensive and extravagant houses help the economy; glad to hear Smith speak well of Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley], never understood "how that scoundrel [John Bellenden] Gawler [(1764-1842), soldier] was let into his house" [in 1796 Annesley won damages from Gawler for committing adultery with his wife]. Asks if Smith had to pay 20 shillings for entry to Whiteknights [Berkshire home of George Spencer-Churchill, 5th Duke of Marlborough]; imagines the 1100 feet long walk of 'Robinia viscosa' must be a wonderful. Shocked by the fall of the once "resplendent" Spencer-Churchills; recalls that his grandfather half ruined himself trying to secure the family and Goodenough thinks the present Duke "below contempt". Glad Smith enjoyed the British portraits in the British gallery. Followed Smith in visiting Claremont [house in Surrey bought for Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold]; Prince Leopold is "so affable, so very civil, so attentative, & withal truly princely".

Agrees with Smith that Sir Humphry Davy will be chosen as new Royal Society president but doubts it can keep its superior status; believes Sir Joseph Banks was wrong allowing the establishment of the Animal Chemistry Society as now only the chemical and algebraical pursuits are left to it, fears consequences of Davy's wife becoming involved.

The trial of the Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV]: shocked by the "filthy memoirs" about her which are appearing, thinks bishops should not be allowed at such recitals; the radical papers call her "pure as unsunned snow [and] spotless innocence"; fears it will continue till his return to London; relates a jest by one of the lords who when compelled to take off his hat to the Queen said "hurrah, the Queen for ever, & may all your wives be like her".