Thanks for turkey. Turns down offered potential post [of vice-president] in favour of [Robert] Brown. Heard from [Alexander] Macleay at Rio de Janeiro, assumes they have reached New South Wales by now. Hopes Smith's niece is bearing her misfortune well. Account of recent Linnean Society meeting. Their bank quiet but fears great distress across the country and expects to hear of banks failing.

[Letter incomplete: large portion of second folio cropped, unclear if any significant text missing]

Sending specimens of living 'Salix borreri', collected by [William] Borrer in Bredalbane, [Perthshire]. Invites Smiths to stay at Hale End, so they can attend Linnean Society [anniversary meeting] together. Received paper from [Henry Thomas] Colebrooke [(1765-1837), botanist] on the Quinary divisions, unsure if he was serious or hoaxing them. Concerned that the Society will never be able to accomplish rotation of chair by the vice-presidents.

[Smith noted his reply in corner of verso of first folio]: replied by telegraph will be with Forster on 1 May.

Pleased Smith will be coming on 1 May, arrangements for the visit. Sorry the box was not sent before 'Salix borreriana' spoiled.

Sorry that Smith was not able to come on 1 May, hopes he will still be able to come on 15 May. New Linnean Society Council to include Sir Stamford Raffles [(1781-1826), founder of Singapore], Charles Bell, [Nicholas Aylward] Vigors [(1786-1840), zoological administrator and quinarian], Dr [John] Bostock and [Joseph] Sabine. Believes Honorary Memberships should be kept for princes and other very distinguished persons.