Arrived at Rose Castle, [Cumberland], after 5 days "tedious" travel on account of invalids. Has long been wanting to write to Smith about the "variety of portentous matters which have lately engaged all men's minds". His extreme busyness.

"Indefatigable" [George] Don sends Smith "packet after packet of rich stores". Don wants his [Goodenough] opinion on his new 'Avena pubescens' but will submit to Smith instead. All is quiet in this neighbourhood now; the "riots & murders in this part of the world originated in those shameful Parliamentary speeches we have heard of late, and in the intemperate conduct of our Magistrates".

Separate note on identifying features of enclosed specimens.

Three specimens of 'Avena'.

Busy with the National Schools for the Education of the Poor. Received Smith's shilling in the post and notes it was not tampered with; wishes others were as careful as Smith in ensuring their correspondence is not chargeable to the recipient, as the "vain-glorius Lancaster" [probably John Lancaster (1778-1838), Quaker and public education innovator] did to him in sending a copy of his "seditious" speech in Ireland and an Irish newspaper. Refuses to join the Linnean Dining Club as he does not wish to have his carriage waiting so publicly outside the British Coffee House, the chosen venue for it. Unsurprised to read that "riot & robbery stalk abroad uncontrolled", and even expected it considering how the upcoming generation of men educated upon Lancaster's plan were kept from religious notions and now have a "very general indifference with respect to all religion". No Linnean Society news, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "enamoured of being in the Chair". Currently preparing two arduous sermons.

Hopes Smith will be able to preside at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Asks if anything has been done about the Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] being elected an Honorary Member of the Society. Forsees "dreadful evils" following the "atrocities which have taken place", makes him lament more the death of [Thomas] Dampier [(1749-1812)].

Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] unanimously elected an Honorary Member at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Fifty-three attended the dinner, including Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North], Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley, Sir Nash Grose [(1740-1814), judge], Sir George Staunton, Sir Thomas Frankland, Mr Poulter, [Thomas] Woodward, [Dawson] Turner, [John] Davies of Trinity College, [Thomas] Hoy [(c 1750-1822)], [Thomas] Marsham, [Alexander] Macleay, [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855)], Forster, [William George] Maton, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, Symonds, and [Thomas] Rackett. Account of speeches and toasts. Sorry to see that older members such as [James] Dickson, [John] Fairbairn, and [John] Francillon [(1744-1816), jeweler and naturalist] did not attend either the morning or evening. [Abraham] Rees [(1743-1825)], [Robert] Hodgson, [Thomas Andrew] Knight, and Davies Giddy attended in the morning but not evening, and Sir Abraham Hume, Lord Valentia [George Annesley], and the Bishop of Salisbury [John Fisher] [(1748-1825)] promised to attend in the evening but did not.

Pleased to hear that Smith is recovering from his fever with medicines and sea air but asks why, given his propensity for fevers, he has not found a preemptive remedy to be applied at the first signs of one. An abundant harvest expected in Cumberland. Has used his entomological knowledge to cure his farmer's fears timing when to bring in the hay after observing that any approach of rain brings out insects such as 'Tabanus pluralis'. Enquires after the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". His given his son, Edmund, Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Glad that Smith is to finish settling the Linnean Society's business with the Prince Regent. It never rains all day in his part of the country. Takes it for granted that America will have to be classed as an enemy but hopes peace will be preserved [War of 1812, fought between Britain and USA over British interests in North America, 1812-1815].

Brief description of 'Gnaphalium sylvaticum' of "Flora Britannica" found whilst walking on an old moor "now unfortunately under the plough". Asks if he was correct regarding 'Astragalus campestris', and [George] Don's 'Carex nivalis'. International affairs: America's "avowed friendship for Buonaparte", Russia's retreat from the French, and Spain's lack of spirit after all the assistance Britain has given.

Warns Smith of the the propensity for botanists to feel slighted, citing examples of Hugh Davies versus [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist], and Stokes versus Goodenough, in informing Smith that it was not Edmund Goodenough but Revd Holmes of Peterhouse, Cambridge, who sent Smith 'Arctium bardana'. [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist] has found a wild simple-leaved ash in a hedge near Pilton, Devonshire, and she has taken measures to preserve it in its location. Does not approve of Smith's name 'Carex rariflora' as it is used for name of a variety of 'limosa', suggests 'nivalis' instead. Arrived in London last week, with gout, but his daughter, Maria, is not worse. Price of posting raised from 3 shillings to 6 shillings per mile for four horses. Dreads discussions about to take place in the new Parliament. Wonders what [Dawson] Turner's intentions are as he has not published anything of his "Fucus" for seven months.