Forwarded Smith's letter to Dr [John] Sims [(1749-1831), physician]. Suffering from a "smartish fit of gout". The engagement of a reader makes sitting in the chair at the Linnean Society "very pleasant". Wonders how the Society can express its dissatisfaction at [Richard] Salisbury's disrespectful treatment of [Robert] Brown [Salisbury's publication of names of 'Proteacea' first described by Brown, see RelatedMaterial]. The Parliamentary "storm" has begun. Glad Smith is so earnest about the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". [Alexander] MacLeay "most dangerously ill with an inflammation in his bowels", concerned for his wife and twelve children.

Forwarded Smith's letter to George Don and [Pleasance] Smith's letter to Miss Casmajor. Informs Pleasance Smith he has read and profited from [John] Gay's [(1685-1732), poet and dramatist] "Fables". Hopes Smith fulfills his pledge of publishing fourth volume of "Flora Britannica" this spring. 'Hieracium murorum' growing in garden walls of Rose Castle, fears this information will be too late for Smith to publish and suggests including in Smith's next publication of Don's species. Cold weather has made his gout linger. An angry debate is coming up in Parliament; weary of party politics but this is preferable to Lord Grenville [William Wyndham Grenville, 1st Baron Grenville (1759-1834), prime minister 1806-1807] coming in with the "hungry, unprincipled fellows that must come in with him, both in Church & State". Pities Napoleon's new Austrian wife [Marie Louise of Austria (1791-1847), married 11 March 1810], "she is a good figure, it is said, & a fine shape, but her face is not handsome - rather short & wide" and fears for her happiness should she be infertile.

His brother who lived near Sir William East's in Hurley was so captivated by the "poisonous doctrines of Voltaire & the new philosophy" that he thought he had a right "to go out of life as soon as he was tired of it". Franked Smith's letter to Mr Shepherd. Glad to hear that [George] Don is keen to increase his communications; takes it as a sign for his desire of improvement. The carnations Smith sent are alive and growing; they are being kept in the original ball of earth, wrapped in newspaper, and the whole constantly moistened as he kept the roots of 'Ligustium cornubiense' before planting at Bulstrode [home of Dukes of Portland]. The name of Bulstrode "agitates his mind. 'Monotropa hypopitys' used to grow in Bisham woods, [Berkshire], was sent it from there by Revd Sir Henry Parker. 'Primula farinosa' lining roadsides and over meadows in Cumberland, took roots of it for his garden.

Recently dispateched fresh and dried specimens of 'Galium witheringii' for [James] Sowerby to figure. The plant grows in moist but "barrenised" part of Bank meadow, near Rose Castle, alongside 'Linum catharticum', small 'Agrostis vulgaris', and 'Potentilla anserina'. Believes the sparse vegetation of this part of the meadow is due to eing fertilised late in the season with coal ash. Brief description of appearance of 'Galium witheringii'. Sent Smith two letters from [George] Don.

Thinks German botanist [Johannes] Flüggé [(1775-1816)] is correct in use of 'Paspalus' over 'Paspalum'; discusses the etymology, there can be "no dependence upon Linnaeus for learned criticism". 'Datura stramonium' is "equally efficacious with the foreign plant [unspecified]" for curing the "asthma with paroxysms". His yellow carnation has not flowered this year. Harvest now in great activity, they have had a few days of curious weather. Recently endured a very wet botanical excursion with his family into the high mountains, gathered 'Lycopodium selago', 'Lycopodium clavatum', 'Lycopodium alpinum', 'Empertum nigrum', 'Pteris crispa', 'Aspidium thelypteris', 'Parnassia palustris', and a few Lichens. Growing very fond of Rose Castle and area.

About to set out for London, hopes to be there for Royal Society anniversary meeting. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is ill and everyone in suspense over the consequences of the illness, hopes they will wait in patience for his recovery, which seems promising. Was heavily involved in the first edition of "Hortus Kewensis" and thinks it highly useful. [Jonas] Dryander's death a "dreadful loss", praises his skills as a librarian, work on catalogue of [Sir Joseph] Banks' library, and his character.

Impossible to find one single person to fill all the roles [Jonas] Dryander performed, especially someone with knowledge of all Sir Joseph Banks' collections. Proposes [Thomas] Marsham as Dryander's replacement for vice-president of the Linnean Society, citing example of the Royal Society Treasurer who is always a vice-president. Thinks Smith's choice of [John] Symmons unsuitable as he has discontinued his attendance at the Linnean Society for years and no longer has a strong interest in natural history. Believes Marsham expects to be appointed.

Resolved a dispute between [William Elford] Leach and [William] Bullock [(fl 1790s-1840s)] at the Linnean Society, in part by giving a sketch of the origin of the Society, owing its stability to "never admitting society hunters, but only practical men who would have an interest in its welfare". One party wanted to propose a vote of censure and put it to the ballot on the same night, "quite illegal". The matter was settled after Leach wrote a letter of apology.

Clarifies that [Thomas] Marsham has not positively said he wants the appointment of vice-president of Linnean Society; Goodenough has only inferred that he wants it. States Marsham's qualities for the position against [John] Symmons' unsuitability. Possible attack of gout coming on. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is getting better and had "no alientation of mind" for the greatest part of the week. Considers the King a personal friend after he took the whole responibility of Goodenough's appointment as Bishop of Carlisle.

A fit of gout has taken away the use of his right hand. Thanks for turkey, hopes to send oysters in return once they are good again. Smith's appointment of [Thomas] Marsham as vice-president "gives universal satisfaction". Proposes that [Robert] Brown's position and salary as Linnean Society Librarian be divided between him and another person; "£100 per ann[um] & the use of the House is extravagant pay for 4 hours service in a week".

Intended to be at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting and dinner but requested by the Duke of Portland [William Henry Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck, 4th Duke of Portland (1768-1854)] to attend the Marylebone Church Bill in the House of Lords and dine at Lord Lonsdale's [William Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale (1757-1844)]. Asks what the protocol is for appointing the Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] an honorary member of the Linnean Society and offers to propose or second him; lists his talents.

Forwarded Smith's letter to [George] Don. Goodenough wishes Smith would ask Don about how he found the Italian 'Lemium maculatum' in Scottish woods, which he remembers from Kew Gardens; Don is rumoured to have sown foreign seeds and claimed them as native plants. Asks Smith to consider Bishop of Durham's [Shute Barrington] election as honorary member of the Linnean Society. Advises Smith to solicit the Prince Regent to become patron of the Society. Gathered in Bolton woods, near Bolton Abbey, 'Rubus saxatilis', 'Thalictrum majus', 'Thalictrum minus', and 'Polypodium dryopteris'.

Sorry to hear that Smith is indisposed, especially as it means delaying the visit to Rose Castle. Smith should not be vexed by the bad review in the "Anti-Jacobin".

Hopes Smith is better, all in London were surprised to see one so "abstemious" suffering from fever; recalls Mrs Delaney, companion of the old Duchess of Portland, dying of one at 93. The 'Sedum ochroleucum' Smith sent is in good health but of the two carnations only the straw-coloured one produced flowers and the "piquote" one died. Compliments Smith on his handling of engaging the Prince Regent as patron of the Linnean Society; thinks there will be no impediments to Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] now becoming an honorary member. Hopes Smith's friend [William Fitt] Drake will succeed [in his training for the clergy], and that he will think for himself. Carlisle botanists disappointed Smith is not visiting this year; one of them, Mr Holme of Peterhouse, finds good things. Has given one of his vacant prebends to his second son, Robert, who has married Miss Markdam, and has also preferred several other family members.

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.

Received Smith's letter of 18 October and forwarded Smith's letter to Mr Scott. Compliments Smith and Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] on their apt choice of reading material in the library at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] and asks whether Roman Catholics attach any religious worth to the possession of missals, in reference to manuscript of the Greek Testament at Holkham. Surprised to hear that Smith is experiencing difficulties retrieving a manuscript from the widow of Kennicot.

Has not seen the "Monthly Review" since it started attacking the doctrines and establishment of the Church after the death of the editor [Ralph] Griffiths [(c 1720-1803)] but will look out for it [for Richard Salisbury's review of second edition of "Hortus Kewensis"]. Goodenough generally criticises Salisbury but asks if he praised "Hortus Kewensis" and wonders at his finally praising Smith [for granting of his knighthood]. Goodenough's daughter has given birth to her first son and his twenty-third grandchild, the boy is to be christened alongside daughter by his daughter, Charlotte, by his son, Samuel, in Rose Castle chapel.

Sent letter relating to Mrs Stoddart, to Mr Lynn [Goodenough's son-in-law], in reference to irregularities in the management and claiming of dues of the manor of Kirkland, Cumberland. His knowledge of the business: as the Minister of Caldbeck, the de facto lord of the manor, has had no regular residence the rights of the manor have not been kept up, and so by Cumberland law deemed to be obsolete. Subsequently, the tenants have been conveying their estates without paying the customary dues and fees, which Mr Lynn now intends to claim as lord of the manor.

[Thomas] Marsham about to move from Baker Street to a house in Winchmore Hill which was lately occupied by Marsham's son, William, and mistress. Goodenough shocked to hear that Marsham and his wife visited them on many occassions; "how the revolutionary confusions of sound morality spread". [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert at his brother-in-law's house in the country recovering from a "great irritation" caused by overexcitement and exhaustion during a visit by [Aimé] Bonpland [(1773-1858)].

Recovering from a three week long bout of gout. Received letter from Mr Lynn [Goodenough's son-in-law] stating that the possessor of a disputed estate in the manor of Kirkland, Cumberland, proved at court his right and title to it, so that Mrs Stoddart has had to stop her action [in attempt to claim fees and dues owed to the manor, see RelatedMaterial]. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert appears to have recovered from his intense agitation. [Alexander] MacLeay has returned to town looking pale and thin. Happy but uncertain how stable the peace with America will prove [War of 1812, North American conflict between Britain and Ameria, 1812-1815]. "The world seems tired out with war & strife [...] but France [...] is like the troubled sea, which is never at rest". Sir Joseph Banks "remarkably well". Asks when the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica" is out.

Thanks for turkey. Suffered from a fit of gout but now recovered. [Thomas] Marsham leaving Baker Street for Winchmore Hill today, where Marsham's son and mistress lately lived.

Happy to hear Smith is on the way to visit Rose Castle, sends his compliments and extends invitation to [Thomas William] Coke and reminisces about when they attended the late Lord Rockingham's levees together [Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham (1730-1782), prime minister 1765-1766 and 1782]. Forwarded Smith's letter to Mr Napier.

Informed by Mrs Corfield that [Thomas] Marsham is dangerously ill, and what he thought was a recurrance of his asthma is in fact dropsy. Goodenough fears that the letter and insect 'Hippobosca' he sent, from an owl, that differs from the 'Hippobosca avicularis' will distress Marsham's feelings. Alarmed by Smith's comment on how easily Napoleon could be smuggled out of St Helena and astonished by the actions of the new French government, "they are reconcilable to no principle of soverignity, despotism, humanity or prudence". Uneasy that he has only heard from his son, Edmund, once, since he went to Paris.

Franked Smith's letter for [John] Hawkins. Sorry to hear of the death of Smith's brother, reminds him of death of his only surviving brother when he became Bishop of Carlilse. Heard that Smith has lately had a considerable accession of fortune.

Linnean Society news: [Thomas] Marsham well again but has resigned as Treasurer of Linnean Society, replaced by [Joseph] Sabine; [Alexander] Macleay ill again; Lambert reports on Society struggles that the next volume of "Linnean Transactions" is ready but for someone to compile a list of donations for the year, and there were no papers for the last meeting nor the upcoming one. [Edward] Rudge sends compliments to Smith, reports that a Frenchman has been at Sir Joseph Banks' claiming to preserve dried meat and fish for any length of time. Goodenough has been suffering from gout since arriving in London three weeks ago.