Sorry he is not visiting Norwich whilst Smith is there. His old disorder recurred again, moving between his stomach, ankle and foot, and intestines, leading him and his doctor to think it a "vague & unfixed gout". Sends specimens for [Samuel] Goodenough, and parcel of Bury halfpences for Miss [Sarah Sophia] Banks [(1744-1818)].

Received from [John] Stackhouse manuscript account of several 'Fucus' species, "extremely well" drawn up in English & Latin; expects it to print in May. Also has specimen Stackhouse's 'Ulva punctata' for Linnean Society. [William] Withering's and his own opinion of Stackhouse's abilities. Hopes Smith is recovering from death of his father.

Sends his joint paper with [Samuel] Goodenough on 'Fucus'. Uncertain how Smith is to settle the Linnean Society anniversary meeting which he will be missing for the first time; his absence will be looked upon as "unpropitious to the Society". Also understands Smith is quitting his Marlborough Street house, another "serious inconvenience" to the Society if they are not yet rich enough for their own premises and a caretaker salary.

Sends parcel for [William] Withering and coins for Miss [Sarah Sophia] Banks [(1744-1818)]. Taking Withering's prescription to fix or dispense his gouty condition; keen to get to anniversary meeting to see [Samuel] Goodenough and look over Linnaean 'Fucus' again, as well as Buddle's and other herbarium in the [British] Museum. Sends [John] Stackhouse's specimen of 'Fucus punctatus', his new name for 'Ulva punctata', probably too late for reading of the paper.