Disappointment of [Thomas William] Coke and his friends at the "rancour of the Norw[ic]h mob" against Coke [and the Corn-Law, which has made a second appearance; it originates solely in the corn-bill, and as he is a great corn grower he has become a target even though he is in favour of free export and import; concludes Coke is not safe in Norwich, and he is taking action against a "most diabolical handbill".

Lord [Thomas, 1st Viscount Anson (1769-1818)] and Lady [Anne Margaret (1779-1843)] Anson left London suddenly to attend their 9 year old son, reportedly dying. He came to London on 22 May and was unanimously elected Linnean Society president for the thirtieth time; Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley made the Society drink his health twice. Intends to attend last Linnean Society meeting on 17 June and possibly the opening of Waterloo Bridge on 18 June, and will spend the rest of summer in Norwich with visits to Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Coke], and Lowestoft, [Suffolk]. Sent dried plants by waggon from Norwich on 23 May [for Liverpool Botanic Garden herbarium]. Glad Roscoe likes [Aylmer Bourke] and [Catherine] Lambert; "she is very pleasing". Sir Joseph Banks presided at Royal Society and club, he is lame but well. Asks after payment for plants.

Read Smith's dissertation on the present systems and state of botany with great pleasure and agrees with all his opinions; compliments the content and the style. He is still interested in debate over natural and artificial systems; wishes that Smith had written in in defence of Linnaeus in "Linnean Transactions". Smith's plant specimens [for Liverpool Botanic Garden] arrived in excellent condition and at a "very reasonable a price"; directions for Smith's payment. Wrote to [Thomas William] Coke on the spread of "the diabolical spirit" in the people of Norwich to "classes far above the mob", but certain that common sense will prevail. Concerned by Smith's report on Lord [Thomas, 1st Viscount Anson (1769-1818)] and Lady [Anne Margaret (1779-1843)] Anson. Mrs [Catherine] Lambert has given birth to a daughter and is in good health.

Establishing [Liverpool Royal] Institution at Liverpool for "education & lectures on a large scale embracing the whole circle of literature, science & the arts", with a proposed capital of £30,000, to which £22,000 is already subscribed, and a building with lecture, school, and exhibition rooms has been prepared, at cost of £10,000. He is to give an introductory lecture followed by courses by Dr [Thomas Stewart] Traill [(1781-1862), physician] and Dr Gose. Solicits Smith's future interest to hold a botanical course, though the financial incentive will not be great; proposed financing of lecture courses.