Disappointed to see 18 people at the Linnean Society at recent evening meeting, "a very large number for a private night", account of the balloting: Smith's friend [Robert John] Thornton [(c 1768-1837)] rejected with three blackballs, and two blackballs each against [James Webbe] Tobin [(d 1814)] and Revd [Henry Peter] Stacey, which is a new system they are starting; [Samuel] Goodenough's motion received 14 votes to 3 against, and [William] Pilkington's [(1758-1848)] amendment received 3 votes to 14. Lists those in attendance. Society business. Has since been informed that more people would have attended and blackballed Thornton had they known he was proposed.

Goodenough found 'Salix rubra' but [William] Curtis lost both cuttings and specimens.

At Smith's request forwarding three pairs of forceps. Unaware of Soho Square [home of Sir Joseph Banks] bearing any "undue influence" on Linnean Society elections, and assures Smith that the third person he suspects blackballed [Robert John Thornton (c 1768-1837)] actually voted for him. Pleased to hear Smith and [Lewis] Weston [Dillwyn ? (1778-1855), naturalist] "are going on with the 'Phalaena'".