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.

Thanks for Smith's intended nomination of him as a Vice President of the Linnean Society, and though he would prefer to be nominated Treasurer he will not withold his assent. [Samuel Goodenough] recovering from severe fit of gout.

Thanks Smith for his edition of Linnaeus' "Travels to Lapland"; does not think Linnaeus a strong traveller. [Alexander] Macleay continues "very ill" and is gone to his "native air" for three months.