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.
Glad to hear of Smith's accession of fortune. Hears that [Thomas] Marsham is ill again with evident signs of dropsy. Comments on the "frightful" accounts of persecution of Protestants by Roman Catholics in south of France, the Duke and Duchess of Angoulême and Duke of Berri are "bigots of the first order".
In a postscript, upside down at top of recto of first folio, says that [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert has just returned from Whiteknights, [Reading, Berkshire], and by his account "nothing can equal the extravagance & folly of that poor Marquis" [George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford, later 5th Duke of Marlborough].
Has been unable to procure enough signatures to propose [William] Webb as a FLS. Hopes Smith will meet with Webb whilst they are both in London and that Smith can arrange for the certificate to be signed; includes a prepared one with his own signature [second folio of this letter]. Webb is considering taking a vacant parsonage and rectory near Bury but Cullum hopes he will wait for the mastership of his college [Clare Hall, Cambridge].
Promised to send Forster bulbs of 'Tulipa sylvestris' and roots of 'Genista pilosa'. 'Osmunda lunaria' "nearly in perfection".
Received Cullum's letter of 10 May late as he has moved to his cousin Kindersley's house and has since been unable to reach [William] Webb. Will ensure Webb's proposal certificate to become a FLS is signed. Hopes to see Cullum at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Fears [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is "rather nervous & restless".
Pleased by Smith's report of the recovery of Dr [Martin] Davy, the signing of [William] Webb's proposal certificate to become a FLS, and Smith's intention to visit Bury. Webb is considering accepting gift of the rectory of Fornham, [Suffolk], from the Fellows of Clare Hall, Cambridge, though Cullum thinks it inadvisable to give up all future College prospects.
Has not seen many plants: 'Genista filosa' has been flowering for a month, 'Veronica verna' in seed, 'Seleranthus perennis' and 'Osmunda lunaria' "in full perfection". Impatient for first volume of [William] Kirby's "Introduction to Entomology". Lady Cullum has curiosities to show Smith and will be delighted if Smith has seen the "pig-faced lady", of which she has a print placed opposite the print of the "hog-faced servant" painting at Winchester College ["The Trusty Servant", painted by John Hoskins in 1579].
Looking forward to visit by Smith and his cousins; Napoleon's abdication was not known of when Smith sent last letter. [William] Webb still undecided whether to take vacant preferment [parsonage and rectory of Fornham, Suffolk], Cullum has advised to wait for mastership of the college [Clare Hall, Cambridge]. Smith's visit to Bury will be quiet with everyone away at either the Commencement at Cambridge or the Ipswich Races and the presentation of plate to the "gallant" Sir [Philip Bowes Vere] Broke [(1776-1841), whilst commanding the HMS Shannon he captured the USS Chesapeake on 1 June 1813, during the War of 1812].