Received Smith's letter of 20 [September 1796]; pleased he has returned safely from Wales. [William] Kirby has been left the living of Coddenham, [Norfolk]. Still awaiting [Bracy] Clark's paper on 'Oestrus'. His despair at decline of the Linnean Society: at the last meeting there was neither President, Vice-Presidents, or Treasurer, and only two members besides himself, the members are £100 in arrears, the rules are not kept to, the museum is in confusion, the new volume of "Linnean Transactions" has been in the press for two years, "it is become a perfect lounge once a month for a few persons", and convinced it will grow worse on Smith's quitting London. Account of [Robert] Townson's [(1762-1827), natural historian and traveller] evasion of paying his Society subscription and his illiberal opinion of the Secretary and Treasurer.

Apologises for not replying sooner to Smith's letter of 23 [Sep 1796]. Disagrees with Smith's propositions respecting the new arrangement of the Linnean Society, Smith's child; "grieved to see the Father leave his Child to be supplanted by aliens & strangers" and is hurt to see it "neglected" when he thought it was about to rise "to the summit of perfection".

Reassures Smith that he will never be found "dishonorable or dishonest", and that any harsh expressions he used were intended for [Robert] Townson [(1762-1827), natural historian and traveller, in respect to his subscription arrears]; believes arrears should not extend beyond two years.