Apologises for sending a letter to [Jonas] Dryander with his thoughts following their discussion on how to support the Linnean Society after Smith's move to Norwich, in it he depreciated all division in the Society, asked if he thought Sir Joseph Banks would assist, and had always thought Dryander should succeed Smith. Has written again to Dryander communicating Smith's dissatisfaction with the first having been sent.

Smith and [Jonas] Dryander have misunderstood each other; Dryander will not become President of the Linnean Society but will accept fixed vice-presidentship, with some reservations. [William] Pilkington [(1758-1848), architect] cannot guarantee regular attendance to be a reader; suggests retaining [Thomas] Marsham for the present. Although everyone "likes Mr [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert extremely" thinks the competition should not be allowed as Dryander is superior in knowledge [possile campaign for vice-presidentship?]. Presses the necessity of maintaining Marsham's cordiality for the Society's general welfare.

On verso of second folio faint outline drawing of a plant, in pencil.

Apologises for several misunderstandings: was not aware of Smith's propriety in naming [Jonas] Dryander as vice-president [of Linnean Society]; insists that he has not complained of Smith's move to Norwich to anyone; his hint about [maintaining the cordiality of Thomas] Marsham was not intended as a slight on Smith's regard.

Reassures Smith of the stability of his position as President of the Linnean Society; his term "fixed vice-president" only means that one person will manage everything in Smith's absence, rather than an inefficient division of authority between multiple parties. [Jonas] Dryander's strengths for the position, thinks [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert will "do vastly well under him". Thanks Smith for specimens.