Attended a meeting of the Printing Committee with [Samuel] Goodenough and [Jonas] Dryander, where they closed the volume with Smith's paper on 'Salisburia'; Smith's paper on 'Myrti' and [Bracy] Clark's on 'Oestrus' "carry it rather beyond the limits we proposed". The evening meeting was very well attended; list of attendees; after the meeting [John] Rising [(1753-1817), portrait and subject painter] showed Smith's portrait which was "much admired" and a print subscribed to.

Received Smith's letter of 18 [June 1797]; thanks for his promise of help in naming specimens in the conchology cabinet he is prerparing as a gift, as he wishes to make it scientific.

Disagrees with Smith on proposed changes to Linnean Society regulations, particularly letting the places of Honorary Members fall vacant or to fill by ballot, which "entirely does away the Honor intended"; argues that there is no need to change the rules and regulations, considering the rapid growth of the Society over the last 9 years and the unrivalled harmony it has enjoyed, and to risk the introduction of "distrust & anarchy"; determined to oppose [William] Pilkington's [(1758-1848)] proposed amendment; argues in favour of retaining Honorary Members; [Samuel] Goodenough's own motion to set the position in law.

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'".