Pleased to see Macleay's handwriting "after so long an interval". Concerned to hear of the death of [Olof] Swartz, one of his "most constant correspondents", with death of [Carlo Antonio] Bellardi leaves 4 FMLS vacancies; nominates [Augustin] de Candolle and [José Antonio] Pavon, in spite of the latter's financial situation, Lamarck, and [Franz Karl] Mertens. Considered [Kurt] Sprengel. [Georg] Meyer dedicated his "pompous" "Flora Essequeboensis" to the Linnean Society and is ambitious of joining, but must not be chosen for FMLS yet.

Apologises for delay in remarking on plants sent by Swainson; finishing his part of Rees's "Cyclopedia". "Little hairy fern with simple fronds" found Rio Janeiro agrees in size and shape with 'Blechnum Lanceola' of Swartz in Stockholm Transns. for 1817. p. 71. t. 3. f. 2; observations. Grass marked 'Digitaria of Persoon?' is 'Paspalum conjugatum' Willd. Sp. M., also 'P. dissectum' of Linnaeus' Syst. Nat. ed. 12. v. 2. Dark-cold grass from "deep forests at Pernambuco" another 'Paspalum', species unknown. 'Cyperus', 'culm triangular, bogs at Pernambuco' unknown. "Very rare" grass, from "sandy table lands in the interior of Pernambuco", close to 'Agrostis radiata' of Linnaeus. 'Cassia' "in dry sandy tracts" unknown. A new 'Lythrum', near 'racemosum' but distinct. An 'Eriocaulon fasciculatum' of Lamarck & Willdenow, or very near it. Their plant appears to want the many awlshaped leaves of the common calyx, or involucrum. A 'Campanula' appears to be 'C. minor ['minima'] africana, erini facie &c', Hermann Leigd. Bot. 108. t. 111, erroneously cited by Linnaeus for his 'C. erinoides'; has this plant from Sierra Leone. Does not have his 'Hyptis' under that genus, does not seem to be any of Willdenow's.

Happy to draw up a paper of "Plantae Brasilienses"; does not anticipate it being very difficult, having the Linnaean herbarium, all of Rublet's specimens, and Commerson's; impossible for anyone to do such a work without seeing those specimens. However, his next work must "absolutely be a British Flora in English long promised", so cannot undertake Swainson's work at present, and is also pressed by "Flora Graeca". Believes the 'Graminae' would be the most difficult part.

Encloses specimen of handwriting of Linnaeus. Cannot think of any other person, except [Robert] Brown, "who cannot do half he is engaged in", competent enough to do what Swainson wants, "as it ought to be done".

Originally intended to come to London after Easter but his "usual Spring disorder" delayed him; plans to leave on 30 April. Glad to hear "our valuable friend" Sir Joseph Banks "is rallying again". Sending this by Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough], being unaware whether Macleay's "miraculous gift of franking has ceased".

Had hoped to dine at the Royal Academy on 1 May but detained by a bowel complaint, will endeavour to be at the Linnean Society on 4 May, offers to do any necessary work before the meeting.

Fears he will be unable to come to London for Linnean Society meeting on 4 May; Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] will take Chair. Alarmed by Macleay's statement that his pamphlet "could do [him] no good", and hopes he alludes to his first pamphlet and the Cambridge election, as the latter is "very little in [his] mind". Respecting elections for FMLS, would vote for Lamarck and [Augustin] de Candolle, fears [Louis Claude] Richard [(1754-1821), botanist] being a "bigotted anti-Linn[aea]n", and is made sick of [José Antonio] Pavon.

Suffering from a "terrible weakness of bowels, no pulmonary disorder, very tender & feeble".

Has brought letters of [Peter] Collinson [(1694-1768)] and [Johann] Dillenius to Linnaeus for Nichols' inspection; approves of plan for making a separate publication of scientific letters. Hopes Nichols will be able to procure Miss Currer's [John] Ray letters. Uncertain how long he will remain in London, "the town air is always poison to me".

Account of his time in London, including: trip to Eltham with Captain Sandham to try and find Sherard's tomb and remains of his garden; Sandham says James Munro died of failure in nervous constitution, saw his tomb at Greenwich; visited Deptford old church to see monuments of the Evelyns and Sir Richard Browne; called on Dr Baillie, who commended his looks, expects Smith to be on his prescription for a long time, Smith's bowel complaints and treatment; calls on or news of Mrs [Catherine] Lambert, Mrs Lochee, Mr Fuller Farr.

A meeting at Longman's, who declined purchasing copyright of his manuscript and suggested shares of the first edition; they promise to push his pamphlet [probably "A defence of the Church and Universities of England" (1819)]. Is to visit the Lamberts at Boyton, [Wiltshire], possibly followed by visits to Spring Grove, [Isleworth, Middlesex, home of Sir Joseph Banks], and Hall Place, [Berkshire, home of Sir William East]. Death of Mrs Fisher, née Clay, 4 years ago. Longman very keen for Smith to write a "Dictionary of Botany" and greatly approve of "English Flora", but he has to borrow £100-£200 whilst these are writing.

Account of his journey from Norwich, [Norfolk], to Birmingham: unwittingly shared the coach from Newmarket to Cambridge with Mr Hustler of Trinity [College], one of the adverse tutors [to Smith's Cambridge professorship candidacy]; delight at seeing the Beauchamp Chapel in St Mary's Church, Warwick; Birmingham feels a dirty and close town. His first lecture at 7 this evening; no anxiety; the room not painted for fear of his inconvenience; attended sermons and meeting by Dr [James] Yates and Mr S W Brown

He is here "in paradise, both mentally & bodily", staying with Mr and Mrs Corrie; their characters. He lectures on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7pm; fuller every time than the last; plenty of ladies, all in evening dress; supplied with flowers from Mrs Corrie's garden and a nursery. Dined with Dr and Mrs Parr. His health remains good. Visited [James] Watt [(1769-1848), engineer] and saw the "Cyclops" at work in his "truly infernal abode".

Hears of no public disturbances and the "respectable dissenters" take no part; has learnt the true history of the "famous riots" [Priestly Riots of 14 to 17 July 1791 targetted religious dissenters in Birmingham]. Informed that it is "lucky" to have Monk for an enemy [Smith's Cambridge pamphlet]. He is very homesick. Saw [James] Watt's [(1736-1819), engineer] "charming abode".

Preparations for his lectures progressing well; currently lodging with Revd James Yates, previously stayed with the Corries, a friend of the Martins [Smith's sister and brother-in-law]. His lectures crowded and "grow fuller every time". He is going to Mr Gatton's next. His plans for returning to Norwich.

Owing to lack of sleep, "continual fever & headache", and affection of his lungs unable to lecture tonight, but will be able to on Monday; asks Yates or Mr Corrie to lecture instead or to give some kind of notice. Will be able to make up the full course but will have to give up all dining, calling, and talking. Anxious that nothing should be said of his indisposition.

Account of his time in Birmingham: visited some "curious manufactories" and dined at Mr Mouillet's; dined at Mr Eyre Lee's; dined with Dr [James] Yates and Dr Parr; has taken a violent cold and sudden feverish catarrah, but now better, though could not lecture on Friday so Yates read one on his behalf; he has had many thanks for the good he does the town, and Institution, and the taste and knowledge he is said to promote. Enquires about presents to buy Pleasance. Mr Galton's house and family. Reassures Pleasance he has no symptom of pulmonary inflammation. Asks after candlesticks and cutlery.

His "adventures" have been "uninterruptedly prosperous". His last lecture at Birmingham the most well attended. Account of his journey from Birmingham to London, via Stratford-upon-Avon, saw Shakespeare's house; Oxford, where he saw Prince Leopold dubbed LLD, and worked in Sherardian herbarium, dined with Dr [George] Williams, who is pleased by his pamphlets and the Oxford people all flattered. Called at [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's and heard that Mrs Lochée died 1 October and that Mrs [Catherine] Lambert deranged. On 1 November was unanimously elected Professor of Botany at the Royal Institution. Attended Horticultural Society and Linnean Society meetings.

[Letter incomplete: folio[s] presumed destroyed]

Account of his return journey [from Birmingham], which included a week long visit to London and a brief stay in Oxford, where his pamphlet ["A defence of the Church and Universities of England" (1819)] was much admired; concedes that with his appointment to "Flora Graeca" he has been met "uniformly with liberality, both in publick and private".

Has signed a letter of thanks, along with other members of his congregation, to Mr Aspland, for his two letters printed in the London papers "in defence of our abused & caluminated sect". Very busy but hopes to take his "English Flora" in hand. Thanks for gift of "elegant volume". Hopes Yates will allow him to return favour of Yate's hospitality. His compliments to the Corrie family. The specimens of Birmingham manufacture all much approved.

Macleay's letter of 17 [December 1819] "but a melancholy necrology"; sorry to hear of [Erik] Acharius, but fears [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon was in uncomfortable circumstances and had faults, "somewhat in the [Frederick] Pursh [(1774-1820), botanist] style", which made him reluctant to be "his introducer here" had he come to England as he once discussed. Arrangements for Lamarck's and [José Antonio] Pavon's FMLS certificates. Laments death of [Thomas] Reynolds. Asks after Macleay's daughter, has learned "never to despair of young people".

Comments on death of [Thomas] Marsham; asks if they can give "any favourable acc[oun]t to the [Linnean] Society".

Has prepared the entire correspondence of Linnaeus and [John] Ellis [(1710-1776)] for the press, as well as [Daniel] Solander's letters to Ellis, [Peter] Collinson's [(1694-1768)], [José Celestino Bruno] Mutis' [(1732-1808)] from South America, and almost finished with Dr [Alexander] Garden's [(1730-1792)]. Asks to borrow Nichols' "Literary Illustrations" vol 1. Will prepare a short biographical memoir for each persons' letters, and will send a fragment of each hand for engraving. Thoughts on arrangement of volume. Expects to be in Liverpool from April till 20 May.