His summer uneventful but saw [James] Sowerby on his way back to London after staying with [Dawson] Turner in Yarmouth, and received letter from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert who was in good spirits and said first Linnean Society meeting was very full. Proposes establishment of annual Linnean Society medal for the best paper, similar to the Royal Society's Copley Medal. Sorry for the death of [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow. Will be in London at Pall Mall from February to April.

Recovered from several violent catarrhous complaints and coughs. Also heard a good account of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and the Linnean Society, "both are in good preservation". He and others doubt the eligibility of Cullum's proposal for an annual Linnean Society medal for best paper, "pure fame is a better object than gold". Currently working on the syngenesious class of Greek plants, which will finish third part of "Florae Graecae Prodromus". Recently wrote lives of Philip Miller and [Robert] Morison [(1620-1683), botanist] for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", and [Francis] Masson's [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector] has just appeared [in a footnote to this paragraph Cullum has noted that Smith was paid £3000 for his contributions to the "Cyclopedia"]. Praises Hooker's work "Jungermanniae".

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Not necessary to hold a degree for a professorship but fears Smith could not be admitted as he would be unable to sign the declaration to conform to the Church of England.

Discusses Smith's candidature for Cambridge botany professorship: Sir Joseph [Banks'] illness was a great loss; thinks it curious that the dissenting Smith should be supported by two Bishops [presumably Bishops of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough, and Ely, Bowyer Sparke (1759-1836); the Bishop of Winchester, Brownlow North, also pledged his support for Smith in August 1813], but concedes "Botany is of no sect"; hopes Smith will be his successor but supposes he would have to conform to the Establishment. Responded immediately to Smith's report of the canvassing but too much of a philsopher to care what happens at Cambridge. Recovered after a confinement of three months caused by typhus.

Expects his campaign for Cambridge botany professorship to be successful. Received encouraging letter from [Thomas] Martyn [incumbent professor of botany] explaining the three-part composition of his botanical professorship: the university professorship, elected by Senate; the Regius professorship, given by the King; and the garden and lectureship founded by Dr [Richard] Walker [(1679-1764)]. Martyn has proposed to resign the garden lectureship in favour of Smith to allow him to gain an interest for when the others become vacant. Discusses his plans to canvas for the garden and lectureship and expects his rivals, Brook, [George] Leathes [(1779-1836)], and [Richard] Relhan to withdraw. Received assistance from Cullum's friend [William] Webb. Intends to go to London, Cambridge, and then home. Gathered 'Monotropa' in woods near to this place.

Reports on his summer excursion: visited Sir Joseph Banks at Spring Grove, Smallbury Green, and his garden and "elegant dairy", afraid Banks will not walk properly again; the Bishop of Winchester's [Brownlow North] garden containing magnolias, tea trees, 'Salisburia adiantifolia', 'Arbutus andrachne', and rhododendrons; disappointed by Isle of Wight other than Sir Nash Grose's [(1740-1814), judge] house; impressed with Portsmouth's fortifications and dockyards, thinks that it will be a great loss if those of the 7000 [French] prisoners in Portchester Castle are stopped making their lace; also visited Chichester, Arundel, Worthing, Brighton, and London. Heard of deaths of [George] Shaw and Dr [John] Davie, Master of S[i]dney Sussex College, Cambridge. [Thomas] Martyn evidentally still intellectually active, having edited Dr Steven's "Treatise on Human Happiness".

His opinion of Sir Joseph Banks greatly increased following the two days he spent with him in the summer. His campaign for Cambridge botany professorship: visited Dr Davie at Bungay, [Suffolk]; he is suffering from an ulceration of the throat and will not return to Cambridge for months; gained support of Dr [William] Gretton [(1736-1813)], master of Magdalen, but he is dangerously ill; if [William] Frere [(1775-1836)] becomes vice-chancellor in November certain of gaining the garden and lectureship, does not expect difficulties attaining the professorship.

Troubled with his old, untreatable headaches. Reading Cullum's brother's [Sir John Cullum, 6th baronet (1733-1785)] "History of Hawstead"; transcribes an epithet he wrote for a musical friend. In Norwich tomorrow for the Sessions' ball and musical festival. Chiefly worked on Rees's "Cyclopaedia" this summer: wrote elaborate article on 'Passiflora' enlarged with species not in [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow. Third edition to his "Introduction to Botany" just finished printing. Message for Mr Barnwell: he has "hinted in vain for what I mentioned ab[ou]t the heart of Anne of Bretange - her funeral is very particularly described in Montfaucous' "Monarchie Francoise".

Discusses Smith's campaign for Cambridge botany professorship: unfortunate that Smith has to win over the powerful vice-chancellor, Professor [Isaac] Pennington [(1745-1817), physician and chemist], and Professor [Busick] Harwood [(1750-1814), anatomist], for Dr [Richard] Walker's [(1679-1764)] lectureship. Begs Smith to become a member of the university first to remove obstacles other candidates will take advantage of. In comparison to the expense of the knighthood it would be a minor cost, and as the Linnean Society already has a Duke, Earls, Viscounts, Bishops, and Lords, it is no great favour for the President to have an honorary distinction.

Looking forward to seeing Smith in London. The Linnean Society is flourishing "more & more every year"; [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert last filled chair "with great good humour & cheerfulness", [William George] Maton absent on account of death of his mother. Sir Joseph Banks passed winter surprisingly well, it gives "one less pain to see him wheeled about, than to see him walk in such a crippled gait". Recently wrote to [William] Webb of Clare Hall; it would be worthwhile if Smith went to Cambridge on his way to London to meet with his supporters there. Transcribes lines of a satirical poem written when the "late Bishop of Norwich" [Charles Manners-Sutton (1755-1828)] succeeded [John Moore (1730-1805)] as Archbishop of Canterbury, "in a more amiable style [sic] than the couplet on poor Lady Brownlow".

Thanks for copy of Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Reports from his excursion into Yorkshire: wishes Smith had been with him at the "dropping well" at Knaresborough, there were jungermanniae, lichens, and mosses; found 'Inula helerium' and 'Sedum telefitium' in a hedge bank, 'Atropa belladonna' in churchyard near Ferrybridge, Yorkshire, and in hedges near the town, and 'Colchium autumnale' in meadows about Knaresborough. Recounts anecdote in Dr [Thomas] Zouch's [(1737-1815)], prebendary of Durham and FLS, unpublished "Memoir of the life of Dr John Sudbury", dean of Durham in 1661, about the detainment of the cathedral library's copy of [John] Gerard's "Herbal" by Colonel Robert Lilburn; thinks it curious in showing the estimation in which the book was held. Invites the Smiths to visit for the Bury Fair.

Postscript by Lady Cullum repeating Cullum's invitation.

Unable to visit in October as he is already due to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] with "our Bishop" [presumably Bishop of Norwich, Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. Agrees Cullum's anecdote relating to Gerard's "Herbal" is curious. Recommends Dr [Thomas] Zouch's [(1737-1815)] life of Sir Philip Sydney. 'Inula helenium' a very rare plant, does not remember seeing it growing wild but someone once brought a specimen from Suffolk. Has heard good account of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] but nothing of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Going to Cambridge early November.

Invites Smith and his wife to stay next week whilst [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mrs Lochee are also visiting.

Unable to visit as they are expecting [William] Roscoe, who is to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] with them, and Smith must be in Norwich on 29 November as steward of the first ball. Intends to write to Dr [George] Thackery, new vice-chancellor of Cambridge, regarding garden and lectureship, which if he gains he will enter the university and if not remain as he is, as advised the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel]. The Dean [of Norwich, Joseph Turner (1747-1828)] says that the university cannot avoid offering the professorship to Smith and if they do he should be offered an MA without entering. Invites the Cullums, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mrs Lochee to them instead. Dr Davy dying of a cancerous disorder in the mouth at Dr Tuthill's, Soho Square, a great loss.

In postscript addressed to Lambert invites him and Mrs Lochee to Norwich whilst Roscoe is staying; they cannot alter their day of going to Holkham as they are engaged to meet the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University], with whom Roscoe is well acquainted.

Violent headache compelled [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert to cancel his visit to Bury at the last moment. Approves of the advice given to Smith regarding Cambridge botany professorship and garden. Grieved by Smith's account of Dr [Martin] Davy's mortal illness and recalls others who have died or are dying from cancers of the mouth.

Reports on letters received from Mrs [Catherine] Lambert concerning [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's ill health, including violent headaches and insomnia. Cornwallis Hewett to succeed as Downing Professor of Medicine following death of Professor [Busick] Harwood [(1750-1814), anatomist], although uncertain who will succeed to astronomical professorship, believes Hewett's father exhibited his collection of gold, topazes and amethysts to Smith at Cullum's lodgings in King Street, Covent Garden, [London]. Invites [William] Roscoe to call on him should he return from his Norfolk tour via Bury.

[William] Roscoe visited him in Norwich and they visited Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] and Narford, [Norfolk, home of Andrew Fountaine], together; Roscoe could not visit Cullum via his journey home as he was anxious to return to his ill wife. Dawson Turner was also at Holkham, together they made a catalogue of Coke's collection of two hundred manuscripts. Around two hundred pieces each of pictures, old prints, Raphael's earthenware, and old French enamel, at Narford [Hall].

Vice-chancellor of Cambridge, [George] Thackery, refusing to assist him in gaining the garden and lectureship. Concerned for health of the "old professor" [Thomas Martyn]. The Dean [of Norwich, Joseph Turner (1747-1828)] has gone to Cambridge to argue Smith's case, and has also given [William Fitt] Drake another living of £150 a year. Sir Joseph Banks "tolerably well". [John] Fairbairn died recently, hopes William Anderson [(1766-1846)] from Mr [James] Vere's will succeed him [as curator of Chelsea Physic Garden]. Reported that [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert occupied in botanical matters.

Mrs [Catherine] Lambert reports that [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert continues to have restless nights. Interested to see Smith's catalogue of Holkham manuscripts [home of Thomas William Coke], hopes Lady Cullum will be able to see the Raphael Delph at Narford [Hall, Norfolk, home of Andrew Fountaine].

Attended Royal Society anniversary and dinner with Sir Joseph Banks, Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough], Mr Lysons , Mr Marsden, [Edward] Rudge, and Mr Raper. Attended Linnean Society meeting; Lambert was in the chair and [William George] Maton also attended but [Alexander] Macleay still recovering from his "violent peripneumony". Concerned by [Thomas] Marsham's removal from Baker Street to Winchmore Hill. Convinced [William] Webb in Cambridge to put himself forward for Linnean Society; [Arthur] Biggs' [(1765-1848), curator of the [Cambridge] Physic Garden, nomination certificate for Associate put up. Asks if Smith has seen [William Elford] Leach's "[Zoological] miscellany"; does not approve of the "frequent new generic names".

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].