Invites Smith to lecture at the Philosophical Institution; he has long desired that Birmingham might share with Liverpool the opportunity of hearing Smith speak, but they can only offer a fee of 100 guineas as the Insitution is in financial difficulties, there is only one private botanic garden from which to obtain plants, and the lighting of the room may present difficulties. Offers to accomodate Smith for the duration.

Smith has annotated on recto of second folio: "yes".

Concerned to hear of Smith's indisposition; it has been agreed he appears tonight as Smith's substitute, though on a general topic and not botany; will inform the audience Smith hopes to lecture on Monday.

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 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.