Kept here [home of Kindersleys, Smith's cousins] by a feverish complaint; asks [Thomas] Marsham or [William George] Maton to take Linnean Society Chair. Encloses letter from "good" Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley, to be returned.

Just returned from 10 days at [Thomas William] Coke's at Holkham [Hall, Norfolk]; unable will send a paper for tonight's Linnean Society meeting but will do for the next. Recovered from his illness since August but caught a cold on way to Holkham. The Prince Regent [later George IV (1762-1830)] wishes to become the Society's patron but the matter is stationary until he is free from restrictions on his involvement with chartered bodies; Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley, "our zealous friend, is on the watch for the completion of the business". Had not heard of plan for a Linnean Dining Club, but "supposes it will be a good plan, as nothing is done in London without eating & drinking"; offers his assistance in removing anyone's reluctance.