Discussed [Edward] Rudge's paper with [Robert] Brown and [Jonas] Dryander and attempted to call on Rudge to represent to him that he believed "he had been imposed upon by some one having stolen 2 of the plants from Sir Joseph Banks", but he was out. Asks Macleay to send letter on subject; takes it for granted Rudge knew nothing of the theft, which he charges on [Richard] Salisbury.

Returns sheets. Does not doubt Patrick Neill's sorrow, but he shows "how foolish a figure a man makes who does any thing he would be ashamed to own". Glad that "our other foolish friend", [Edward] Rudge, has withdrawn the two disputed plants from his paper [suspected to have been stolen from Sir Joseph Banks' herbarium]. He and [Dawson] Turner are going to Holkham [Hall, Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] for a week.

Condolences on death of "our rough diamond", [Jonas] Dryander. Smith can recommend a new librarian [unnamed] for Sir Joseph Banks but he has "the unsteadiness of a genius", and was educated for "a Moravian minister, but has left that bigotted & tyranical society".

Laments [William Elford] Leach's conduct [Leach initiated a campaign to blackball William Bullock (c 1773-1849), naturalist and antiquary, at the Linnean Society] but thinks the vote of censure and record of it right. Pleased [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist] is cleared of blame. Leach improper to show the confidential letter he wrote him, but he is "ever happy to admit [his] mistakes in judgement or in science", asks Macleay to apologise to Donovan for him.

Suggests [John] Symmons as new vice-president; his qualities; leaves all decisions to Macleay as his work and health prevent a winter visit to London. Necessary for [William Jackson] Hooker's 'Andraea' paper to be corrected and shortened before publication in "Linnean Transactions"; Hooker "entirely out of reach at that confounded place Halesworth, [Suffolk]". Agrees that an index is a good idea, but unable to help himself; he works from 9 to 3 everyday and 7 to 9 almost every evening.

Defends his choice of [John] Symmons for Linnean Society's new vice-president.

Does not think [William Elford] Leach's vote of censure should be rescinded [Leach initiated a campaign to blackball William Bullock (c 1773-1849), naturalist and antiquary, at the Linnean Society]; intends to give him "a good lashing by letter". Hopes Macleay informed [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist] of what he wrote [apologising for thinking Donovan implicated in Bullock dispute] but reminds him that Donovan "is not clear of misrepresentation as to Hugh Davies" [Donovan was also involved in a dispute with Davies]. Would not approve of [Edward] Rudge for vice-president, and [George Annesley's] absence is an "insuperable objection", additional to "some might find other reasons against him, better kept out of sight".

Dreads a winter journey; he is rheumatic, though freer than usual from his "teazing autumnal headaches".

Returns proof sheet [of William Jackson Hooker's paper on 'Andraea'] with an added 'Menziesia'. Warns Macleay not to mention "the private anecdote" from India, which he believes false. Pleased Macleay approves of his plans about the vice-president.

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.

Has suffered from "a most fiery boil" on his nose for the last week. Intends to send a botanical paper for next Linnean Society meeting from [Constantine Samuel Rafinesque] Schmaltz of Palermo, [Sicily], once he has finished correcting the "ludicrous" English. Surprised and happy to see [Thomas] Marsham here in the autumn.

He and his nose better; like Macleay he is of "an inflammatory constitution, w[hi]ch requires care, but is better than a low one pronce to typhus, gangrene, cancer, & a long list of blue devils". Sent a turkey to Macleay. Will rejoice to join Macleay's club [probably Linnean Dining Club] "with all my heart". Hopes to bring his wife, [Pleasance Smith], to London in April, or sooner if they can visit the William Smith on the way.

He has been at Carlton House, [London, home of the Prince Regent, later George IV (1762-1830)]: agreed that Macleay and all the vice-presidents of the Linnean Society should attend the first levee, expected next week, and Macleay to have the page ornamented [for the Prince to bestow his patronage on the Society].

Safely returned home, his departure necessitated by his being "feverish weak" and unable to attend to anything; treating himself with James's powder but "felt so sudden a relief even at Mile End, [...] as if some great mental as well as bodily evil were suddenly taken off". Urges Macleay to change his situation as recommended, as though many have "a frame of adamant, a soul of fire" [Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), writer] and can bear the airs of London, "many sink under them"; recounts how he himself "struggled for 7 years in [Great] Marlbro' Street".

Received Macleay's packet but only just able to respond; much pleased with the address. "What an alarming thing is this murder!". Nursing himself in order to be able to travel to London in stages to finish his lectures and attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting, which he has never yet missed.

Too ill to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting, the first time he has missed "that happy & flattering day". He is now trying bark for his fever, and hopes to be in London for 2 June to finish his lectures, "a great object" to him. His "dear friend & relation", Mrs Kindersley, has just died, leaving 8 children. Will ask the Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] to preside at Society meeting.

Still ill, and can "hardly go up or down stairs without exhaustion", though the bark has stopped his intermittent fever many times. He and the Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] agree on electing the Bishop of Durham [Brownlow North] an Honorary Member, will appoint the vice-presidents by letter, as he did with [Thomas] Marsham.

Still too ill to attend tomorrow's Linnean Society meeting; acknowledges honour of being re-elected President; hopes to attend last meeting of the season on 16 June; his regret at meeting the anniversary meeting for the first time, appoints by letter Samuel Goodenough, Aylmer Bourke Lambert, Thomas Marsham, and William George Maton as vice-presidents.

Thanks Macleay for being so prompt in sending account of the Linnean Society anniversary meeting. His health is improving so much that he hopes soon to come to London, attend the Linnean Society, wait on the Prince Regent [later George IV (1762-1830)], and perhaps finish his lectures. Asks that [Robert] Brown forward the seeds from Paris waiting for him at Sir Joseph Banks'.

Still too ill to go to London; his current progress; hopes to go to Lowestoft, [Suffolk], in 10 days. Asks Macleay to inform Colonel [Thomas] Hardwicke about Smith's illness. May come to London in the autumn to attend the Prince Regent [later George IV (1762-1830)].

Feels in better health than for the last 12 months. Received letter from [Olof] Swartz informing him that [Erik] Acharius is complaining over lack of acknowledgement of the lichens he sent. Intends to forward book on Swedish botany received for Linnean Society once he has looked over it. Wrote to Colonel [John] McMahon [(c 1754-1817), Private Secretary to the Sovereign 1811-1817] as Macleay suggested.

Congratulates Macleay on the recovery of his daughter's health. Encloses paper received in a packet for Linnean Society. He is so "very pressed" by Rees' "Cyclopedia" and third part of "Florae Graecae prodromus" he is unable to do anything else, and has cancelled a trip to Holkham [Hall, home of Thomas William Coke]. William Smith to sleep here tonight after his election victory, "not so much that of a party man as a good man", both Norwich members now FLS [other member Charles Harvey].

Thanks [William George] Maton for prescription of "powdered chamomile flowers" for his autumnal headaches.