On tour with [Thomas William] Coke, not home before end of the month. Anxious to hear news of [Thomas] Marsham, dreads the worst. His "most beloved" brother, [Francis Smith], has died since his departure, leaving a widow and 6 children. He has been much with [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford, and proposes him as FLS. He will be at Anson's [Thomas Anson, 1st Viscount Anson (1767-1818)], Shugborough Park, Staffordshire, from 10 to 15 October.

At Lord Anson's [Thomas Anson (1767-1818) 1st Viscount Anson] with [Thomas William] Coke and [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford; encloses latter's certificate for FLS, "truly a practical Linnaean botanist" who would make a good Honorary Member in due course. Grief at death of his brother, Francis Smith, and impact on his tour. Anxious about [Thomas] Marsham, in event of his death proposes Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley as replacement Linnean Society vice-president, his qualities.

Describes party in the drawing room. Account of his time in Liverpool, including: visits to Fanny [Smith's sister]; heard Mr Houghton's and Dr Parr's sermons; took up his abode at [William] Roscoe's; saw Mrs Bickersteth; opinion of Fanny's children; improvements at Allerton [Hall, Roscoe's home]; meetings with Lord Derby [Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby (1752-1834)] and Lord Stanley [Edward Smith-Stanley, 13th Earl of Derby (1775-1851)], has engaged the latter to become vice-president of Linnean Society after [Thomas] Marsham's death; [Thomas William] Coke's increased attachment to Roscoe; several great dinner parties at Allerton; met Dick Roberts, the "learned Welch fisherman, [...] more wonderful & horrible" than he had imagined; dinner at Ince with Mr Blundell.

After leaving Liverpool he and Coke went to Lord [John] Crewe's [1st Baron Crewe (1742-1829) in Cheshire; opinion of Crewe Hall and Lady Crewe, before returning to Shugborough to meet Duke of Gloucester [Prince William (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University]. His plans for returning to Norwich. Continuing grief for Francis [Smith's brother].

[Letter incomplete: folio[s] presumed destroyed]

Rejoices at news of [Thomas] Marsham's recovery but laments his "suspicions relative to his concernes prove too well founded". Agrees with Macleay's proposal of Edward Forster being next Linnean Society Treasurer and approves of [William George] Maton's idea, returns his letter. His plans for returning to Norwich, [Norfolk]. [William] Smith, who first introduced himself and [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford, would probably like to sign latter's FLS certificate.

Given a frank by the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University]. Ambivalent about his return to Norwich, [Norfolk]. Thanks for note about the Master family. Met [William] and Mrs Hooker at Liverpool, and Simon Wilkin. Received a "most kind sensible" letter from sister Francis [widow of Smith's brother], who can live on what they have but is reluctant to give up the trade for the sake of her sons. Also received a letter from Frederick [Smith's brother], in financial difficulties. His high opinion of Lord Anson [Thomas Anson, 1st Viscount Anson (1767-1818)]. [Thomas] Marsham recovering but his affairs in bad order owing to his son's extravagance._x000D_

He has been free of headaches but his "fat or fulness" unaffected by travelling. Richard Kindersley [Smith's cousin] has attained his fellowship. Duke of Gloucester and Blackwells send their compliments.

Thanks for Macleay's letter, still recovering his "tranquility of mind" [after sudden death of his brother, Francis Smith].

Remarks on proposed "Minutes of Council" section of upcoming volume of "Linnean Transactions": suggests it be placed at beginning of volume; in transcription of the Society's address to the Prince Regent [later George IV (1762-1830)] believes the King [George III (1738-1820)] should be named founder of the Linnean Society's charter rather than the Society itself; submits paragraph on receipt of his knighthood, as he wishes it to be known he publicly owes his title to his association with the Society and nothing else. Asks if he could be called Founder and President.

Afraid they have printed something of [Samuel Latham] Mitchill's paper on "New York fishes" in new volume of "Linnean Transactions", which was not to be printed on account of its appearance in an American journal; a Dr Francis will inform Macleay of it as Sir Joseph Banks'. [Francis] Buchanan, currently an ALS, wishes to become a FLS, as does [John] Murray of Stranraer, [Scotland], who wrote a paper on "vegetable poisons". Recommends Dr Burke of Lowestoft, [Suffolk], who is to visit the Transport Office.

Complains that letters sent to him at the Linnean Society are not forwarded quickly enough. Sends bill of lading for "most valuable present" for Linnean Society sent from America. Asks if Macleay received box of roots of Sicilian 'Orchideae' from [William] Swainson in Palermo, [Sicily], which he had arranged to be sent to Mr Anderson at Chelsea. Asks if [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford and [Francis] Buchanan have been elected FLS yet.

Received Swainson's letter of 3 December; believes he knows his father. Agrees Baron [Antonino] Bivona [Bernardi] ought to be FMLS, but they are restricted from adding any more till the number is below 50; will consider moving for a relaxation of this law for the Baron.

Believes he has received the packet of dried plants Swainson mentions, will write to Bivona as soon he can examine the specimens, "but such examinations take much time, & I am often overburthened with them". Entrusted care of box of Orchideae roots sent by Swainson to William Anderson, new Curator of the Chelsea garden, "one of the best botanical gardeners of my acquaintance".

Arrangements for [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford's first attendance at Linnean Society. His opinion of [John] Murray of Stranraer, [Scotland]; no claim to be FLS except on strength of his paper on vegetable poisons, he is "an itinerant lecturer", as [Richard] Salisbury once called [Smith]. "Far more sorry than surprised" regarding [Thomas] Marsham's financial troubles, asks Macleay to reassure Marsham of his continuing regard for him. Satisfied with title "Institutor".

Intends to have [Thomas] Martyn resign the [Cambridge botany] professorship in April, erroneous reports of Martyn's death have helped his cause; lists supporters. [William] Kirby intends to oppose him only as he [Smith] is a dissenter and not of the university; his low opinion of Kirby.

They have heard nothing of Miss Fanny Smith's intended marriage.

[William] Kirby acting contrary to Macleay's claimed reasons for his running for [Cambridge botany professorship]; he has the character of a priest, "in the bad sense, [...] essentially composed of hypocrisy & bigottry", which he distinguishes from a "Christian Divine, of whatever church or denomination". Discusses his own chances for Cambridge; has only to "try the fate of the election"; support pledged by Dean of Norwich [Joseph Turner (c 1746-1828)], Bishop of Bristol [William Lort Mansel], and "many other most orthodox clergy".

Comments on "sad event at Liverpool to poor [William] Roscoe" [whose bank failed].

Was surprised not to hear anything from Cullum during "the great stir" caused by [Thomas] Martyn's [erroneously reported] death; certain it has not damaged his campaign for the Cambridge botany professorship. The Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke], Lord Hardwicke [Philip Yorke, 3rd Earl of Hardwicke (1757-1834)], Lord Spencer [George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer], [Viscount] Althorp [John Charles Spencer (1782-1845)], [Marquess of] Tavistock [Francis Russell (1788-1861)], [Lord] John Thynne [(1772-1849)], Dean of Lincoln [George Gordon] and others have all come out in support of Smith. Will canvas at Cambridge for a week with Dr [Martin] Davy, and if the conditions are right and the vice-chancellor approves will ask Martyn to resign the professorship and hold the election. Edward [Hall] Alderson [(1787-1857)] of the Temple has a committee sitting for him. Will or has recently seen [William] Webb and [William] Kirby. Both the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel] and Lord John Thynne convinced Smith will succeed. Plans to be at Linnean Society on 2 April to admit the Duke of Bedford a FLS.

Honored by Lady Cullum's visit to him in Bury. The "severe east wind & most abominable atmosphere" in London have given him several colds. No news of the lawyers opinion of mode of electing a future professor [Smith's campaign for Cambridge botany professorship]. Intends to return to London for 7 May to attend Linnean Society and admit Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke] FLS. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "rather nervous, but cheerful", Sir Joseph Banks "very well" and Lady Banks "very fat, good humoured & kind as usual". Very full club at last Royal Society meeting, four new fellows admitted. Attended dinner and party at [Edward] Rudge's with the Goodenoughs, Marsdens, Blackwells, Sir William and Lady Anson, and Bathursts.

Suffering from a violent cold caused by severe weather and "pestilential town air". Plans to visit Cullum in Bury after visiting [Humphry] Repton in Harestreet, [Essex]. Does not think a Linnean Society list was printed before 1789. Edward Forster to be proposed as new Society Secretary and Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley as Vice-President. Sir Joseph Banks ill in bed with a slight erysipelas on his toe and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "well & cheerful, but nervous".

Sends on promised "wooden cut" to add to her collection. Suffering from inflammation of the lungs but nearly recovered. Warns Sir Thomas Cullum not to direct anything in "too familiar a style" to his eldest son lest he writes "what will infallibly hang a man", encloses [extant] puzzle on this subject. Just received word of the death of [Thomas] Johnes of Hafod.

His health continues very weak but mends daily. Hopes to be in London about 20 May to attend Linnean Society audit. Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley and Richard Taylor [(1781-1858), printer and naturalist] should be recommended for Council. Hopes to attend anniversary meeting. Asks to be remembered to [Thomas] Marsham.

Wishes some notice to be paid to [Richard] Taylor [(1781-1858), printer and naturalist] as a return for his "gratuitous assistance as Secretary". Has informed [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford that he can be admitted to Linnean Society at his leisure after paying the fee. Happy to hear [Thomas] Marsham as taking the "best method to silence "curious tongues"".

Account of his improved health, though he is still weak; arranged for Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] to preside at anniversary meeting, impossible for him to attend for fear of journeys such as those in 1802 and 1812 which affected his health so much, his current illness also caused by journey from London. If Marsham pays all he owes by 24 [May 1816] "some civil notice of him should be taken", otherwise "silence will be most prudent".

Confirms he is unable to come to London; hopes Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] will not treat [Thomas] Marsham , and if the remaining £200 be paid hopes nothing will be said of him. Asks Macleay to inform him how and when he appointed the vice-presidents in 1812. [Richard] Salisbury's paper "ought by no means to be printed" on grounds that the Linnean Society should not "sanction such changes" nor print "what may be only a trap for us, like his indecent paper".

Encloses list of his preferred Linnean Society vice-presidents. "A thous[an]d thanks for all y[ou]r intelligence, trouble & attention"; grieves for [Thomas] Marsham and hopes to one day see him at the Society in "honour & credit" but unhappy that Marsham originally said the whole debt was £400, as it makes him look "deceived or deceitful".

His friend, Joseph Sparshall of Norwich, "a good young entomologist", wishes to become FLS; vouches for his personal worth, he will call on Macleay on way back from Paris. Recalls Samuel Young of Formosa, Berkshire, now Sir Samuel Young, baronet, being proposed FLS 4 or 5 years ago; asks why he is not on the list.