Smith's reply to Goodenough's letter dated 9 November 1810. Confident of the King's [George III (1738-1820)] recovery but waits for the "authentic declaration of the physician's opinion". Agrees with Goodenough's eulogy of [Jonas] Dryander's character. [Alexander] Macleay and [Thomas] Marsham agree with Smith in proposing [John] Symmons for Dryander's replacement as vice-president. Death of Lady East, is suffering from dropsy, is imminent; praises her character. Profits by society of Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. [Robert] Brown is Dryander's replacement as Sr Joseph Banks' librarian. Hopes [new edition of] "Hortus Kewensis" will continue.

Smith's reply to Goodenough's letter dated 5 December 1810. Thanks Goodenough for his "most judicious & able conducting" of the last Linnean Society meeting [resolving a dispute between William Elford Leach and William Bullock (fl 1790s-1840s)]. Agrees that [Thomas] Marsham is the best candidate for vice-president of the Society but is hurt that Marsham has hinted to others he expects to be appointed, despite having previously rejected the office. Intends to postpone the appointment of a vice-president and would like Marsham to explicitly state his desire for the role. Goodenough should put anyone he thinks suitable into the Council except [John] Symmons, lest it fuel rumours of his being appointed vice-president. Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] moving to London soon having bought a house in Welbeck Street.

Smith's reply to Goodenough's dated 4 October 1811. Goodenough does him "great injustice" but by mistake, he informed Goodenough of his disbelief in vicarious punishment as taught by the [Anglican] church in confidence, and claims, as a professed dissenter, his own right to judge for himself. States that he has never perplexed Drake or anyone else with his doubts or opinions and only tried to get him to take the Christian religion as a whole, and thinks that all Christians should judge for themselves.

Reply to Goodenough's letter dated 25 September 1812; will pacify Mr Holme's botanical pride, should it become necessary. Cannot change his name for 'Carex rariflora' as it is already printed in a current book, as well as it being difficult to find new names for so large a genus; Goodenough's suggestion of 'nivalis' is suitable to many exotic ones. [Dawson] Turner busy "being all things to all men & women", and printing a "Lichenographia Britannica" with [William] Borrer.

Discussion of domestic and international affairs: the new Parliament will not find their business easy; fears Britain will have to give up Spain; Britain making America a maritime power; sees comfort in Russia [Napoleon's failed invasion of Russia]. Received account from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Sir Joseph Banks: Lambert has found 'Carduus tuberosus', it is as obstinate a weed as '[Carduus] arvensis'. Smith intends to follow the the thirty-sixth, and final, volume of "English Botany" with the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica", and has finished the third part of "Florae Graecae Prodromus".