Asks Smith's advice on his proposal to publish an "introduction to the study of Botany particularly calculated for the use of Ladies"; outlines its intended contents and format.

Remonstrates with Smith for settling in Norwich, Norfolk. Fears for his isolation from the scientific community and its consequences on his leadership of the Linnean Society. Tries to convince Smith to reverse his intentions of spending three months in London and nine in Norwich. Requests specimens of 'Hyperium dubrium' and 'Hyperium quadragulum' from Hafod, Cardiganshire. Thanks for introduction to Sir Thomas Frankland but wishes it had occured before finishing his [and Thomas Woodward's] paper '[Observations on the British] Fucus'. Sent drawing of 'F jubatus' to [James] Sowerby and [Alexander Mac]leay.

A recipe for currant wine for [Thomas] Johnes from "the American Transactions". Fears Smith's move to Norwich will be "the beginning of botanical coolness" that will spread to the Linnean Society. Has initiated a scientific correspondence with Sir Thomas Frankland but wishes it had commenced before he finished his paper '[Observations on the British] Fucus'; is planning an addendum.

On reverse of letter Goodenough notes: Dr [William] Withering has just sent me his works ["An arrangement of British plants"].

Invites Smith and his wife to visit in October. Envies Smith his tour, asks if Downton [Castle, Herefordshire, home of Richard Payne Knight (1751-1824) art collector] was on the route. Sends a plant for determination which she raised from seed in a hothouse [Smith has noted on second folio "The plant is 'Antidesma alexiteria', but with 2 stamina? If we hear nothing will wait on them Oct 19"]. Disapproves of the Smiths' move to Norwich, Norfolk.

Sends seeds of 'Digitalis lanata' Ehrhart, 'Saxifraga mutata', and 'Verbascum nigrum' with white flower. Acknowledges Smith's letter of 17 April 1796, will respond more fully by next post, his time currently taken up supervising workmen working on his garden. His daughter died in March at 20 months. Recommends treating the 'Digitalis' like a hardy greenhouse plant.

Smith's trip to Hafod, Cardiganshire, pleasant except for [Mariamne] Johnes disorder; fortunate that Smith's was there to diagnose and suggest best treatment; Mrs Woodward's cousin of 17 years old suffered from similar affliction and made long but successful recovery following Mr Potto's method.

Smith's East Anglian friends rejoice at his intention to settle in Norwich, [Norfolk]. Received 'Bellium bellioides' of [James] Crowe's garden from [John] Pitchford; a new British genus. Asks after [Dawson] Turner's admittance to the Linnean Society.

Received [William] Withering's new edition [of "An arrangement of British plants"]; "very much improved" in arrangement and matter; [Samuel] Goodenough's assistance with 'Carex', [Hugh] Davies' with mosses, and [Thomas] Velley's and [John] Stackhouse's with 'Fucus', including some not in his and Goodenough's paper, as they did not want to supersede them. Requests specimens or view of [Adam] Afzelius' American 'Fucus' species, so they can be described.

Received Smith's letter of 20 [September 1796]; pleased he has returned safely from Wales. [William] Kirby has been left the living of Coddenham, [Norfolk]. Still awaiting [Bracy] Clark's paper on 'Oestrus'. His despair at decline of the Linnean Society: at the last meeting there was neither President, Vice-Presidents, or Treasurer, and only two members besides himself, the members are £100 in arrears, the rules are not kept to, the museum is in confusion, the new volume of "Linnean Transactions" has been in the press for two years, "it is become a perfect lounge once a month for a few persons", and convinced it will grow worse on Smith's quitting London. Account of [Robert] Townson's [(1762-1827), natural historian and traveller] evasion of paying his Society subscription and his illiberal opinion of the Secretary and Treasurer.

Apologises for not replying sooner to Smith's letter of 23 [Sep 1796]. Disagrees with Smith's propositions respecting the new arrangement of the Linnean Society, Smith's child; "grieved to see the Father leave his Child to be supplanted by aliens & strangers" and is hurt to see it "neglected" when he thought it was about to rise "to the summit of perfection".

Reassures Smith that he will never be found "dishonorable or dishonest", and that any harsh expressions he used were intended for [Robert] Townson [(1762-1827), natural historian and traveller, in respect to his subscription arrears]; believes arrears should not extend beyond two years.

Has delivered a report on the botany of Burma to the East India Company, along with a set of specimens and loose duplicates, probably to be given to Sir Joseph Banks, hopes Banks will let Smith have duplicates. Has sent Smith a description and drawings of an animal and three plants with intention of inclusion in "Linnean Transactions". Asks Smith to look over and correct his "Enumeratio Plantarum" if the East India Company decide to publish any of it. Sending items to [William] Roxburgh. Arranging materials procured in Ava, Burma, for illustrating the geography of Eastern India. Has gathered materials on the religion and cosmogony of the Burma, Siamese and other eastern nations. Recommends if Smith and any friends have an interest in documents of the region see Sir John Murray who is returning to England with a collection of Burma, Siamese, Shan Palli and Kussay manuscripts.

Received Smith's letter of June 1796. Preparing a new packet of plants to send, including some better quality specimens of those previously sent. Discusses previously sent plants, including whether 'Acnida cannabina' should be renamed either 'Acnida celosioides' or 'Acnida amaranthoides'. Growing 'Orchideae' in his garden to eventually send on to Smith. Willing to send Smith any American plant but believes most are already in Kew Garden. Sending seed of 'Trollius ? americanus' and 'Pedicularis aspleniifolia'. Anxious for Smith's next set of observations. Asks if American trees are superficially described and specifically whether 'Juglans cinerea' L is the 'Juglans oblonga' of [Philip] Miller and if Linnaeus made 'J. oblonga' a variety of 'J. nigra'.

Her "very uncomfortable state of health" has caused her to neglect her friends but hopes to see Smith soon. Asked [John] White [(1757-1832), surgeon in New South Wales] to convey her regret at Smith's intention to move to Norwich, [Norfolk], and invites him to visit before he does so, though also accidently invited White when she would prefer Smith's conversation "without the company of a stranger". Belatedly congratulates Smith on his marriage.

Responds to Davall's letter of 18 September 1796: thanks for seeds, sends numbers 42 to 66 of "English Botany". Enjoyed delightful tour of Wales by Bath, Bristol, Worcester and Oxford. Moving to Norwich for family comfort, leisure, and command of his time, but will still be in London three to four months every spring continuing his pursuits including lecturing at Guy's Hospital and Presidency of Linnean Society, which now has four vice-presidents. Sends fresh seed of true 'Vicia bithynica' from Weymouth; a new 'Vicia' there commonly taken for 'bithynica', will explain in "English Botany". A superb 'Renealmia' in flower at Grimwood's, the same as Rumphius' figure quoted in "Supp." for 'R. exaltata' and 'Globba nutans' Linnaeus; Smith calls it 'R. nutans'. Third volume of "Linnean Transactions" almost printed and he is working on a "Florula of New South Wales".

Sends memoirs on various subjects; news.

Apologises for sending a letter to [Jonas] Dryander with his thoughts following their discussion on how to support the Linnean Society after Smith's move to Norwich, in it he depreciated all division in the Society, asked if he thought Sir Joseph Banks would assist, and had always thought Dryander should succeed Smith. Has written again to Dryander communicating Smith's dissatisfaction with the first having been sent.

Smith and [Jonas] Dryander have misunderstood each other; Dryander will not become President of the Linnean Society but will accept fixed vice-presidentship, with some reservations. [William] Pilkington [(1758-1848), architect] cannot guarantee regular attendance to be a reader; suggests retaining [Thomas] Marsham for the present. Although everyone "likes Mr [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert extremely" thinks the competition should not be allowed as Dryander is superior in knowledge [possile campaign for vice-presidentship?]. Presses the necessity of maintaining Marsham's cordiality for the Society's general welfare.

On verso of second folio faint outline drawing of a plant, in pencil.

Apologises for several misunderstandings: was not aware of Smith's propriety in naming [Jonas] Dryander as vice-president [of Linnean Society]; insists that he has not complained of Smith's move to Norwich to anyone; his hint about [maintaining the cordiality of Thomas] Marsham was not intended as a slight on Smith's regard.

Reassures Smith of the stability of his position as President of the Linnean Society; his term "fixed vice-president" only means that one person will manage everything in Smith's absence, rather than an inefficient division of authority between multiple parties. [Jonas] Dryander's strengths for the position, thinks [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert will "do vastly well under him". Thanks Smith for specimens.

Apologises for sending enclosed volumes so long after publication [probably Withering's "An arrangement of British plants" third edition].

Encloses two species of 'Arundo' of Linnaeus gathered last summer for Smith to name, always supposed them 'Arundo epigejos' and 'Arundo calamagrostis'; detailed observations on each, gives characters of his specimens.

Received specimens of 'Chizonia pulchella' recently found for first time since being found on north coast of Cornwall some years ago; differences with figure he originally made [in his "Botanic arrangement"]. Corrections to his 'Gentiana collina' figure; from new specimens received thinks it is nondescript. Thanks Smith for offer of sending proof sheets of "Flora Britannica" as they came off the press so as to correct his own work, but various circumstances means he could not profit by such. Asks after possibility of seeing Smith at Edgbaston.

No summary available.

No summary available.