Has applied for position of Keeper of Natural History at British Museum vacant by death of [George] Shaw; solicits Smith's support. [William George] Maton has presented his application to Sir Joseph Banks. Expects to finish his history of Hampshire within the next year and to then devote himself to natural history. Requests Smith to present his application to the Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North].

Informed in confidence that [Charles] Konig will most likely become Keeper of Natural History at British Museum in consequence of his "great exertion" in arrangement of the Greville minerals. [Bingley] believes he has great friends in the Museum, having heard of [George] Shaw's death less than 24 hours later.

Pledges his support to Smith for situation of Professor of Botany [at Cambridge], though his name has long been taken off the boards for voting. Asks for Smith's continued support in his campaign for Keeper position, and to interest Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North], Archbishop of Canterbury [Charles Manners-Sutton (1755-1828)], and Sir Joseph Banks to his cause.

Lists the candidates for [Charles] Konig's now vacant position [for Assistant Keeper of Natural History at British Museum]: Dr [William Elford] Leach, Mr Wood, Mr Lawrence, and Mr Thompson; requests information on Leach and Thompson. Transcribes letters of support from the Bishop [of Winchester, Brownlow North] and Lord Malmesbury [James Harris, 1st Earl of Malmesbury (1746-1820)]. Will support Smith's application for Professor of Botany [at Cambridge], asks for particularls of "Flora Graeca" so as to better argue Smith's claim.

Has already been promoting Smith's candidature at Cambridge [for botany professorship]. Election at the British Museum [for position of Assistant Keeper of Natural History] has not yet taken place; understands that Sir Joseph Banks is the "real mover" behind the decision and asks for Smith to intercede for him and argue that his "Animal Biography" should not be used to judge his talents, rather his "British Quadrupeds" should be used [Bingley was ultimately unsuccessful and William Elford Leach was appointed].

Sends his book ["A practical introduction to botany" (1817)], which he has found useful "in instructing a female relative".