Forwarded the plants, books, and pamphlet enclosed with Cullum's last letter to [Jonas] Dryander and [William] Hudson, who died shortly afterwards. Hopes Cullum will send a copy of his pamphlet ["Florae Anglicae"] for Linnean Society. Hopes Cullum approves of tribute made to Hudson's memory under 'Melampyrum pratense' in "English Botany" for June. Glad Cullum agrees about 'Arabis stricta' being a 'turritis'. Will hasten to begin a "Flora Britannica" this summer. Great quantities of French china selling every day.

Has so much work at the moment that he is glad to write as few letters as possible. Received the parcel of Scottish plants sent via Cullum's son though its contents not very important. The 'Mentha' Cullum sent is a small variety of the 'Mentha sativa' figured in "English Botany", agrees with Cullum's opinion [of the inferior botanical merits of William Sole]. Cannot adopt Cullum's proposal to reference "English Botany" plants in "Flora Britannica" as it already printing, objects to anticipating references, and intends to publish a pocket "Epitome" on an original plan of his own. Thanks for [Henry John] Wollaston's habitats for 'Senecio paludosus'. Does not agree with Cullum about 'Bradypus ursinus'. Beginning "Flora Graeca" next year. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert recovered slightly.

Thanks for Cullum's account of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, did not press Lambert to visit Norwich as [James] Crowe was dying which would not have been well for Lambert's low spirits. Praises Crowe's character, he died of a carbuncle on the side of his neck; account of day of his death. Anxious about Sir Joseph Banks' health. Has presumed that Banks had assisted [George] Shaw to position at British Museum and [Charles] Konig was to have Shaw's place. The 'Verbascum' Cullum sent him is the 'Blattaria alba' of Bauhin, Linnaeus thought it a variety of his 'Verbascum blattaria'; Smith thinks it may be a species.

Recovered from several violent catarrhous complaints and coughs. Also heard a good account of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and the Linnean Society, "both are in good preservation". He and others doubt the eligibility of Cullum's proposal for an annual Linnean Society medal for best paper, "pure fame is a better object than gold". Currently working on the syngenesious class of Greek plants, which will finish third part of "Florae Graecae Prodromus". Recently wrote lives of Philip Miller and [Robert] Morison [(1620-1683), botanist] for [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia", and [Francis] Masson's [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector] has just appeared [in a footnote to this paragraph Cullum has noted that Smith was paid £3000 for his contributions to the "Cyclopedia"]. Praises Hooker's work "Jungermanniae".

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Not necessary to hold a degree for a professorship but fears Smith could not be admitted as he would be unable to sign the declaration to conform to the Church of England.

Discusses Smith's candidature for Cambridge botany professorship: Sir Joseph [Banks'] illness was a great loss; thinks it curious that the dissenting Smith should be supported by two Bishops [presumably Bishops of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough, and Ely, Bowyer Sparke (1759-1836); the Bishop of Winchester, Brownlow North, also pledged his support for Smith in August 1813], but concedes "Botany is of no sect"; hopes Smith will be his successor but supposes he would have to conform to the Establishment. Responded immediately to Smith's report of the canvassing but too much of a philsopher to care what happens at Cambridge. Recovered after a confinement of three months caused by typhus.

Expects his campaign for Cambridge botany professorship to be successful. Received encouraging letter from [Thomas] Martyn [incumbent professor of botany] explaining the three-part composition of his botanical professorship: the university professorship, elected by Senate; the Regius professorship, given by the King; and the garden and lectureship founded by Dr [Richard] Walker [(1679-1764)]. Martyn has proposed to resign the garden lectureship in favour of Smith to allow him to gain an interest for when the others become vacant. Discusses his plans to canvas for the garden and lectureship and expects his rivals, Brook, [George] Leathes [(1779-1836)], and [Richard] Relhan to withdraw. Received assistance from Cullum's friend [William] Webb. Intends to go to London, Cambridge, and then home. Gathered 'Monotropa' in woods near to this place.

His opinion of Sir Joseph Banks greatly increased following the two days he spent with him in the summer. His campaign for Cambridge botany professorship: visited Dr Davie at Bungay, [Suffolk]; he is suffering from an ulceration of the throat and will not return to Cambridge for months; gained support of Dr [William] Gretton [(1736-1813)], master of Magdalen, but he is dangerously ill; if [William] Frere [(1775-1836)] becomes vice-chancellor in November certain of gaining the garden and lectureship, does not expect difficulties attaining the professorship.

Troubled with his old, untreatable headaches. Reading Cullum's brother's [Sir John Cullum, 6th baronet (1733-1785)] "History of Hawstead"; transcribes an epithet he wrote for a musical friend. In Norwich tomorrow for the Sessions' ball and musical festival. Chiefly worked on Rees's "Cyclopaedia" this summer: wrote elaborate article on 'Passiflora' enlarged with species not in [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow. Third edition to his "Introduction to Botany" just finished printing. Message for Mr Barnwell: he has "hinted in vain for what I mentioned ab[ou]t the heart of Anne of Bretange - her funeral is very particularly described in Montfaucous' "Monarchie Francoise".

Unable to visit in October as he is already due to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] with "our Bishop" [presumably Bishop of Norwich, Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. Agrees Cullum's anecdote relating to Gerard's "Herbal" is curious. Recommends Dr [Thomas] Zouch's [(1737-1815)] life of Sir Philip Sydney. 'Inula helenium' a very rare plant, does not remember seeing it growing wild but someone once brought a specimen from Suffolk. Has heard good account of Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] but nothing of [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Going to Cambridge early November.

Unable to visit as they are expecting [William] Roscoe, who is to visit Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] with them, and Smith must be in Norwich on 29 November as steward of the first ball. Intends to write to Dr [George] Thackery, new vice-chancellor of Cambridge, regarding garden and lectureship, which if he gains he will enter the university and if not remain as he is, as advised the Bishop of Bristol [William Mansel]. The Dean [of Norwich, Joseph Turner (1747-1828)] says that the university cannot avoid offering the professorship to Smith and if they do he should be offered an MA without entering. Invites the Cullums, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mrs Lochee to them instead. Dr Davy dying of a cancerous disorder in the mouth at Dr Tuthill's, Soho Square, a great loss.

In postscript addressed to Lambert invites him and Mrs Lochee to Norwich whilst Roscoe is staying; they cannot alter their day of going to Holkham as they are engaged to meet the Duke of Gloucester [Prince William (1776-1834), chancellor of Cambridge University], with whom Roscoe is well acquainted.

[William] Roscoe visited him in Norwich and they visited Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] and Narford, [Norfolk, home of Andrew Fountaine], together; Roscoe could not visit Cullum via his journey home as he was anxious to return to his ill wife. Dawson Turner was also at Holkham, together they made a catalogue of Coke's collection of two hundred manuscripts. Around two hundred pieces each of pictures, old prints, Raphael's earthenware, and old French enamel, at Narford [Hall].

Vice-chancellor of Cambridge, [George] Thackery, refusing to assist him in gaining the garden and lectureship. Concerned for health of the "old professor" [Thomas Martyn]. The Dean [of Norwich, Joseph Turner (1747-1828)] has gone to Cambridge to argue Smith's case, and has also given [William Fitt] Drake another living of £150 a year. Sir Joseph Banks "tolerably well". [John] Fairbairn died recently, hopes William Anderson [(1766-1846)] from Mr [James] Vere's will succeed him [as curator of Chelsea Physic Garden]. Reported that [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert occupied in botanical matters.

Received Cullum's letter of 10 May late as he has moved to his cousin Kindersley's house and has since been unable to reach [William] Webb. Will ensure Webb's proposal certificate to become a FLS is signed. Hopes to see Cullum at Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Fears [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is "rather nervous & restless".

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".

Recently stayed at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] with Mr Barnwell and Lord Nugent [George Nugent-Grenville, 2nd Baron Nugent (1788-1850)]. Intends to see Professor [Thomas] Martyn on way to visiting Duke of Bedford [John Russell, 6th Duke] with Coke. Invites the Cullums to visit during Norfolk assize week before going to Holkham again.

Beginning of a draft response in Lady Cullum's hand at bottom of recto of second folio.

Sends Cullum a "perfect" copy of his "Compendium [florae Britannicae]"; notes that though he has observed some of [Olof] Swartz and [Robert] Brown's 'Orchidea' genus he has given them "new, easy, & plain characters" of his own. Currently very ill.

Putting [Thomas William] Coke's set of "English Botany" into the same order as Cullum's. Anticipating his visit to the Bury Fair so long as it does not coincide with the Norwich sessions. Master of Caius [College, Cambridge, Martin Davy] expected at Holkham [home of Coke].

Accepts Cullum's invitation to visit during the Bury Fair. An American family staying at Holkham, [Robert and Marianne] Paterson and her two sisters [Elizabeth and Louisa], the ladies are "very agreeable" and "very clever" and intend to be at Bury Fair.

Thanks Cullum for his hospitality; they dined with [Thomas] Woodward on their way home. Expecting Professor [Franz Karl] Mertens from Bremen and Dawson Turner. Writing to congratulate "our friend at Clare Hall" [probably William Webb]. Compliments to mutual friends.