Dined at [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's with Captain [Phillip Barker] King [(1791-1856], the great New Holland navigator, how is about to publish his voyage, and has named in honour of him a group of islands on the southern coast of New Holland.

[Letter incomplete: fragment only]

Account of his and Charles' [nephew of Smith's] excursion to Sunninghill, [Berkshire, home of Smith's Kindersley cousins]; a violent storm with hail, which they collected for iced water; visited Mr Barclay's grand house, including stoves and botanic gardens; searched in vain for tomb or memorial of his uncle Ireland in Reigate, [Surrey], church, the sexton had known his uncle and knew of the "incestuous anecdote". Everyone praises his improved looks and colour. Looked at carpet patterns; his opinion. Sitting for last time for [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] tomorrow.

[Letter incomplete: folio[s] missing or destroyed, fragment of second folio pasted to end of recto of folio]

Thanks for Pleasance's letter. Weather "very hot", and he is going on with his "[English] Flora". Asks that Pleasance give "dear little Pleasy some kisses for [him]". Comments on flowers in the garden, including 'Coreopsis tinctroia', 'Agapanthus', and 'Balsam'. His plans for the next few days.

[Note by Pleasance Smith on recto of second folio] "I think this is my dear James's last letter!".

Pleased by the visit of Smith's relation, Frederick Smith. [Thomas] Lister Parker [(1779-1858), antiquary] visited and mentioned the "great pine", believes branches and cones have been sent to [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Wishes her husband [Sir James Edward Smith] and himself had been young and well enough to attend first meetings of the season of the Horticultural, Linnean, and Royal Societies. His son and family are to winter at Nice but concerned that from [Thomas] Martyn's report of the weather in Nice in his "Tour through Italy" (1787) it will not help the ill Mrs Cullum. Returns basket with young pheasant.

Death of her husband [Sir James Edward Smith] always in their thoughts; glad she stayed with her aunts in Saxmundham, [Suffolk]. Hopes the Linnean Society will agree to purchase Smith's library and museum. His son and daughter-in-law have returned to Hardwick House, [Suffolk], but her ill health means they are to winter in a milder climate again. Invites Lady Smith to visit during the winter.

Concerned at account given of Smith's health and her rheumatism, which he has been suffering from himself. Lady Cullum cannot get rid of her nervous intermittent fever despite advice of [Willam George] Maton and Sir Henry Halford [(1766-1844), physician]. Surprised to see [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, who has had such delicate health for last thirty-six years, at public meetings and dining with friends at home every day. His son and family spending winter in Paris and summer in Rome or Nice. Regarding negotiations for Linnean Society's purchase of [Sir James Edward Smith's] museum suggests compiling of a catalogue and that three valuers are appointed, one each by Smith and Society and another by both. Mr Oakes the banker died this morning.

Death of his [second] son and approaching death of his sister, Mrs Palmer. His eldest son and family to stay in Paris for winter as Mrs Cullum still very ill. Compares Bury and its archery, cricket, and horticultural meetings, to Norwich and its having always been "famous, for flowers & gardens". Saw Smith's name as a subscriber to the Norwich Museum. Glad Smith has settled with the Linnean Society [purchase of Sir James Edward Smith's collections], with assistance of [Edward] Forster and himself for advice in establishing a fund for the purchase.

Thanks for gift of book and letter of recollections. Gratified by Lady Smith's support of her husband's late conduct [Thomas Milner Gibson (1806-1884), politician] and its contrast from the ill nature and persecution they have received from those that previously professed friendship. Invites Smith to visit.

[Note in red ink on verso of second folio giving brief biographical details of the letter sender. Letter dated 14 September but no year given]

Sir Thomas Frankland would send any letters of her husband's [Sir James Edward Smith] if he had them; he has been nervously ill for ten years and almost lost the use of his limbs. Glad the Linnean Society took on his plan [fund for purchase of Smith's collections by Linnean Society], subscribed £100 himself, and Lloyd £500. Believes he has lost or mislaid some of Smith's letters but did not destroy any, will collect them when next in Bury. Brief account of visit from General [Thomas] Hardwicke. Frequently sees [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Family deaths: his second son died suddenly last August, and his sister Mrs Palmer died a few weeks afterwards at ninety-one years old. Eldest son has a sixteen years old daughter [Susannah Arethusa Cullum], his deceased son no children.

His wife died 13 September of the intermittent fever she had suffered for last seven years, she was attended by Dr Probart and Dr Smith, and his in Rome unaware of the news as letters take a month. Did not burn any of her husbands letter [Sir James Edward Smith], though it will time consuming to collect them. Praises Dawson Turner.

In postscript writes that he just received a China vase from Dresden without any damage, would like Turner to confirm the genus and species of the moss it was packed with.

Death of his father, [Sir Thomas Gery Cullum], on evening of the Coronation Day [of William IV, 8 September 1831]. Notes that September appears ill fated to him, having lost his aunt Mrs Palmer on 12th, his mother on 13th, and now his father on the 8th.

Address moved by [William Jackson] Hooker and agreed at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting, congratulating Pleasance Smith on her 100th birthday.