Apologises for not writing but he has been ill since Christmas with a swelling in his knees which prevented him from walking and a suppresion of urine. Recovering very slowly after treatment from [William George] Maton and [Thomas] Copeland [(1781-1855), surgeon].

Thanks for Smith's botanical letter. Sympathises with Smith's family distresses with his own: his severe loss at death of his second son and his eldest son's having run into debt, despite his £1600 per annum, Goodenough has refused to pay the £2000 he applied for.

In Brighton for a change of air as the gout in his knees and suppression of urine prevented him from returning to Rose Castle, [Carlisle], recovered a little after treatment from [William George] Maton and [Thomas] Copeland [(1781-1855), surgeon]. Has not attended any of his Societies and has no news since the death of Sir [Thomas] Stamford Raffles [(1781-1826), founder of Singapore]. Presumes the "S" in Smith's letter refers to [Richard] Salisbury. Admires Smith's "English Flora" and especially the work on the umbelliferae.

Thanks for Smith's medical advice, which accords with [William George] Maton and [Thomas] Copeland's [(1781-1855), surgeon]. Goodenough believes all his maladies are connected to his gout; his ankles and feet are beginning to swell again after having left off using a crutch following twelve months of suffering.

Smith should not worry about "Mr S" as "he is quite blown up & I hear gone abroard" and cannot show himself in England again. A scandal involving a member of the Athenaeum; no one has been able to persuade him to make an appearance or personally deny the rumours. Had not heard of [William Jackson] Hooker's corrections of himself and Smith but not concerned. Scarcely a house in London without someone unwell.