Thanks for basket of game. Assures Smith he did not mean to suggest Smith was trying to influence [William Fitt Drake] with his own religious persuasions, and looks upon "any conscientious dissenter as being as good & as religious as any churchman whatsoever".

Will join the Linnean Dining Club, proposed by [William George] Maton, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mr Baker, if it is a "frugal literary dinner, where eating is not the primary object". Fears the plans for it are moving too fast; could not attend a meeting on subject held at the British Coffee House and attended by Maton, [George] Shaw [(1751-1813)], [Joseph] Sabine, and [William] Pilkington [(1758-1848)] as it would be "out of character". Enjoying reading "Lachesis Lapponica" and the greater maturity of Linnaeus' writing compared to his earlier "Systema".

Busy with the National Schools for the Education of the Poor. Received Smith's shilling in the post and notes it was not tampered with; wishes others were as careful as Smith in ensuring their correspondence is not chargeable to the recipient, as the "vain-glorius Lancaster" [probably John Lancaster (1778-1838), Quaker and public education innovator] did to him in sending a copy of his "seditious" speech in Ireland and an Irish newspaper. Refuses to join the Linnean Dining Club as he does not wish to have his carriage waiting so publicly outside the British Coffee House, the chosen venue for it. Unsurprised to read that "riot & robbery stalk abroad uncontrolled", and even expected it considering how the upcoming generation of men educated upon Lancaster's plan were kept from religious notions and now have a "very general indifference with respect to all religion". No Linnean Society news, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert "enamoured of being in the Chair". Currently preparing two arduous sermons.

Hopes Smith will be able to preside at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Asks if anything has been done about the Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] being elected an Honorary Member of the Society. Forsees "dreadful evils" following the "atrocities which have taken place", makes him lament more the death of [Thomas] Dampier [(1749-1812)].

Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] unanimously elected an Honorary Member at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Fifty-three attended the dinner, including Bishop of Winchester [Brownlow North], Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley, Sir Nash Grose [(1740-1814), judge], Sir George Staunton, Sir Thomas Frankland, Mr Poulter, [Thomas] Woodward, [Dawson] Turner, [John] Davies of Trinity College, [Thomas] Hoy [(c 1750-1822)], [Thomas] Marsham, [Alexander] Macleay, [Lewis Weston] Dillwyn [(1778-1855)], Forster, [William George] Maton, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, Symonds, and [Thomas] Rackett. Account of speeches and toasts. Sorry to see that older members such as [James] Dickson, [John] Fairbairn, and [John] Francillon [(1744-1816), jeweler and naturalist] did not attend either the morning or evening. [Abraham] Rees [(1743-1825)], [Robert] Hodgson, [Thomas Andrew] Knight, and Davies Giddy attended in the morning but not evening, and Sir Abraham Hume, Lord Valentia [George Annesley], and the Bishop of Salisbury [John Fisher] [(1748-1825)] promised to attend in the evening but did not.

Arrived at Rose Castle, [Cumberland], after 5 days "tedious" travel on account of invalids. Has long been wanting to write to Smith about the "variety of portentous matters which have lately engaged all men's minds". His extreme busyness.

"Indefatigable" [George] Don sends Smith "packet after packet of rich stores". Don wants his [Goodenough] opinion on his new 'Avena pubescens' but will submit to Smith instead. All is quiet in this neighbourhood now; the "riots & murders in this part of the world originated in those shameful Parliamentary speeches we have heard of late, and in the intemperate conduct of our Magistrates".

Separate note on identifying features of enclosed specimens.

Three specimens of 'Avena'.

Pleased to hear that Smith is recovering from his fever with medicines and sea air but asks why, given his propensity for fevers, he has not found a preemptive remedy to be applied at the first signs of one. An abundant harvest expected in Cumberland. Has used his entomological knowledge to cure his farmer's fears timing when to bring in the hay after observing that any approach of rain brings out insects such as 'Tabanus pluralis'. Enquires after the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". His given his son, Edmund, Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Glad that Smith is to finish settling the Linnean Society's business with the Prince Regent. It never rains all day in his part of the country. Takes it for granted that America will have to be classed as an enemy but hopes peace will be preserved [War of 1812, fought between Britain and USA over British interests in North America, 1812-1815].

Brief description of 'Gnaphalium sylvaticum' of "Flora Britannica" found whilst walking on an old moor "now unfortunately under the plough". Asks if he was correct regarding 'Astragalus campestris', and [George] Don's 'Carex nivalis'. International affairs: America's "avowed friendship for Buonaparte", Russia's retreat from the French, and Spain's lack of spirit after all the assistance Britain has given.

Warns Smith of the the propensity for botanists to feel slighted, citing examples of Hugh Davies versus [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist], and Stokes versus Goodenough, in informing Smith that it was not Edmund Goodenough but Revd Holmes of Peterhouse, Cambridge, who sent Smith 'Arctium bardana'. [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist] has found a wild simple-leaved ash in a hedge near Pilton, Devonshire, and she has taken measures to preserve it in its location. Does not approve of Smith's name 'Carex rariflora' as it is used for name of a variety of 'limosa', suggests 'nivalis' instead. Arrived in London last week, with gout, but his daughter, Maria, is not worse. Price of posting raised from 3 shillings to 6 shillings per mile for four horses. Dreads discussions about to take place in the new Parliament. Wonders what [Dawson] Turner's intentions are as he has not published anything of his "Fucus" for seven months.

Thanks for Smith's sympathies on death of his clever and resourceful daughter, [Maria]. She was attended to by Dr [Matthew] Baillie, gives an account of her final illness and death: following her recovery from an indisposition which lasted over a year a bilious attack came on which gave way to a low fever and rapid accumulation of water on the chest and in the lungs, leading to instantaneous suffocation. During the fever her pulse was only from 78 to 84. Calomel, draughts, blisters behind the ears and on the scalp, and seed water were all tried. Sir Joseph Banks very ill but thinks his strong constitution will carry him through; the moderate quantities of L'Eau medicinale he has taken have not had their usual relieving effect.

He is busy with ordinations, confirmations, and visitations. Hopes Smith is well.

Forwarding packets [from George Don], from his comfortable retreat; London much busier than usual this year. Comments on how "indefatigable" [George] Don is, "there is no end to his researches", and "would almost suspect that he had sowed seeds of foreigners". Thinks Don mistaken with his 'Anthoxanthum'.

Mr Holme has arrived here and brought 'Rosa rubella' of "English botany" and 'Cistus marifolius', Holme originally though latter was two species, 'C. marifolius' and C. polifolius'; observations on characteristics.

Sends two plants from [George] Don; cannot work out the 'Anthemis', which is near 'A. cotula', and asks if the 'Atriplex' is 'A. alba' of Gmelin.

Encloses fruit of 'Rosa rubella' at request of Mr Holme. Asks Smith's opinion on news from Europe and whether the "step of Austria" will end the war. Query on calyx of 'Rosa rubella' constant?". Suffering from gout in his left arm and hand.

Had heard that Smith is "making a push at Cambridge" [for the Botany Professorship]. Knows no Cambridge people except Smith's friends Davies, Young of Trinity, and Holme of Peterhouse, but has convinced his Dean of Carlisle, [Isaac] Milner [(c 1750-1820), mathematician] that Smith's science "ought to beat down all barriers of doubt & difficulty & academic etiquette". Goodenough uneasy that Smith has Lord Hardwicke [Philip Yorke, 3rd Earl of Hardwicke (1757-1834)] and friends for supporters as there is "always a strong jealousy of them"; advises Smith to base his cause on his "infinite superiority in the science of botany". Having read Smith's account of his headaches fears Smith may be in danger of developing gout seeing as air and exercise neither "mends nor mars" him. Imminent marriage of Goodenough's daughter, Sophia.

His daughter, [Sophia], married on 5 November. Asks if Smith could include all the "perfect plants" furnished by George Don before closing "English Botany". Realises that cryptogamic research is endless, and has never been examined as closely as now by the likes of Smith, [Dawson] Turner, [William Jackson] Hooker, [William] Borrer, and others, but many are not aware of the precise differences defined by Smith. Believes the Allies' delay in crossing the Rhine and taking Antwerp will allow Buonaparte to escape, as he always does.

Sorry to hear of death of George Don and comments how destructive this winter has been; five of his friends have died in the last three weeks. Encloses an appeal from [Patrick] Neill to raise a subscription for Don's widow and "spine-distorted daughter"; questions the likelihood of his proposal for providing a regular maintenance or whether a temporary relief would be more achievable.

Thanks for turkey. Had he known would have contributed to Smith's collection for George Don's widow instead of Patrick Neill's. Fears Neill may have endangered a reasonable subscription by aiming to raise enough for a permanent provision for Don's widow.

Many people, including [Amelia Warren] Griffiths [(1768-1858), algologist], [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist], and Miss Hutchins, are complaining that [Dawson] Turner detains Sir Joseph Banks' collection, does not answer queries, or acknowledge or send back specimens. Many also complain that he has not published any numbers [of his "Fucus"] for over a year. Everyone anxious to see the outcome of Buonaparte's invasion of France but are baffled that after losing two armies of 500,000 each he has been allowed to return with a third army; Goodenough thinks Napoleon's case is "unique in the history of man".

Has been unable to write after falling in icy weather, injuring his hand and leg and developing gout in the former. Hopes Smith received the oysters. Quantity and quality of members of Linnean Society improving but there is a dearth of papers. Thinks Buonaparte is in his last struggle. Everybody "more than complaining" about Dawson Turner and his poor communications. Asks after fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". Has given his son-in-law Mr Lynn, husband of his daughter, Charlotte, a valuable living.

Corrected Smith's papers. Tried to see Lord Sidmouth [Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth (1757-1844)], advises Smith to write to him "without delay" [presumably in reference to Smith's Cambridge botany professor campaign].

Congratulates Smith on his knighthood. Asks whether Smith has published his last number of "English Botany" and ifthe complete index is ready. Asks if [Dawson] Turner has nearly completed his history of 'Fucus'. Received report from his son in Paris, Edmund, on coarsening of French manners and their inferiority to the British in mechanics, for example, they are building a steam engine but no one knows how it works. Perplexed by Abbé Montesquieu's assertion in his speech that "the rigid laws of England would no be borne in France". Heard that Smith saw the fireworks in the Parks from [Alexander] Macleay's house.