Thanks for Smith's "very kind letter" [of 27 January 1825]. Pays tribute to their 31 years of friendship, during which they have been "intimately known to each other without any misunderstanding or coolness". Forwards delayed letter for Smith from [George] Hibbert [see RelatedMaterial below, requested Smith's recommendation for curator of a botanic garden in Jamaica]; suggests David Don [(1799-1841), botanist] for the post as a means for the Linnean Society to be rid of him.

Thanks Smith for "high compliment" paid to him by Linnean Society [in proposing a portrait be taken of him], only regrets it comes so soon after the subscription for Smith's bust, which raised £190, proud to be the proposer of it. Uncertain what has happened about nomination of [James] Bicheno to succeed him [as Society Secretary].

Confesses he is "not a man of compliments", but Macleay's "wide removal, as it were, to another world [...] seems to excuse & indeed require an opening of heart between us"; pays tribute to their 31-year friendship; urges Macleay to look out for his health, citing recent death of "a most invaluable" nephew of his in India. Hopes to be in London in time to see Macleay, will be giving his first lecture at the London Institution on 2 May [1825], and until then engaged with finishing third volume of his "English Flora".

Recommended David Don [(1799-1841), botanist] to [George] Hibbert [for curator of Jamaica botanic garden]. Will be happy to see [James] Bicheno as new Linnean Society Secretary, though would have been equally pleased with [Edward] Barnard. Delighted with Macleay's son's "most excell[en]t & learned papers".