[Alexander] Macleay appointed to the Colonial Secretaryship in Botany Bay, [New South Wales]. Goodenough and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert propose either [Charles] Stokes [(1783-1853), stockbroker] or [James] Bicheno for Macleay's replacement as Linnean Society Secretary. Warns Smith of Joseph Sabine's "spirit of ascendancy" and his influence over [John] Lindley [(1799-1865), botanist].

Thanks for turkey. Prefers [James] Bicheno's appointment as Linnean Society secretary, as [Robert] Brown has "an invincible objection to reading aloud in public", and additionally if Brown is chose the Society will be "thrown into the lap" of the Horticultural Society, which he strongly opposes.

Explains the enclosed "little note" [not extant] written by himself and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Reports that [James] Bicheno will accept the post of Linnean Society Secretary. Thinks [Robert] Brown unsuitable for the position but believes he would make a good President should Smith die or be removed, of which measure "more than a common hint has been thrown out". Goodenough long thought [Alexander] Macleay considered himself "master of the Society" and never troubled himself about the vice-presidents, which led Goodenough to withdraw from attending for several years past. Adds that if Brown were to be Secretary in a similar style to Macleay the Society would become the "cat's paw" of the Horticultural Society.

[Robert] Brown has declined the Linnean Society Secretaryship; it would be a waste of his "great talents". Unsurpised that [Alexander] Macleay should think the Secretaryship undervalued as he made himself President whilst the position by ordering councils without consulting any of the vice-presidents, contrary to the charter. Glad that Smith approves of [James] Bicheno.

Sorry to hear of Smith's loss in India but forwarded his letter to [William] Roscoe; worries about his friends in Madras, where the has been bad cholera. Sir Thomas Raffles [(1781-1826), founder of Singapore] is fitting up Sir Humphry Davy's house to make a large display of natural history specimens. There are many candidates for Linnean Society membership though unsure whether or not they are practical naturalists; has always feared an influx of unscientific persons. Has a "sort of dread" of the Horticultural Society.

Apologises for the trouble caused by [James] Bicheno taking issue with the Council meetings, though unsure why this should be as they are flexible and rarely held [Bicheno had been offered the position of Linnean Society Secretary]. Knows nothing of [Edward] Barnard but dreads "the interference of the busy Horticulturalists". Glad Smith agrees that [Robert] Brown's abilities make him unsuitable for the Secretary position.

Everyone agreed that the Catholic Association [Roman Catholic political organisation established by Daniel O'Connell to campaign for Catholic emancipation] should be put down yet insist on talking about it "forever".

Clarifies that [James] Bicheno never meant to refuse the Linnean Society Secretaryship. Cannot believe the report that [Edward] Barnard is to be appointed as he is too close to [Joseph] Sabine. Informed by [Alexander] Macleay that [Thomas] Marsham escaped repaying "his shameful fraud" in part by Macleay's ordering of Councils so late at night that Goodenough could not attend. Goodenough affronted by Sabine's request to subscribe to Macleay's portrait and a summons to the Society to arrange for it, as he has no authority to do so. Thinks Barnard will do as Sabine directs him.

Apologises for involving Smith in the misunderstandings over appointing a new Linnean Society Secretary; [James] Bicheno was surprised to hear he had apparently refused the position. Objects to [Edward] Barnard on the grounds that he is too close to [Joseph] Sabine, and if made Secretary he would act as [Alexander] Macleay did by being President in all but name. Goodenough objects to Sabine, his habit of provoking disorder in any Society he joins, as at the Athenaeum, and his ordering a committee to discuss a portrait of Macleay when he had no authority to do so. Had hoped for a Secretary no one objected to to be appointed. Believes Sabine is now the effectual manager of the Linnean Society which many will find unpalatable.

Suffering from giddiness brought on by the excessive heat of their "uncommon summer"; initially treated it as proceeding from gout but found his stomach was at fault, took purgatives to counteract the threat of constipation but has observed scybala; blames his heavy work load. The heat's effect on the garden: flowers all destroyed, apricots and peaches have not swelled nor ripened, peas and beans were ready all at once and quickly too old for the table, and oats and barley cramped by the heat, though the corn is promising. The poor manufacturing people do not have work above three days a week.

Thanks for Smith's letter of 18 August and medical advice regarding his giddiness and constipation with scybala. Cumberland weather still unaccountably hot; recalls that at this time of his first year in Cumberland there was still snow on the hills and thick ice but this year the harvest is almost complete. Not surprised Smith has found 'Senecio lividus'; recalls collecting seed of it from Oxford walls and has grown it on the walls at Rose Castle along with 'Antirrhinum cymbalaria', 'Hieracium morurm', 'Tussilago odorata', and 'Asarum europaeum'.

Unsure whether the weavers want of work is due to the manufacturers not having sufficient orders or that machinery has been brought into greater use. No indication of political contest heard yet from the new Lord Thanet [Charles Tufton, 10th Earl of Thanet (1770-1832)], who is not so "red-hot" as his late brother [Sackville Tufton, 9th Earl of Thanet (1769-1825)]. Mrs Goodenough persistent complaints compounded by her "unconquerable dislike to taking remedies & using applications".

Thanks for Smith's letter and medical advice for himself and Mrs Goodenough; she has tried the soft soap for her piles but has suffered so long doubts anything will clear them. Harvest gathered and in very good condition. Electioneering has begun following reports that Parliament is dissolved and Mr Brougham paying up bills for the last election. 'Cacalia suaveolens' grown from mysterious roots in a pot. Dean of Carlisle, [Robert] Hodgson, is a great naturalist but has no garden to cultivate and has little time for exploring. They are experiencing some showers but no sustained rain, hopes this continues for the start of the races on 27 September.

Thanks for third volume of Smith's "English Flora". Has not quite shaken the giddiness he experienced over the summer. Could not see Smith whilst they were both in London as feared aggravating his gout. Sympathises with Smith on death of [Thomas Furly] Forster.