Introduces Charles [Lucien] Bonaparte, [2nd] Prince of [Canino and] Musignano [(1803-1857)], who has been residing in the United States studying natural history. Bonaparte has updated [Alexander] Wilson's ["American Ornithology"] and collected an extensive collection of American insects. Asks that he be made a member of the Linnean Society. Has received third volume of Smith's ["English flora"] including copy for "Lyceum of Natural History".

Comments on how difficult he finds it "to be allowed to mind [his] own business", but concedes difficulty as he works "so much for the publick". Approves of Sowerby's "Life" of his father [James Sowerby], though doubts whether it is proper for the public. He is ill with catarrh, pulmonary inflammation, and weak stomach. Can have no communication with Mr G Leathes and has nothing to say on his plant. Considers the call for Sowerby's accounts respecting "Flora Graeca" a most "impertinent inquistion", "what a curse is law in this country".

Offers copy of fourth volume of [Gaetano] Savi's "Botanicum Etruscum" just received from Revd Daniel Lysons [(1762-1834)]. Had not seen anything of "A.S." [Richard Salisbury] in the newspapers so Smith's account was new to him, until seeing report in the 24th October "Morning Herald" that "one of the confidential servants of the Turnham Green Cabbage Garden had decamped, after practicising a long series of frauds upon the pastoral simplicity of his employers" [Salisbury was involved with irregularities in the Horticultural Society's finances].

His sister Vernon has died, but like Sir George Baker [(1723-1809)] "easily and apparently [...] free from pain". Planning to attend Royal Society Charter Day, Horticultural Society, and Linnean Club meetings. His son and family in Paris but doubts he will see Mrs Cullum alive again, they intend to go on to Rome or Pisa.

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.

Smith's ["English Flora"] will fulfill a "desideratum in the botany of this country that no other hand could have supplied". Discusses forthcoming numbers of his "Monandrian Plants", including: 'Maranta divaricata'; 'Phrynium parkeri'; 'Thalia geniculata'; compared 'Phrynium myrosma' with 'Myrosma canniformis' from Smith's herbarium and identified error by [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow who should have named 'Phrynium capitatum' 'Myrosma capitata'.

Received from Demarara preserved flower of largest 'Amomum', conludes it is the melegueta pepper, or grains of paradise; observations. Committed to finishing his work before visiting Smith. Anxious about Dawson Turner's health. Unsure of reaction to his 'Matonia', which will unite the "finest aromatic plants of the Easter and Western Hemisphere"; asks Smith to review his materials.