Sorry they could not meet whilst Smith was in London. Besides themselves, a great many fellows of the Royal Society think the Duke of Somerset should be President, but he has declined to go to a poll, and unless Sir Humphry Davy withdraws as a candidate he will not reconsider.

Apologises for not being able to spend more time with Smith and Lady [Pleasance] Smith during their recent stay in Liverpool. About to move to St James's Mount and unsure what course his life will take but hopes it will be removed from "mercantile speculations or the squabbles & quibbles of lawyers". Comments on remarks made by the Chancellor respecting an incident involving his business troubles and an imminent change in law.

Responds to Smith's letter of from Arley Hall [28 July 1820] and thanks for introduction to Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley], whom he first met in London when they helped establish the African Institution. Comments on the curiousness of Mountnorris' East India 'Scitamineae' drawings of, particularly 'Zingiber'. Reminds Smith of a letter he previously wrote on genus 'Thalia', which is still in need of elucidation. Since Smith's departure 'Hedychium angustifolium' has flowered and 'Hedychium excelsum' is about to, and 'Alpinia mutica' for the first time in Britain. Tormented with rheumatism but intends to visit Norwich before winter.

Pleased Smith had such an agreeable tour. His wife died 19 May; "a bitter affliction" to be separated from his companion of 45 years but considering the complaint in her breast, paralysis of left side, and digestion and appetite gone it was a "desireable blessing".

Attended Horticultural Society anniversary meeting and invited by Sir Joseph Banks to visit Spring Grove [Isleworth, Middlesex]. Bank's successor at Royal Society: not canvassed by any candidate; initially objected to Prince Leopold as he lived too far away to be easily consulted and though convinced by his promises to keep a librarian at Marlborough House, to have dinners and evening meetings, and to dedicate £4000 a year to the Society it is said that enmity from "a certain quarter" has induced Leopold to give up his campaign. In London received ten air plants from his nephew, Commodore Bowles, but neglected them and only three are alive, two are 'Epidendrum cochleatum' and other a 'Tillandsia'; saw many at Leddiges but they have no great beauty. Raised several plants from Buenos Aires, [Argentina], but [James] Lee says they are not new having been collected by [Aimé Jacques Alexandre] Bonpland [(1773-1858)] travelling with [Alexander von] Humboldt.

A "profusion of peaches" and his favourite green fleshed Egyptian melon, which he exhibited at Horticultural Society and were so admired that he is saving seed for members. Immediately looked at 'Hypnum resognitum' in [James] Sowerby, the name a good one from singular circumstance of Smith's "refinding it". Dwarf apple trees 4 feet high with fruit brances supported by stakes, chiefly Hemick codlings and Hawthorn clean.

The intelligence Smith sent him is not surprising and wonders at inclination which induced Smith to apply to him, but does not blame Smith for well meant endeavours [subject unclear].

Thanks for seeds, intends to sow the perennials now so they survive the winter under shelter. Thanks for Smith's observations on his plants. Will ask Smith to acquire aquatic and bog plants for him later in the year. Hopes that the Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] will visit. News of learned societies: informed of Royal Society news by [Charles] Babbage [(1791-1871) mathematician], secretary to the "new Astronomical Society", [Annesley] believes this new society will injure the Royal Society; election of [Sir Humphry] Davy as Royal Society president not beneficial, comment on his wife; asks how the Duke of Somerset [Edward Adolphus Seymour] has offended the Horticultural Society. Received letter from [William] Roscoe. The ferns from Trinidad are growing in his garden. Anxious to hear from Dr [Nathaniel] Wallich as there is no news of the plants and seeds collected in the last survey of New Holland [Australia].

Thanks for Smith's letter of 28 August. Discussion of several stately homes: enjoyed Smith's account of the Duke of Rutland's old "magnificent" mansion [Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire ?], unsure why noblemen feel it necessary to rebuild such places but concedes that expensive and extravagant houses help the economy; glad to hear Smith speak well of Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley], never understood "how that scoundrel [John Bellenden] Gawler [(1764-1842), soldier] was let into his house" [in 1796 Annesley won damages from Gawler for committing adultery with his wife]. Asks if Smith had to pay 20 shillings for entry to Whiteknights [Berkshire home of George Spencer-Churchill, 5th Duke of Marlborough]; imagines the 1100 feet long walk of 'Robinia viscosa' must be a wonderful. Shocked by the fall of the once "resplendent" Spencer-Churchills; recalls that his grandfather half ruined himself trying to secure the family and Goodenough thinks the present Duke "below contempt". Glad Smith enjoyed the British portraits in the British gallery. Followed Smith in visiting Claremont [house in Surrey bought for Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold]; Prince Leopold is "so affable, so very civil, so attentative, & withal truly princely".

Agrees with Smith that Sir Humphry Davy will be chosen as new Royal Society president but doubts it can keep its superior status; believes Sir Joseph Banks was wrong allowing the establishment of the Animal Chemistry Society as now only the chemical and algebraical pursuits are left to it, fears consequences of Davy's wife becoming involved.

The trial of the Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV]: shocked by the "filthy memoirs" about her which are appearing, thinks bishops should not be allowed at such recitals; the radical papers call her "pure as unsunned snow [and] spotless innocence"; fears it will continue till his return to London; relates a jest by one of the lords who when compelled to take off his hat to the Queen said "hurrah, the Queen for ever, & may all your wives be like her".

Received Smith's letter of 26 August. Shall proceed with the commentary on the "Hortus Malabaricus", has started arranging the specimens and written a preface giving an account of his journeys in India but feels that the commentary will be of considerable length. Perplexed by a 'Boerhavia' which he previously thought a 'Valeriana chinensis', asks Smith to consult his Mysore specimens for a 'Boerharvia elata' so as to see if a mistake was made. Has found two species of Aspidium, one is 'Aspidium dilatatum' and the other he previously thought to be 'Felix femina' but now cannot identify despite consulting "Flora Britannica", sending specimens. Sorry to hear of [Robert] Brown's difficulties at the British Museum.

Presented a petition for the repeal of the Test Acts before adjournment of Parliament, believes he may be called to bring a motion although he would rather wait for a bill "for the relief of the Catholics". Further discussion of this subject and parliamentary affairs. Remarks that Sir Joseph Banks' will "has been thought to breathe the cold spirit of selfish aristocracy"; abstains from further judgement.

Criticises the Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV] for outraging "all the decencies of which she ought to be the fairest example" but many friends think his opinion "rank treason against injured innocence". Reports that his daughter Fanny wrote from Baden that "[Caroline] had exposed herself everywhere. Bemused that "domestic & party intrigues & politics" are distracting attention "from those questions which are of the greatest zeal" including the "lamentable downfall of those 3 species of legitimate monarchy: Spain, Naples, & Portugal". [George and Caroline married in 1795 and had a fractious relationship. After years of estrangement and accusations of adultery a bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 17 August 1820 to strip Caroline of her title and end her marriage to George IV, prior to his coronation. There was massive popular support for Caroline in the ensuing trial, the bill was eventually withdrawn].

[Note in another hand stating that Fanny, William Smith's daughter, was the mother Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), reformer of nursing]

Forwards copy of a private circular [extant] prepared by a committee of [William] Roscoe's friends detailing scheme to raise funds to buy an annuity for Roscoe, outlines their reasons for not approaching local institutions for funds. Corrects Smith regarding sale of Roscoe's books; the money raised was returned to the subscribers after Roscoe refused the books, and the small part of the library which was purchased was presented to the Athenaeum. Roscoe's opposition to the annuity overcome.

Saw Mr Martin today, all the family well [Smith's brother-in-law].

Handwritten circular dated Liverpool, 8 September 1820 detailing scheme to raise funds to buy an annuity for Roscoe following "the sudden and calamitous reverse [...] in the fortunes of Mr Roscoe" four years ago [2pp].

Forwards an accidently opened letter intended for Smith. Does not think Sir Humphry Davy deserves suspicion of being "a talebearer from the continent"; his accounts agree with those of others and witnesses from Italy disclosing upon oath [in the trial of Caroline (1768-1821), George IV's queen ]. If Davy is chosen as Royal Society president it would be best to support him freely to maintain the dignity of the chair. Hopes Smith is completing the final volume of "Flora Britannica" whilst being kept from London in November.

Disheartened that the Queen's trial has so much left, thinks the country will be corrupted by what has so far been disclosed and from being "a sort of outcast" her stubborness is now causing dissension in the House of Lords.

Thinks [Robert] Brown can only let Sir Joseph Banks' Soho Square house left to him; hopes he has not paid legacy tax on all of it. Banks' heirs and executors "keen as razors"; cites their demands for the machine for weighing matter kept at Royal Society and previously considered a gift. Lady Banks' and heir Sir Edward Knatchbull [9th baronet (1781-1849)] making the most of the £25,000 per annum. Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] cannot get rid of gout in his hand.

Agrees with Smith that the seed-spike of the 'Phleum' he sent is a variety of 'Phleum pratense', even though it differs significantly from wild specimens he and its habit of going to seed soon after being sown make it "valuable to the farmer", discusses further attributes that differentiate it. Hopes to prove his Siberian apricot as a common apricot by obtaining a "prolific raised breed".

Found 'Eltaine hydropiper' growing plentifully in Berkshire; offers to send specimens; reluctant to reveal location.

Following a meeting of [William] Roscoe's "best and staunchest Liverpool friends" they have adopted the plan previously outlined to Smith to secure an annuity for Roscoe; as Roscoe is to visit Holkham [Hall, Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] soon asks that Smith and Coke treat the matter with caution, for reasons Professor Smyth will explain. Roscoe's unselfish nature at this difficult time for him.

Smith has annotated on recto of second folio "sent £50".

Thanks for Smith's letter of 22 September. By Smith's account Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley] "a very much injured man"; recalls how unkind people, including Sir Joseph Banks' and [Thomas] Marsham, were twenty-four years ago [in 1796 Annesley won damages from John Bellenden Gawler (1764-1842), soldier, for committing adultery with his wife]. Agrees it necessary to supporting Sir Humphry Davy for Royal Society presidency, recalls how it suffered in the contest between Banks and [Samuel] Horsley [(1733-1806), bishop of St Asaph].

Does not agree with Smith's disapproval of the proceedings taken against the Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV] and believes that if even a small part of the allegations against her are true it leaves her unsuitable for elevated rank. Thinks Banks' peculiar attitude caused by his extensive travels, observing that travellers in Asia often return "neutralised in their notions of religion" so that Banks', after being interested in such a variety of people, objects, and events, became regardless of any. Would be happy to see "Flora Britannica" finished. The Dean of Carlisle, [Robert] Hodgson, a "zealous botanist". A recently arrived Italian has assured him that Italy is not angry with the Queen for anything except that she should not have engaged with such "a very low fellow as Bergami" [Bartolomeo Bergami, or Pergami, a pretended Milanese baron who became her courier, bodyguard, groom of the bedchamber, and major-domo].

Announces his intention to publish his "History of Birds", which he intends to fund by subscription. Requests Smith's assistance. Received letter from Sir Thomas Cullum informing him of Lady [Mary] Cullum's successful cataract operation.

Written on printed prospectus and list of subscribers for "Latham's History of Birds".

At Smith's request informs him of cost of the new series of "Flora Londinensis"; offers to exchange set of the 18 published numbers, "Musci exotici", and Sternberg's "Saxifrages", for "Flora Graeca". Requests any duplicate exotic specimens from Smith's herbarium. Pleased to see Smith's "Grammar of Botany" announced.

Received Smith's letter from Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Sir Thomas William Coke]. Supposes Smith occupied "by the business which has so long disgraced the house of Lords, but more so everyone of those who have brought such foul matters before them" [probably "trial" of Queen Caroline], his opinion same as Lord Harewood's speech in today's paper and regardless of whatever party is more in the wrong the business in hand is "insanity & is more likely to shake the government than the attempts of the Radicals". Prince Leopold seems to have had "some tiff" with the King [George III (1738-1820)] lately.

His son and daughter-in-law have been placing single trees and shrubs on the lawn "so zealously that the Lady carries various articles, & even digs". His son has renounced foxhunting. His own health generally good but debility and rheumatism leave him helpless at hedges and when shooting has to be pulled through.

His garden thriving: had asparagus on the 3rd and peas today, the former raised in a "pigeon holed frame" invented by McPhail which prevents manure vapours affecting the bed so the produce is sweeter. Disapproves of [Thomas] A[ndrew] Knight's "filthy practice of drenching [his] fig, & his pines, with a mixture of piegons' dung & water the colour of Porter" to guarantee multiple crops from his fig tree, received a letter reporting nine crops in fifteen months. Too few woodcocks this season to prove his theory that only males come over in first flight; encloses exterior quill feathers [not extant] of the male as example, females have a white line running most of the way from the quill to the extremity, small ink sketch illustrating this.

Copying and "tearing out likenesses in paper"; there is much chance in tracing them, encloses example of "old Mrs Warburton, well known in the society at York 30 or 40 years ago", requests its return. Just requested specimen of 'Menziesia caerulea' from Scotland and will attempt to procure 'Menziesia polifolia' through his sister, Lady Roche, in Dublin.

No doubt of Sir Humphry Davy's election as President of the Royal Society. Account of first Linnean Society meeting of the season, attended in "great force", though once the reading of [William Elford] Leach's entomological paper is complete there will be a lack of papers; hopes Smith will be able to supply the gap. Proposes that the Linnean Society lease Sir Joseph Banks' house on expiry of lease of their Gerrard Street rooms; [Robert] Brown is amenable. [Alexander] Macleay detained in Scotland by illness of his daughter, who has scarlet fever. Proposes that Brown's salary is raised and attached solely to his office as Librarian, with "some inferior person" replacing his duties as Clerk.

The Linnean Club met recently but they have lost William Smith's membership, and seceders to the new club have also reduced their numbers.

Cataloguing the Holkham manuscripts [home of Thomas William Coke] taking longer than expected but has revealed the collection's importance; believes a published catalogue would be well received. Lady [Anne Margaret (1779-1843), née Coke] is making copies of some illuminations. Constant use of Codington's balsam has improved his rheumatism from when Smith was here. Duke of Gloucester [Prince William Frederick (1776-1834)] and Duke of Sussex [Prince Augustus Frederick (1773-1843)] expected, current visitors include Sir Ronald Ferguson [(1773-1841), army officer and politician].

Postscript in margin of verso of first folio: beauty of the Coke ladies.

Since last letter received four male woodcocks from an outkeeper and has not seen one dead or alive since. Favourable season for his son's shrub planting; tempertature 52°F today. His son went to York nursery recently and found 'Menziesia caerulea'; proprieter says it is difficult to keep alive. Stopped Duke of Gordon's factotum [James Hoy], brother to [Thomas] Hoy [(c 1750-1822)], the Sion gardener, getting anything from the 'Menziesia caerulea' growing at Inverness.

Asks Smith to recommend a "Genera plantarum" more recent than his Vienna 1767 edition. Request to [James] Dickson for price of cut asparagus 3 November met with "almost a doubt of the possibility of having it so early", but they cut 274 this morning in addition to a regular supply since they began, and in addition it is sweeter than that raised by common process as the pigeon holed frames keeps the manure detached from the bed.