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[Thomas] Marsham agrees with Smith that [John] Symmons is the "fittest man" for Linnean Society's new vice-president, but he [Macleay] is sorry "none more fit can be found"; Symmons has scarcely attended for several years and "his object in attending since the death of poor Dryander is too evident to require any notice", but he cannot think of any better candidate, considering Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] absences; concerned Symmons will not be agreeable to the other vice-presidents.

Is attending John Playfair's lectures in mathematics; talks of plans to come to Cambridge.

Defends his choice of [John] Symmons for Linnean Society's new vice-president.

Does not think [William Elford] Leach's vote of censure should be rescinded [Leach initiated a campaign to blackball William Bullock (c 1773-1849), naturalist and antiquary, at the Linnean Society]; intends to give him "a good lashing by letter". Hopes Macleay informed [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist] of what he wrote [apologising for thinking Donovan implicated in Bullock dispute] but reminds him that Donovan "is not clear of misrepresentation as to Hugh Davies" [Donovan was also involved in a dispute with Davies]. Would not approve of [Edward] Rudge for vice-president, and [George Annesley's] absence is an "insuperable objection", additional to "some might find other reasons against him, better kept out of sight".

Dreads a winter journey; he is rheumatic, though freer than usual from his "teazing autumnal headaches".

Smith's reply to Goodenough's letter dated 9 November 1810. Confident of the King's [George III (1738-1820)] recovery but waits for the "authentic declaration of the physician's opinion". Agrees with Goodenough's eulogy of [Jonas] Dryander's character. [Alexander] Macleay and [Thomas] Marsham agree with Smith in proposing [John] Symmons for Dryander's replacement as vice-president. Death of Lady East, is suffering from dropsy, is imminent; praises her character. Profits by society of Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. [Robert] Brown is Dryander's replacement as Sr Joseph Banks' librarian. Hopes [new edition of] "Hortus Kewensis" will continue.

Impossible to find one single person to fill all the roles [Jonas] Dryander performed, especially someone with knowledge of all Sir Joseph Banks' collections. Proposes [Thomas] Marsham as Dryander's replacement for vice-president of the Linnean Society, citing example of the Royal Society Treasurer who is always a vice-president. Thinks Smith's choice of [John] Symmons unsuitable as he has discontinued his attendance at the Linnean Society for years and no longer has a strong interest in natural history. Believes Marsham expects to be appointed.

Resolved a dispute between [William Elford] Leach and [William] Bullock [(fl 1790s-1840s)] at the Linnean Society, in part by giving a sketch of the origin of the Society, owing its stability to "never admitting society hunters, but only practical men who would have an interest in its welfare". One party wanted to propose a vote of censure and put it to the ballot on the same night, "quite illegal". The matter was settled after Leach wrote a letter of apology.

Smith's reply to Goodenough's letter dated 5 December 1810. Thanks Goodenough for his "most judicious & able conducting" of the last Linnean Society meeting [resolving a dispute between William Elford Leach and William Bullock (fl 1790s-1840s)]. Agrees that [Thomas] Marsham is the best candidate for vice-president of the Society but is hurt that Marsham has hinted to others he expects to be appointed, despite having previously rejected the office. Intends to postpone the appointment of a vice-president and would like Marsham to explicitly state his desire for the role. Goodenough should put anyone he thinks suitable into the Council except [John] Symmons, lest it fuel rumours of his being appointed vice-president. Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] moving to London soon having bought a house in Welbeck Street.

Clarifies that [Thomas] Marsham has not positively said he wants the appointment of vice-president of Linnean Society; Goodenough has only inferred that he wants it. States Marsham's qualities for the position against [John] Symmons' unsuitability. Possible attack of gout coming on. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is getting better and had "no alientation of mind" for the greatest part of the week. Considers the King a personal friend after he took the whole responibility of Goodenough's appointment as Bishop of Carlisle.

Sending plants; 'Icones inedita'; accounts; Miss Watson has sent specimens of the 'Meum'.

Requests Smith's assistance in finding a builder to rebuild the Parsonage House at his friend's Rev Trivett's new living near Yarmouth, Norfolk. Recalls seeing 'Mespilus germanica' in Sussex, compares it to figures in several works and concludes that the one in "English Botany" is a cultivated variety. Asks why [Thomas] Martyn has not been mentioned in "Hortus Kewensis" as the publisher of [Philip] Miller's "Gardener's Dictionary". [James] Donn [(1758-1813) gardener] is publishing another edition of "Hortus Cantabrigiensis".

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Returns proof sheet [of William Jackson Hooker's paper on 'Andraea'] with an added 'Menziesia'. Warns Macleay not to mention "the private anecdote" from India, which he believes false. Pleased Macleay approves of his plans about the vice-president.

Introduces Baron Ch[ristian] von Vietinghoff, who wishes to become FMLS. He has created a catalogue of the plants of the Moscow Botanic Garden; had diploma of their Moscow Society sent to Smith some time ago; planning a new edition of his "Flora Germaniae", requests most recent issues of "English botany".

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Thanks for turkey, the "chief decoration of our Christmas dinner". [Robert] Brown engaged on "Hortus Kewensis". Lady Banks is better, and Banks' gout medicine continues to work, although [Samuel] Goodenough refuses to take it.

Roscoe's paper [see RelatedMaterial below] has occupied all the meetings of the Linnean Society this season butis now finished. Death of [Jonas] Dryander a "great loss to us all in his way". Keen to get his part of [Abraham] Rees' "Cyclopedia" forward, till [William Fitt] Drake can relieve him from part of it, who is now ordained and is settling near him in January; asks if Roscoe has seen his biographies of famous botanists.

Enjoying good health this winter. Expects to see Roscoe take his seat again in Parliament under a new ministry. Invites Roscoe to come to Norfolk and visit Holkham [home of Thomas William Coke] for the pictures, statues, drawings, books, and charming company. Sends via Mr J Thornley. [William] Roxburgh has described all the East Indian 'Scitamineae' according to Roscoe's system.