Encloses certificate nominating [DeWitt] Clinton for FMLS; [David] Hosack also wants him to be a fellow or foreign member of the Royal Society; hopes to be at Linnen Society meeting of 5 May but if there is any chance of Clinton being rejected would prefer he is not proposed.

Cannot justify prison for [Thomas] Marsham when the Linnean Society is "so highly indebted to his assistance". His own "private thoughts & speculations" on Marsham's character and financial history, asks for confirmation from Macleay.

Has been busy writing all winter including business and botanical letters and finishing his part of Rees' "Cyclopaedia", now at 'Yucca'. Interrupted for some weeks by a "very severe & obstinate bowel complaint" that began with vertigo, which many have had this winter, recovered but now labouring under a bad catarrh. Confident about his Cambridge prospects regarding the garden and Walker's lectureships; Dr [Martin] Davy says the new Professor of Physic [John Haviland (1785-1851)] has promised his vote as one of the five trustees and sure of two more, has written to vice-chancellor but has not heard anything for six weeks, if possible would like to give a course of lectures this spring.

Arrangements for visit by Smith to Cambridge [to canvas for botany professorship].