Thanks Smith for turkey. News of Sir Joseph Banks: he "seems rather dull" and whilst he joins in any cheerful conversation he does not initiate them; takes Colchicum autumnale as soon as there is any sign of gout, the English preparation having all the effects of the French Eau Medicinal; spends twelve hours a day in bed and twelve out; Lady Banks "fatter than ever", so that Goodenough fears for her health.

Feels compelled to buy [William] Hone's [(1780-1842), political writer and publisher] account of his trial [for blasphemy]. Criticises Dr [Richard] Watson's [(1737-1816), bishop of Llandaff] book ["Anecdotes of the life of Richard Watson"] in part for showing how "weak and vain a great mind becomes, when it becomes absorbed in self importance". Expecting the first six weeks of Parliament to be stormy as strong measures against ministers are being proposed.

Franked Smith's letter to Mr Napier. Hopes Smith had a good class for his lectures in Liverpool. Goodenough was sent a Bristol Gazette containing an extract on Smith's Cambridge pamphlet and erroneous remarks stating that the duty of Cambridge tutors is to find out the truth; in fact it is to teach young people the settled principles of the Establishment. Requests name of enclosed plant [not extant, Smith has annotated 'Sisyrinchium striatum'] and makes observations. Enquires after Smith's Cambridge prospects [for botany professorship]; notes his opponents have taken a firm stand against him.

Death of Sir Joseph Banks' sister, [Sarah Sophia Banks (1744-1818)]; unsure how he and Lady Banks will cope without her as she managed everything at Soho Square. Sends two specimens for identification [not extant]; one used to be called 'Oenothera purpurea' or 'mollissima', the other like a 'Chrysanthemum'. Hears that [John] Barrow [(1764-1848), promoter of exploration] is "triumphing not a little" in the prospect [John] Ross' [(1777-1856), Arctic explorer] expedition [to find the North West Passage]. Will plant 'Corydalis' seeds next spring as Smith sent them so late. Asks if [Edward] Rudge was elected for Evesham, Worcestershire. Supposes [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's brother-in-law, Benett, ruined through electioneering. Strife in Westmorland carrying on with "acrimony".

Thanks for Smith's reply; recalls being given specimen of 'Oenothera purpurea' soon after its first introduction, and not having the new edition of "Hortus Kewensis" was unable to make out 'Chrysanthemum carinatum' but now uncertain whether it and 'Anthemis mixta' are not the same.

Sir Joseph Banks ill with gout but being treated with Sir [Everard] Home's [(1756-1832)] improved medicine, which anyone may now safely take [presumably Colchicum autumnale]. Lady Banks invited Goodenough to look over [Sarah Sophia] Banks' [(1744-1818)] antiquarian collections for disposal. Goodenough believes the King [George III (1738-1820)] is unaware of the Queen's death [Charlotte (1744-1818)].

[John] Barrow [(1764-1848), promoter of exploration] indignant that the captains of the ships of the polar expedition [to find the North West Passage] turned back just as they were about to make the discoveries for which they were sent out. [Edward] Rudge's candidate at Evesham, Worcestershire, came off "with flying colours", comments on hostility now existing between Rudge and Lord Northwick [John Rushout, 2nd Baron Northwick (1770-1859)]. Goodenough thinks he has a specimen of 'Dianthus arenarius' at Rose Castle. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert completely absorbed by botany and does not mention anything of the failure of his brother-in-law, Mr Benett, in the election.