Introduces himself. Encloses specimen of an unknown 'Epilobium' [extant] gathered in the Grampian mountains, Scotland, cannot identify it from third edition of "[Compendium] Flora Britannica". Prasies "Flora Britannica".

Specimen of 'Epilobium'.

Encloses "curious communication" from DeWitt Clinton, Governor of New York, to David Hosack, on wild wheat; the latter wishes it to be read at Linnean Society. Clinton has sent specimens of the wheat but still awaiting receipt. Hosack wishes to join Linnean Society, suggests he does so as FLS rather than FMLS to save time. Pleased to hear [Alexander von] Humboldt and [Jean] Cuvier are proposed FMLS, , not yet received, wishes to become a Linnean member; glad to hear that Humboldt and Cuvier have been proposed, [Augustin] de Candolle should also be proposed.

Clinton a "very great friend to science, a practical naturalist, & of a most amiable character"; transcribes extract from letter by Clinton describing that "as yet clouds of darkness rest upon the Natural science of our Country". Hopes to send Macleay a Norfolk turkey.

Sorry to hear [Thomas] Marsham has been a defaulter to government, "he that was always so loyal, calumniating better men than himself, with all the cockney church & king cant", and compares him to the "great saints in religion, all with some sinister motive". Thinks the Linnean Society should now enforce payment.

He does not have a spare specimen of 'Saxifraga palmata'; it is identical to 'Saxifraga decipiens' in Ehrhart's "Herba exsiccata" and "Fasciscules", plant of same name in "Flora Danica" dubious. Apologises for writing on a single sheet, which is on account of the enormous postal charges. 'Schmidtia subtilis' is entirely new to him and most acceptable.

Two vacancies for FMLS following deaths of [Eugen Johann Christoph] Esper [(1742-1810), entomologist] and Tingry; [Alexander von] Humboldt and [Jean] Cuvier proposed. An additional vacancy has arisen following death of [Nikolaus von] Jacquin; [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is to propose [José Antonio] Pavon, asks if Smith has any preferences other than [Augustin] de Candolle. Sees no problem in Smith signing the FMLS certificates, Sir Joseph Banks does the same at Royal Society.

Unable to support Smith's application in favour of Richard Rees becoming Officer at British Institution, as he no longer takes an active part in meetings.

Objects to DeWitt Clinton's candidature to Royal Society on grounds of his never having lived in England, or being as much a man of science as David Hosack, an American who was accepted on his talents. Believes accepting him in his position as President of the New York Society would set a precedent. Enquires after the Peterson family and wonders whether they have been detained at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] "by the charms of the ladies or the talents of the gentlemen".

Frustrated in his attempts to send Smith a turkey. Comments on death of "good old" [Nikolaus von] Jacquin. "Extremely anxious" that [DeWitt] Clinton be proposed FMLS; praises his introductory discourse in first volume of the New York Society's "Transactions". Prefers [Augustin de] Candolle to be elected next, followed by [José Antonio] Pavon, will write to [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert on the matter, though he is "worried to death with writing letters".

Encloses letters from Colonel [Thomas] Hardwicke and the Archdeacon of Calcutta [Henry Lloyd Loring (c 1784-1822)] introducing himself to Smith. Offers to send seeds and plants for Smith as well as papers for "Linnean Transactions", possible subjects include: [William] Roxburgh's 'Orchis picta' (his 'Chrysobaphus roxburghii', Rumphius' 'Folium petolatum'); two species of [Robert] Brown's 'Broughtonia' which possibly form a distinct genus, (one is Smith's 'Epidendrum praecox'); and his 'Begonia paniculata'. A parcel of seeds has been dispatched for Smith, containing capsules of Smith's 'Rhododendron arboreum'; a new "arborescent species with snow-white flowers"; and his 'Lida aurita'.

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.

Introduces [Nathaniel] Wallich and proposes him as FLS. His official duties prevent him from pursuing his natural history interests. Compliments to [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, [William George] Maton, [Alexander] Macleay, [Thomas] Marsham, [Edward] Rudge, and [Robert] Brown. Considering returning to England on an 1818-1819 ship.

Sends copies of his discourse on opening of the Liverpool Royal Institution for distribution. Details of two courses of lectures by [Thomas Stewart] Traill [(1781-1862), physician], on natural history, and Mr Campbell, on ancient and modern literature, from January to May; invites Smith to lecture in June and July, depending on his engagements. Taking an active part in public concerns of the Institution as a "counterpoise" to his troublesome business matters.

Will assist Smith's nephew, Edward Smith, as much as he can, though has never known so little business. Thanks for two prints of Smith's portraits. Enquires after Dawson and Mrs Turner's plant etchings. Hopes the Smiths will visit. Offers to send seeds of 'Verbascum virgatum'. Obliged for Smith's mention of him in 'Viola' article for Rees' ["Cyclopedia"], mentions 'V. pallum', 'V. fuciforme'. Working on English 'Rubus'; has found earlier botanists have confounded species. Believes [James] Sowerby could publish another 3 numbers of "English botany", excluding the cryptogamia.

Thanks for turkey and Smith's letters of 2 and 11 [January 1818]. Requests certificate for [DeWitt] Clinton's nomination as FMLS; at the last meeting both [Augustin de] Candolle and [José Antonio] Pavon were proposed, so there are now 4 candidates for 3 vacancies; concern at Clinton not attracting enough signatures, encloses note with suggested wording for certificate [extant].

Smith misinformed as to [Thomas] Marsham being a defaulter to government, concerned that the report originated from a statement of his own and explains the situation; no doubt of who Smith heard the information from, and the "sanctuary which has been shown in that quarter against the poor unfortunate man in question has disgusted" many. Impossible nature of the situation; prison only option, which denies all the work Marsham did for the Society.

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].

Introduces Professor [Edward] Everett [(1794-1865)], Professor of Greek Language at [Harvard University], Cambridge, [Massachusetts].

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Hopes Smith will lecture whilst visiting Cambridge. Recommends Dr [Martin] Davy as advisor for Smith. Update on Trinity College members' inclinations: Mr Powell intends to run for professorship and although his knowledge of botany is slight, as a former fellow many other fellows have promised their votes to him, however junior fellows more inclined to vote for Smith. Confident that Powell shall not succeed.

Discussion of melons: should not have dismissed Great Mogul before Smith tried it, and read of a fine variety brought from Persia by Sir Gore Ouseley [1st baronet (1770-1844)] but till he tastes it will stick with the Green Egyptian. Will determine whether the plant he sent Smith is 'Sonchus arvensis var' with seeds he saved. Low barometer readings during recent storm: 28.17 on Wedneday at Thirkleby and 27.95 at Gordon Castle, [Moray], their wind "trifling compared to its fury in the South" and no damage to his house built on hill but skylight and tiles on his son's house in Curzon Street, [London], were damaged and trees uprooted in Chesterfield Gardens.

Trying to find plants unattractive to rabbits and hares after having to cradle 'Pyrus japonica' sent by [James] Lee: has not ascertained whether it is true that they only interfere with transplants and not those sown directly; 'Rhododendron ponticum' grown in the wood, box and privet safe but American bird cherry, 'Hippophae', 'Aucuba japonica' and juniper destroyed. Convinced a neighbouring nurseryman to write his labels in the more durable Indian ink. Surprised to receive letter of thanks from Horticultural Society for the Newton pippin apples he sent to [James] Dickson. Intends to search for ferns and mosses by side of Hambleton, [Yorkshire], believes no botanist has been there before.

Gathering evidence on power of crossbills to kill young rooks; Norfolk Eton boys used to speak of them being shot with bolts. Mentions his son's growing interest in natural history, especially geology, and encloses specimen as example [undisclosed]. His health good but Lady Frankland gradually failing from complaint of several years standing from which none have ever recovered, she is frequently attended by Sir Everard Home and Atkinson of York.

Small sketch in ink of plant detail "'Aspidium thelypteris (from Mr Teesdale) confirms you descrip[tio]ns in "English Botany" by the length of lower leaves, very ill figured by [James] Sowerby".

Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Due to illness unable to undertake next term's Walkerian lectures, asks Smith to deputise for him.