Received Smith's letter of 29 December. Unable to give a clear answer to Smith's secret request, seemingly to acquire a position in the United States for Smith's nephew, as the King of Portugal [João VI (1767-1826)] has appointed him to lead a royal establishment of the sciences and arts in Brazil, sailing by the February packet.

Sorry to hear Smith disappointed of the oysters he sent, and does not recall the Charles Smyth who remembers him from Oxford. Has attended only one Linnean dinner on account of his gout, they are very well attended and of a high quality. Sir Humphry Davy acquits himself well in Royal Society chair. Not anticipating Parliament having to decide what to do with the Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV], hopes she will not be permitted to "vent her spleen" further. Thanks for turkey.