Received Smith's letter of 30 April [1823], sorry to hear so bad an account of Smith's health, but reassures him that whatever he hears to the contrary, he has "steady friends in the Council". Hopes Smith can attend the audit as it is essenital for the President to attend. Asks if Smith has conferred with anyone about taking office of Secretary. [Antoine] Gouan has been dead several years and his FMLS place filled.

Received Smith's letter of 30 April. Thinks Smith wise to stay in Clapton rather than London, where he would eat and drink more than he is used to. No longer has time to go over papers and only spoke of Latin errors in David Don's [(1799-1841), botanist] 'Saxifrafa' paper from first sight. Although [Richard] Taylor [(1781-1858), publisher] has exculpated himself to Smith over his reading of the hoax paper on robins Goodenough knows he had time to see it and seek advice whether to read it or not. Agrees with most of the Royal Society's statute revisions but uncertain about doubling the admission fee, supposes it may keep applications down and deter "society hunters".

Anticipates Smith's upcoming visit. Sorry Smith has been ill again.