Long break in their correspondence. Publication of "Linnean Transactions" vol 14, lack of papers at Linnean Society meetings, requests one from Smith. Delay in last part of previous "Transactions" volume occasioned him "more vexation" than he can express; he is "most heartily sick of the Secretaryship" and asks that Smith consider a replacement; David Don's [(1799-1841), botanist] progress [as Society Clerk]. Several objectives he would like to complete before leaving office: a subscription for a bust of Smith, though fears he will not have much good will on this, having brought forward so many other subscriptions; a general index to "Linnean Transactions"; and to put the Society's funds on a better footing, proposals for this, asks Smith to chase up money bequeathed by Natural History Society [Society for Promoting Natural History, precursor to Linnean Society].

[Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mrs [Catherine] Lambert both unwell, when he took the Chair he "appeared as if he were mad", which was much commented on by Fellows, asks Smith to ensure [William George] Maton takes the Chair when the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough] cannot attend. His daughter ill.

[Aylmer Bourke] Lambert and Mrs [Catherine] Lambert both much better since he last wrote to Smith. Efforts being made to receive funds from Natural History Society [Society for Promoting Natural History, precursor to Linnean Society]. Smith's proposal to charge for next volume of "Linnean Transactions" not suitable.

Council thinks [Francis] Hamilton's 10 long papers on "Hortus Malabaricus" too long for "Linnean Transactions", they ask that Smith to write to Hamilton for them to be compressed as much as possible. Has no doubt that Smith's "English flora" will be "anxiously sought after" but recommends publishing it all together, in consideration of "Flora Britannica" not having been finished. Recommends Smith seek out Edmund Goodenough's [(1785-1845), headmaster] own copy of "Flora Britannica" with extensive manuscript notes. His daughter recovering from her illness.

Asks directions for forwarding [Joseph] Sabine's supplemental paper on Chrysanthemums for Smith's observations, at request of Linnean Society Council.

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.

Has taken efforts to arrange Linnean Society Council meeting for Monday evening, hopes Smith will be able to attend. Understands from [Robert] Brown that Smith does not think the Linnean Society should interfere with the Asiatic Society, but as the Council unanimously agreed to oppose their charter feels it his duty to do what he can to fulfil the instruction, as should Smith, asks that he write to the Attorney General on the matter.