Too unwell with influenza to come to London for 6 May [1823], finds it "mortifying" after having been so well over the winter. Hopes to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting, will stay at [Thomas] Forster's in Clapton, [Middlesex], so as to prepare for the London air, and only the Society will bring him to London this spring, as he must decline visits, sights, and lecturing. Just informed that [Antoine] Gouan of Montpellier, [France], has died. Afraid Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] is ill, he wrote a "very melancholy" letter on death of his granddaughter.

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.

Encloses remarks he published relative to the Cambridge botany professorship [extant]. Smith will also receive a letter and book from Governor [DeWitt] Clinton.

Newspaper clipping from the "The Statesman", New York: Wednesday evening, June 4 1823: discusses Smith's rejection for Cambridge botany professorship and warns America to "take warning by the example of Europe".

Intends to visit Cullum in Bury after visiting his Kindersley cousins at Sunning Hill. Three hundred people attended Horticultural Society dinner. Has the book "Menagiana" mentioned by Cullum, amused and informed by it.

Disappointed to not be able to attend Linnean Society dinner; cannot forget his connection to the Society. Further plans for Smith's visit to Bury. His son and family in Italy, the "unfortunate war with Spain" [Franco-Spanish War] prevents them from returning to Barèges, [France]. Details of the coaches leaving London for Bury.

Met Master Coke [son of Thomas William Coke], recovering from near fatal influenza. Mrs S Stanhope miscarried at 4 months. Has seen Lady Andover; Mr Dickenson; [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, his wife [Catherine] much less disturbed than last year; Mrs Bostock, who says Mrs Martin, [Smith's sister, Fanny], deceived in Mr Martin's business abilities; the Sims; visited Dr Baillie, who is ill, prescribed opium for his complaint. Ages of various friends.

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.

His visit to Sunninghill, [Berkshire], to visit his cousins [the Kindersleys]; the children. Attended last Linnean Society meeting of the season. Botanised at Soho Square and saw Belzoni's "famous sarcophagus" at the British Museum. Regathered his strength following cholera attack with milk and rose conserve. His time at Upton and Hale's End, [Essex], with the Forsters: attended a Quaker's meeting at Plaistow, [Essex]; saw Mr and Mrs Dimsdale. Invited by [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] to discuss his bust.

Sir Thomas and Lady Cullum "tolerably well", though Sir Thomas had an eruption in his legs. Account of remainder of his time in London, including his meeting with [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor]; breakfasted with [Thomas] Forster, who is forced to give up Bleak Hall; attended dinner at Mr Malkin's. Visited Ickworth and Mr Barnwell with Lady Cullum; too much Portugal laurel.

[Letter incomplete: folio[s] presumed destroyed]

Enquires lowest price of "Flora Graeca". Anxiously awaiting publication of "English flora", hopes it is before second edition of his "Flora Scotia".

Received copy of Smith's "Defence of the Church and Universities of England". Currently engaged in an "important Chancery-suit". Offers to show Smith the manuscripts of [John] Stackhouse. Wwriting a commentary on the reminiscences of Charles Butler, including Butler's opinion of Gray. Asks Smith's opinion on the 'Acanthus' of Virgil as described by Barker in the notes of [Charles] Symmons' [(1749-1826), poet and biographer] translation of Virgil. Comments on [Johann Heinrich] Voss's translation of Virgil and effect on opinions of German botanists. Sends two pamphlets, one against Blomfield and Monk, and the other on Greek independence.

Thanks for present of book [unnamed but possibly "An Introduction to Physiological and Systematical Botany"] which she hopes to read with her young people, "happens the very thing that I should like for them to amuse and to instruct at the same time".

Glad Smith accepted the unscientific collection of Australian plants from a "young Lieutenant of the Royal Navy" despite their faults, the collection included shells for himself and insects for [Alexander] Macleay. Has further dried plants to send to Smith. Received plants from [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert at Boyton. Bad weather, according to Herschel the next moon ought to be more favourable. Planning to visit Ireland in October for first time in five years. Received plants from Cordilleras, Trinidad, including the vegetable "arracacha", but has no guidance on growing it so keeping it in the hothouse. Expecting plants from [Nathaniel] Wallich including his whole collection of bulbs and 'Scitamineae', his [Annseley's] collections of both "now pretty rich". Gratified to receive seeds from Smith, especially as they had the Bishop of Norwich's [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] frank whom he believed was dead [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. His son Lord Valentia has become a "florist".

Thanks for letter from Smith and enclosure for [George] Sinclair, which he has delivered. Pleased to hear of improvement in Smith's health; amendment of his own health goes on slowly. Pleased to hear that Lady Ann Coke [second wife of Thomas William Coke] take so much interest in botanical and horticultural pursuits.

Returns letters, which "scarcely contained anything of interest enough for a regular translation".

Charged by [Nathaniel] Wallich to inform Smith of his successful explorations in the East: he has gathered a "glorious" collection of plants from Singapore, Penang, and Nepal for the East India Company, including 3000 new species, nearly 200 of which are ferns. Received Nepalese seeds from Wallich but [John] Shepherd [(c 1764-1836)] of the Liverpool Botanic Garden has not expressed an interest in them.

Suffering from a nervous debility caused by overwork; fears he will be unable to take up invitation to Norfolk. Preparing to publish a memoir of Monandrian plants and would like Smith's opinion on his figures. Received letter from [Nathaniel] Wallich giving an account of his expedition to Nepal and Singapore, the diseases he suffered, and the "immense acquisitions" he has made, which form the most valuable collection of living plants the Liverpool Botanic Garden has ever received, including 'Scitamineae' roots which are already shooting thanks to being packed in moss; he did not have time to write to Smith. Rejoices with Smith on marriage of his "amiable niece".

Visited Rev [John] Mitford, " a most liberal clergyman, learned & accomplished, a great friend of liberty, & a venerator of [Roscoe] & all [his] works", whilst staying with Lady [Pleasance] Smith's aunt in Saxmundham, [Suffolk]; he has a "choice garden" and a fine library, and is an elegant poet; offers Roscoe "important" papers on [Alexander] Pope.

Hopes to meet Roscoe at Holkham, [Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke], where he can see Coke's "truly worthy lady" [Anne Amelia, nèe Keppel (1803-1844), Coke's recently married second wife]; dates for his intended visit; will attempt to introduce Mitford. Eager to discuss 'Scitamineae' plants with Roscoe. So pressed by his "[English] Flora" that he will have to work on the index at Holkham; currently on roses and briars.