Thanks for turkey. Mrs Goodenough and himself have been ill with the "epidemic cold" common in London, she was treated "very dextrously, & most humanely" by Dr [William George] Maton. Linnean Society council meeting called for Wednesday by [Alexander] Macleay but no indication of purpose; Wednesday also the general meeting for the National Schools so unsure of his attendance. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert just called on him "almost out of his wits" about the rarities brought from Mexico by [William] Bullock [(c 1780-1849), naturalist and antiquary] and Bullock's interviews with a great Spanish botanist, who escaped from the gallows of that country, and is the successor of D'Also "of great celebrity".

Thanks for the two volumes of "English Flora". Goodenough doubts the propriety of the Linnean Society opposing the new Asiatic Society's publication of descriptions of oriental productions to stop them from obtaining a charter as they would continue publishing without a charter, and in any case more publications excite more industry. Hopes [Alexander] Macleay did not propose it himself; suspects Joseph Sabine who is "warped by horticultural interests".

Sorry to hear Smith cannot come to London on 4 May. Spent the last three weeks confined with gout and the "epidemic cold". Sir James Graham of Netherby, his nearest Cumberland neighbour, has died after a ten day illness. [Alexander] Macleay has called a Linnean Society council meeting but not indicated its subject. Enjoying Smith's new work ["English Flora"], hopes to live to see the cryptogamia.

Sorry to hear Smith so unwell, offers to take the chair for Linnean Society anniversary meeting. Due to successively dine with [William George] Maton and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Recently saw Sir [Thomas] Cullum, he is in "blooming" health and forwarded Smith's note and enclosure to him. Lambert in dispute with Rodwell and Martin regarding new edition of his work on 'Pinus' and contemplating taken the matter to the Court of King's Bench.

Linnean Society anniversary meeting "went off most pleasantly" with at least ten more in attendance than last year. [William George] Maton, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, Sir Thomas Cullum, Provost of Eton [Joseph Goodall (1760-1840)], President of Horticultural Society [Thomas Andrew Knight], and [Walden Henry] Hanmer all attended but Lord [Edward Smith-]Stanley did not. [William] Anderson [(1766-1846), Chelsea Physic Garden curator] exhibited some plants and [Robert] Brown attended the morning but did not dine. A small species of albatross, a penguin, and another aquatic bird were laid on the table. [Edward] Forster can inform Smith of the finances.

Informed by [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert that after the retirement of the company at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting dinner [Alexander] Macleay, Joseph Sabine, and others stayed in the room to make further speeches in spite of the numerous toasts made by Goodenough; thinks it copies "the habit of low societies [...] and utterly unworthy of the dignity of such a society as ours". Sabine has already given great offence after being chosen a member of their new club, the Athenaeum; did not invite Smith to join as he is so rarely in London but happy to propose him.

The lumbago he suffered from on his journey to Rose Castle has brought on gout. Relates an anecote relating to "the late sweet warbler" Mrs Sheridan and an apothecary. Smith must have enjoyed Sir Thomas Cullum staying.

Rose Castle gardens have suffered much, including goosberries, currants, and plums; a great loss for them living in a lone house so far from a town. Forwarded Smith's letter to Mrs Martin.

Royal Society Copley Medal awarded to Dr [John] Brinkley [(c 1763-1835), astronomer], the opponent of [John] Pond [(1767-1836), astronomer] as to the parallax of fixed stars. They [the Royal Society] cannot be accused of "any partiality to either of these great astronomers" though wishes that Pond's theory was right.

Reports that Mr Plumtree has become a member of the Athenaeum club, which now numbers 990; once 1000 has been reached members will be ballotted. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert's parlour dog bit five of his household; the bitten parts were mostly cut out. Saw Sir Thomas Raffles [(1781-1826), founder of Singapore] yesterday; he looked as though he had not moved since they last saw him.