[Alexander] Macleay appointed to the Colonial Secretaryship in Botany Bay, [New South Wales]. Goodenough and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert propose either [Charles] Stokes [(1783-1853), stockbroker] or [James] Bicheno for Macleay's replacement as Linnean Society Secretary. Warns Smith of Joseph Sabine's "spirit of ascendancy" and his influence over [John] Lindley [(1799-1865), botanist].

Thanks for turkey. Prefers [James] Bicheno's appointment as Linnean Society secretary, as [Robert] Brown has "an invincible objection to reading aloud in public", and additionally if Brown is chose the Society will be "thrown into the lap" of the Horticultural Society, which he strongly opposes.

Explains the enclosed "little note" [not extant] written by himself and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert. Reports that [James] Bicheno will accept the post of Linnean Society Secretary. Thinks [Robert] Brown unsuitable for the position but believes he would make a good President should Smith die or be removed, of which measure "more than a common hint has been thrown out". Goodenough long thought [Alexander] Macleay considered himself "master of the Society" and never troubled himself about the vice-presidents, which led Goodenough to withdraw from attending for several years past. Adds that if Brown were to be Secretary in a similar style to Macleay the Society would become the "cat's paw" of the Horticultural Society.