Sorry that [Robert] Brown has declined Secretaryship of the Linnean Society, as he would have "done so much honour to the Society"; [James] Bicheno is willing to accept the post if offered; [Edward] Barnard also expressed an interest, but majority of Council favours Bicheno. Departure of [Alexander] Macleay a "great loss" for the Society but the colony [New South Wales] will benefit, as "such a man is much wanted there"; [Joseph] Sabine has been called out on his proposed portait of Macleay.

He has moved to Hale End, [Essex], invites Smith to stay when next in London.