Giving further details and readings of the comet he has been observing.

Comments on how difficult he finds it "to be allowed to mind [his] own business", but concedes difficulty as he works "so much for the publick". Approves of Sowerby's "Life" of his father [James Sowerby], though doubts whether it is proper for the public. He is ill with catarrh, pulmonary inflammation, and weak stomach. Can have no communication with Mr G Leathes and has nothing to say on his plant. Considers the call for Sowerby's accounts respecting "Flora Graeca" a most "impertinent inquistion", "what a curse is law in this country".

FB has seen P. M. Roget and Stephen Groombridge, who both give their support to Charles Babbage's election. FB is very concerned about the lack of an R.S.L. Council meeting when most council members would attend.

Sending a copy of his letter he has sent to J. B. J. Fourier [see JG's 1826-11-22]. Comments on readings and observations of this comet.

Is anxious to talk to JH about the matter of Charles Babbage's election. Believes Babbage being out of town is best, thereby leaving matters in the hands of his friends.

Is not able to accede to HD's suggestion that JH interview J. G. Children. JH now feels that given HD's views, JH must withdraw Charles Babbage's name from nomination for secretary of the R.S.L.

Has heard a report that [Humphry] D[avy] is not prepared to nominate Charles Babbage and that D[avy] would be glad if J. G. Children would become Secretary of the R.S.L. Nonetheless, WF hopes that Davy will change his mind.

Has just returned from collecting information on machines. Regarding the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge. Has met a clockmaker who is able to work on his machine.

Urges JS not to insist on a minor point of dispute about the title of a prospective member. JH feels it is inappropriate and will simply reflect against Charles Babbage, who proposed this person for membership.

In describing the way in which J. G. Children was elected to the secretaryship, JH says 'the matter was irregularly brought by the President before a meeting of eight or nine persons whom he chose to call a council' to meet for a few minutes 'to transmit some business connected with the Treasurer's accounts.' JH feels Humphry Davy's actions will not be excused even by Davy's best friends.

On 23 Nov. in the evening, at what JH calls an irregular meeting of the R.S.L., J. G. Children was elected Secretary, to serve with JH, who had been secretary for some years. JH urges that the R.S.L. and its members must now rise beyond this shabbiness and move ahead.

Informs JH of the need for a short R.S.L. Council meeting.

Offers copy of fourth volume of [Gaetano] Savi's "Botanicum Etruscum" just received from Revd Daniel Lysons [(1762-1834)]. Had not seen anything of "A.S." [Richard Salisbury] in the newspapers so Smith's account was new to him, until seeing report in the 24th October "Morning Herald" that "one of the confidential servants of the Turnham Green Cabbage Garden had decamped, after practicising a long series of frauds upon the pastoral simplicity of his employers" [Salisbury was involved with irregularities in the Horticultural Society's finances].

His sister Vernon has died, but like Sir George Baker [(1723-1809)] "easily and apparently [...] free from pain". Planning to attend Royal Society Charter Day, Horticultural Society, and Linnean Club meetings. His son and family in Paris but doubts he will see Mrs Cullum alive again, they intend to go on to Rome or Pisa.

No summary available.

Dr. [William] French withdrew candidacy for Lucasian Professorship. JH again attests to Charles Babbage's qualifications for that position, which includes seat on Board of Longitude.