Proposed by some of [William] Roscoe's best friends at Liverpool to raise a subscription to buy a £5,000-£6,000 annuity for him in recognition of his contributions to the city; asks Smith to interest [Thomas William] Coke, "the manly supporter and vindicator of all that is liberal in public and private life", in the fund. Roscoe's oppostion to the scheme has been overcome.

No summary available.

Sends concluding proof sheet of first volume [of "A selection of the correspondence of Linnaeus" (1821)]. Discusses composition of preface. He has an abundance of letters ready for the second volume.

Relieved at success of Lady Cullum's cataract operation. Detailed account of his and Lady Smith's tour following death of their mothers: stayed with [Thomas Furly] Forster in Clapton, [Essex], friends in Blackheath, [Kent], and in London near [Archibald] Menzies; dined at Oxford with Dr [George] and Miss Williams, but disappointed to not find any letters from Linneaus to Dillenius; visited Lichfield cathedral and admired [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey's [(1781-1841)] monument to two grandchildren of the present dean; stayed a month in Liverpool, where his lectures were "numerously & brilliantly attended", the botanic garden was in "rich & fine order" with impressive collection of 'Scitamineae' and exotic ferns, 'Nepenthes destillatoria' grown from seed, 'Paris polyphylla' and two new 'Cypripedium' from Nepal, and abundance of hardy plants such as 'Arenaria', [William] Roscoe ardent in his study of 'Scitamineae'; visited Crewe Hall, a perfectly preserved "fine old mansion" of James I's time; visited Mr Tolbett, a great agriculturist, his wife a good botanist; went to Buxton and Bakewell via Leek and visited the Duke of Rutland's uninhabited Haddon Hall; stayed at his brother's Dunston Hall near Chesterfield; visited Sheffield and Dr Young; spent a fortnight at Matlock botanising in the hills; took new road by Derby, Lichfield, and Dudley to Arley near Bewdley to stay with Lord Mountnorris [George Annessley], rich botanic garden and antiquarian collections; stayed near Birmingham; saw Hagley, Kennilworth Castle, Warwick Castle, Amersham, Windsor, and Wick Hall where the Kindersleys are staying for summer; visited Whiteknights for the day "which is well kept, & shown for the benefit of the Duke of Marlborough's creditors" [George Spencer-Churchill]; and stopped by Claremont for Prince Leopold to sign the Linnean Society Charter Book, "he is quite a practical botanist"._x000D_

Received request from [Nathaniel Shirley] Hodson [(fl 1800s-1830s)] to subscribe two guineas for his proposed botanic garden at Bury, asks if Cullum takes an interest. Visiting Holkham soon [Norfolk home of Thomas William Coke].

Suffering from gout in all his limbs and the "various satellites of old age". Enquires after progress of Smith's "British Flora in English". Asks if Smith has seen his "Welsh Botanography", lists recommended pages. Asks Smith to read the Preface and advise on worth of adding the British or Welsh name to each subject in Smith's work, as [Thomas] Johnson [(c 1600-1644) apothecary] attempted in his edition of [John] Gerard's [(1545-1612) barber-surgeon] ["Herball"] and John Davies' [(c 1567-1644) Welsh lexicographer] "Dictionarium Duplex". A new habitat for 'Serapis ensifolia', found in flower, in May, on Snowdon.

Lady Cullum's cataract operation a success: performed in under five minutes with no pain and before the intense heat of June which would have complicated her recovery. Operation took place same day as Sir Joseph Banks' death, 19 June. Observations on possible 'Dianthus virgineus' grown from seed collected on Lake Garda and mentioned in last letter, it is figured in "Botanical Magazine" tab.1740. Thinks [Nathaniel Shirley] Hodson's [(fl 1800s-1830s)] botanic garden at Bury "a romantic scheme" but has subscribed two guineas and though Hodson is unqualified and "quite an amateur of flowers" he has occassionally procured curious and scarce plants.

Prior to operation Lady Cullum's eyes were treated with drops of infusion of leaves of 'Atropa belladonna', some oculists also use 'Datura stramonium' and 'Hyoscyamus'; believes [John] Ray confounded the effects of 'belladonna' and 'datura' in "Syn[opsis methodica stirpium Britannicarum] p.266", though it now turns out both dilate the pupils [Smith has annotated "Ray caused this confusion - compare ed. 2 & 3"]. Did not see [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert before he left London, little hope of Mrs [Catherine] Lambert's recovery. Invites the Smiths to visit Bury in October.

Mary Cullum adds postscript, in her own hand, sending her love to the Smiths.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Sorry they could not meet whilst Smith was in London. Besides themselves, a great many fellows of the Royal Society think the Duke of Somerset should be President, but he has declined to go to a poll, and unless Sir Humphry Davy withdraws as a candidate he will not reconsider.

Apologises for not being able to spend more time with Smith and Lady [Pleasance] Smith during their recent stay in Liverpool. About to move to St James's Mount and unsure what course his life will take but hopes it will be removed from "mercantile speculations or the squabbles & quibbles of lawyers". Comments on remarks made by the Chancellor respecting an incident involving his business troubles and an imminent change in law.

Responds to Smith's letter of from Arley Hall [28 July 1820] and thanks for introduction to Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley], whom he first met in London when they helped establish the African Institution. Comments on the curiousness of Mountnorris' East India 'Scitamineae' drawings of, particularly 'Zingiber'. Reminds Smith of a letter he previously wrote on genus 'Thalia', which is still in need of elucidation. Since Smith's departure 'Hedychium angustifolium' has flowered and 'Hedychium excelsum' is about to, and 'Alpinia mutica' for the first time in Britain. Tormented with rheumatism but intends to visit Norwich before winter.

Pleased Smith had such an agreeable tour. His wife died 19 May; "a bitter affliction" to be separated from his companion of 45 years but considering the complaint in her breast, paralysis of left side, and digestion and appetite gone it was a "desireable blessing".

Attended Horticultural Society anniversary meeting and invited by Sir Joseph Banks to visit Spring Grove [Isleworth, Middlesex]. Bank's successor at Royal Society: not canvassed by any candidate; initially objected to Prince Leopold as he lived too far away to be easily consulted and though convinced by his promises to keep a librarian at Marlborough House, to have dinners and evening meetings, and to dedicate £4000 a year to the Society it is said that enmity from "a certain quarter" has induced Leopold to give up his campaign. In London received ten air plants from his nephew, Commodore Bowles, but neglected them and only three are alive, two are 'Epidendrum cochleatum' and other a 'Tillandsia'; saw many at Leddiges but they have no great beauty. Raised several plants from Buenos Aires, [Argentina], but [James] Lee says they are not new having been collected by [Aimé Jacques Alexandre] Bonpland [(1773-1858)] travelling with [Alexander von] Humboldt.

A "profusion of peaches" and his favourite green fleshed Egyptian melon, which he exhibited at Horticultural Society and were so admired that he is saving seed for members. Immediately looked at 'Hypnum resognitum' in [James] Sowerby, the name a good one from singular circumstance of Smith's "refinding it". Dwarf apple trees 4 feet high with fruit brances supported by stakes, chiefly Hemick codlings and Hawthorn clean.

The intelligence Smith sent him is not surprising and wonders at inclination which induced Smith to apply to him, but does not blame Smith for well meant endeavours [subject unclear].

Delighted to hear of Lady Cullum's successful operation. Sending seeds from Paris to [Nathaniel Shirley] Hodson [(fl 1800s-1830s), founder of Bury botanic garden] but will not subscribe to the garden. Discusses the confusion between 'Atropa belladonna' and 'Datura' in second edition of [John] Ray's "Synopsis" caused by repetition of an error by Dillenius. Confirms he gathered 'Dianthus virgineus' on Mount Cenis exactly like in "Botanical Magazine" t.1740. Unable to accept Cullum's invitation to Bury. Last saw Sir Joseph Banks a month before he died and he was "quite easy about the event, which he knew could not be far distant". Received letter from Sir Thomas Gage from Castel a Mare, near Naples, they are in "perfect safety, though living in the midst of a revolution". Mrs [Catherine] Lambert not better since moving into the country.

Is grateful for his paper, which he has communicated to A. J. Fresnel. Health has been bad so has confined his researches to physiology. Has won the prize of the Academy for his paper on vertebrates. Will send JH a copy. Not much happening as everyone is in the country.

Thanks for seeds, intends to sow the perennials now so they survive the winter under shelter. Thanks for Smith's observations on his plants. Will ask Smith to acquire aquatic and bog plants for him later in the year. Hopes that the Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)] will visit. News of learned societies: informed of Royal Society news by [Charles] Babbage [(1791-1871) mathematician], secretary to the "new Astronomical Society", [Annesley] believes this new society will injure the Royal Society; election of [Sir Humphry] Davy as Royal Society president not beneficial, comment on his wife; asks how the Duke of Somerset [Edward Adolphus Seymour] has offended the Horticultural Society. Received letter from [William] Roscoe. The ferns from Trinidad are growing in his garden. Anxious to hear from Dr [Nathaniel] Wallich as there is no news of the plants and seeds collected in the last survey of New Holland [Australia].

Thanks for Smith's letter of 28 August. Discussion of several stately homes: enjoyed Smith's account of the Duke of Rutland's old "magnificent" mansion [Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire ?], unsure why noblemen feel it necessary to rebuild such places but concedes that expensive and extravagant houses help the economy; glad to hear Smith speak well of Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley], never understood "how that scoundrel [John Bellenden] Gawler [(1764-1842), soldier] was let into his house" [in 1796 Annesley won damages from Gawler for committing adultery with his wife]. Asks if Smith had to pay 20 shillings for entry to Whiteknights [Berkshire home of George Spencer-Churchill, 5th Duke of Marlborough]; imagines the 1100 feet long walk of 'Robinia viscosa' must be a wonderful. Shocked by the fall of the once "resplendent" Spencer-Churchills; recalls that his grandfather half ruined himself trying to secure the family and Goodenough thinks the present Duke "below contempt". Glad Smith enjoyed the British portraits in the British gallery. Followed Smith in visiting Claremont [house in Surrey bought for Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold]; Prince Leopold is "so affable, so very civil, so attentative, & withal truly princely".

Agrees with Smith that Sir Humphry Davy will be chosen as new Royal Society president but doubts it can keep its superior status; believes Sir Joseph Banks was wrong allowing the establishment of the Animal Chemistry Society as now only the chemical and algebraical pursuits are left to it, fears consequences of Davy's wife becoming involved.

The trial of the Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV]: shocked by the "filthy memoirs" about her which are appearing, thinks bishops should not be allowed at such recitals; the radical papers call her "pure as unsunned snow [and] spotless innocence"; fears it will continue till his return to London; relates a jest by one of the lords who when compelled to take off his hat to the Queen said "hurrah, the Queen for ever, & may all your wives be like her".

Received Smith's letter of 26 August. Shall proceed with the commentary on the "Hortus Malabaricus", has started arranging the specimens and written a preface giving an account of his journeys in India but feels that the commentary will be of considerable length. Perplexed by a 'Boerhavia' which he previously thought a 'Valeriana chinensis', asks Smith to consult his Mysore specimens for a 'Boerharvia elata' so as to see if a mistake was made. Has found two species of Aspidium, one is 'Aspidium dilatatum' and the other he previously thought to be 'Felix femina' but now cannot identify despite consulting "Flora Britannica", sending specimens. Sorry to hear of [Robert] Brown's difficulties at the British Museum.

Presented a petition for the repeal of the Test Acts before adjournment of Parliament, believes he may be called to bring a motion although he would rather wait for a bill "for the relief of the Catholics". Further discussion of this subject and parliamentary affairs. Remarks that Sir Joseph Banks' will "has been thought to breathe the cold spirit of selfish aristocracy"; abstains from further judgement.

Criticises the Queen [Caroline (1768-1821), wife of George IV] for outraging "all the decencies of which she ought to be the fairest example" but many friends think his opinion "rank treason against injured innocence". Reports that his daughter Fanny wrote from Baden that "[Caroline] had exposed herself everywhere. Bemused that "domestic & party intrigues & politics" are distracting attention "from those questions which are of the greatest zeal" including the "lamentable downfall of those 3 species of legitimate monarchy: Spain, Naples, & Portugal". [George and Caroline married in 1795 and had a fractious relationship. After years of estrangement and accusations of adultery a bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 17 August 1820 to strip Caroline of her title and end her marriage to George IV, prior to his coronation. There was massive popular support for Caroline in the ensuing trial, the bill was eventually withdrawn].

[Note in another hand stating that Fanny, William Smith's daughter, was the mother Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), reformer of nursing]

Forwards copy of a private circular [extant] prepared by a committee of [William] Roscoe's friends detailing scheme to raise funds to buy an annuity for Roscoe, outlines their reasons for not approaching local institutions for funds. Corrects Smith regarding sale of Roscoe's books; the money raised was returned to the subscribers after Roscoe refused the books, and the small part of the library which was purchased was presented to the Athenaeum. Roscoe's opposition to the annuity overcome.

Saw Mr Martin today, all the family well [Smith's brother-in-law].

Handwritten circular dated Liverpool, 8 September 1820 detailing scheme to raise funds to buy an annuity for Roscoe following "the sudden and calamitous reverse [...] in the fortunes of Mr Roscoe" four years ago [2pp].

Forwards an accidently opened letter intended for Smith. Does not think Sir Humphry Davy deserves suspicion of being "a talebearer from the continent"; his accounts agree with those of others and witnesses from Italy disclosing upon oath [in the trial of Caroline (1768-1821), George IV's queen ]. If Davy is chosen as Royal Society president it would be best to support him freely to maintain the dignity of the chair. Hopes Smith is completing the final volume of "Flora Britannica" whilst being kept from London in November.

Disheartened that the Queen's trial has so much left, thinks the country will be corrupted by what has so far been disclosed and from being "a sort of outcast" her stubborness is now causing dissension in the House of Lords.

Thinks [Robert] Brown can only let Sir Joseph Banks' Soho Square house left to him; hopes he has not paid legacy tax on all of it. Banks' heirs and executors "keen as razors"; cites their demands for the machine for weighing matter kept at Royal Society and previously considered a gift. Lady Banks' and heir Sir Edward Knatchbull [9th baronet (1781-1849)] making the most of the £25,000 per annum. Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] cannot get rid of gout in his hand.