No summary available.

Had intended not to ignore winter weather during his tour of Scotland but forced to stay several days with [James] Brodie due to heavy snow and to go to the coast instead of further inland. Smith praised by the botanists he meets. Brief itinerary of places he has visited: Mull, Staffa, Skye, Sutherland, Caithness. Death of "J G".

Has sent Smith's letters to "poor Thompson" and commiserates with his apparent frequent misfortunes [possibly Thomas Perronet Thompson (1783-1869), the first governor of Sierra Leone to be appointed by the Crown in 1808, he was recalled in 1810 for exposing the former poor management of the colony]. Glad that Smith does not want him to exert himself for "the other extraordinarily knowing fool", reports a comment made in House of Commons on matter. Sorry he was not of the party in "the so well described library" [probably Thomas William Coke's library at Holkham, Norfolk], jokes that he would have made a better companion for Lord Spencer [George John, 2nd Earl Spencer] than Smith on account of his indoor and outdoor skills.

Reports ongoing negotiations in formation of a new ministry following the "assassination" [of Spencer Perceval (1762-1812), Prime Minister from 1809 to 11 May 1812, on which day he was shot and killed by John Bellingham]. [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert brought [Thomas] Nuttall [(1786-1859) explorer of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, USA] to the club, he has returned with much botanical and entomological information. A riddle in reference to Revd John Rudd.

Condolences on death of Pleasance Smith's mother. Comments on the "havock" death has wreaked on their "N" friends since he came to know them, refers to death of another and approaching death of Smith's niece. Called at [William] Wilberforce's [(1759-1833), abolitionist] to see [Isaac] Milner [(1750-1820), natural philosopher and dean of Carlisle], who had been ill there for several weeks; he died the next day. Remarks on "how gloriously are things going in Spain" [the Trienio Liberal, period of three years of liberal government in Spain following the revolution of 1820]. The Board of Longitude are commissioning an observatory at the Cape [of Good Hope].

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]

Laments not having seen Smith for a long time, gives his reasons. Health of his family. Saw [William] Roscoe recently. [Thomas William] Coke and amenities of Holkham, [Norfolk]. [Alexander] Macleay has bought a small estate in Caithness.

Informs Smith of the return of [David Douglas (1799-1834), plant collector and traveller], after two years exploring the Columbia River region on behalf of the Horticultural Society and Hudson's Bay Company. He saw a giant pine 19 feet in diameter and 215 feet high, amongst many other discoveries.

Praises JH's Prelim. Discourse and work in general. Wishes well at the Cape.

On learning that JH's trip to the Cape will be delayed somewhat, invites JH to dine with R.S.L. Club in October.