Wishes he could be in London to dine with friends at the Free Masons and Thatched House Tavern. Received visit from eldest son of [Thomas Andrew] Knight and on remarking on the valuable property [Richard] Payne Knight [(1750-1824), classicist] left to the British Museum received reply that his father and family had been left enough to satisfy all. Hopes the "alarming bankruptcies" are not affecting any of their friends, particularly the Forsters, though concerned the failure of Sir Peter Pole's [2nd baronet (1770-1850)] banking house has affected [Edward] Rudge as their families recently intermarried. Dawson Turner is being consulted regarding auction of [Sir Thomas] Gage's library and collection of plants and drawings, including boxes of plants from India never examined; wishes Smith could examine some of Gage's cryptogamia drawings. Dr [John] Sims intends to decline superintendence of the "Botanical Magazine". Observed 'Primula chinensis' in a lady's parlour, it seems to be 'Primula praenitens' of "Botanical Register" vol 7 plate 539.

Remarks on death of Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington]: reread Smith's Dedication to him several times, his second wife [Jane Barrington] thinks it remarkable he underwent a lithotomy operation at thirteen years old. Will be in London for Horticultural Society and Linnean Club meetings.

Received visit from General [Thomas] Hardwicke. Advises Smith not to hurry [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor], though wishes Smith was being painted rather than sculpted. Details of coaches coming to Bury from London in anticipation of Smith's visit.

His son and family have returned from Paris but daughter-in-law still very ill despite having tried all the celebrated baths on the continent; they plan to leave again in autumn without trying Mahomed's steam baths in Brighton, [Sussex]. Plans to visit Ramsgate, [Kent]. Invites Smith to Bury on his return from London.

Disappointed by trip to Ramsgate, [Kent], and only stayed fourteen days; also visited Dover, [Kent], but too old to climb hills for 'Brassica oleracea'. Dr [Pelham] Warren [(1778-1835)] prescribed for Lady Cullum two grains of James's powder and two of rhubarb taken nightly, and neutral saline draughts. Attended Horticultural Society meeting; few in attendance but pines, grasses, peaches, and cherries dealt out. Called on a busy [Robert] Brown in Soho Square. Accusations against [Richard] Salisbury in the newspapers; he is to appear at the Old Bailey though Cullum imagines he will flee to Italy where his charges are "scarce reckoned any crime", informed he has resigned membership of Linnean, Royal, and Horticultural Societies. Thanks for plants of 'Lathyrus grandiflorus'. Comments on produce and prices at Covent Garden market produce, including gourds, Siberian crabs, elder berries, walnuts, and sloes; recalls when he importuned [James] Dickson to give an account of everything sold in the market with their names, uses, and prices.

Sends Smith copy of newspaper [not extant] reporting the incident involving "an unworthy member" of the Linnean Society [Richard Salisbury]. His son and family leaving for London and then Paris for winter for Mrs Cullum's health, against his recommendation of Bath, [Somerset]. Lady Cullum still suffering from an intermittent fever. Visited by Revd Dr Thomas Frognall Dibdin [(1776-1847)], author of "Bibliomania", "Decameron", and others, he is now working on a life of Thomas à Kempis [(c 1380-1471)]. Glad to hear of Mr Freeman, a young botanist, but laments to hear of so many persons being shot by "spring guns" placed in woods a botanist should not enter. Received specimen of 'Centaurea solstitialis' from Dr [William] Webb growing near St Edmund's Hill, Bury.

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.