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The Linnean Society charter has passed "the ordeal" of the Attorney and Solicitor General and is now waiting to pass the Great Seal; "the trouble which has attended it is inconceivable". Warns Smith to be prepared for a summons to London, for whenever the charter passes the Great Seal the Society will consist of no more than the 15 people named on it, and it will be necessary to elect the others as soon as possible after, and the bye-laws need framing.

Concerned to hear Smith so ill since leaving London. Distressed by death of a "beloved and affectionate brother". The Linnean Society now has its charter; [Thomas] Marsham, [Jonas] Dryander, and himself are to meet on the subject but fear they will be able to do little without Smith's presence, asks when he is arriving in London.

Formal notice requesting Smith's attendance at Linnean Society meeting on 11 May [1802] to consider the directives in the Society's recently granted charter.

[Additional letter on second folio, also by Macleay]: After meeting with [Thomas] Marsham and [Jonas] Dryander they found that no summonses could be issued for the Dinner until the members of the Society be reelected, and as Smith's presence for such is not essential they made it the earliest day possible; his summonses was only to comply with a direction in the charter. Hopes Smith will be well enough to attend on 17 May [1802] for settling the bye-laws, and asks that he prepare an address to the Society upon its meeting as a chartered body.

Account of Linnean Society meeting [following granting of charter]: 12 met, only absentees being Smith, Lord Dartmouth [George Legge], and [John] Symmons; all Fellows, Honorary Members, and Associates reelected except those in arrears, and the business of the Foreign Members deferred until meeting next Monday, which he hopes Smith will be able to attend.

Concerned to hear about Smith's "serious illness" at [Richard] Salisbury's; hopes the worst of the erysipelas is over. Will send new Linnean Society list and "Linnean Transactions" vol 6 shortly. The Society rules are to be confirmed or rejected at the next meeting. Asks if he can do anything for Smith in the north of Scotland and Orkneys.

Arrived in London 3 weeks ago after an absence of 4 months in Scotland, pleased to hear Smith has recovered from his long indisposition. Linnean Society Council meering on Saturday to decide the motto for their Coat of Arms, asks Smith's opinion. Asks if Smith knows of any forthcoming papers for the Society.

Hopes Smith indisposition was of short duration. Following a Linnean Society Council meeting he has officially informed the Westminster Library that they are looking for a new premises; currently the only suitable house is on Dean Street, Soho; the 30 lease is being offered for £2200 with a ground rent of £120 per annum, far above their capabilities. Society Charter and bye-laws printed and ready for distribution. Paper from Colonel [George] Montagu [(1753-1815)] on British marine animals of 'Vermes' class read at last meeting.

Apologises for delay in answering Smith's letter of 23 [December 1802]; gratified by the confidence Smith puts in him and hopes to ease his anxiety over [Richard] Salisbury's report that remarks had been made at Linnean Society regarding Smith's political beliefs. Uncertain what Salisbury is alluding to, unless he meant "the old story" of Smith's "Tour", and he has never heard any insinuation at the Society regarding Smith's political involvement; the only occasion being during the application for the Society's charter, when Sir Joseph Banks expressed concern that the King [George III (1738-1820)] would recollect the "Tour" on seeing Smith's name, being the only time Banks has commented on Smith's politics. Banks and many others regret Smith's absence from London and its effect on the Society, which proves Smith's political sentiments are not dreaded.

Believes Salisbury is wrong regarding blackballing of [Robert John] Thornton [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany], who was not rejected on account of his politics, but because he is "a Quack in Botany as well as in medicine", and for publishing himself as FLS before even being proposed to the Society; it was not known that he was brought forward by Smith. Reassures Smith he "stand[s] as high in the opinion of the Society at large as [he] ever did", and as long as he chooses to continue President, "there is not the least probability of any other person being proposed", and does not see what consequence it is to the Society to know whether Smith is a Whig or a Tory. His own political beliefs: inclines to Toryism, yet "highly respect[s] the true old English spirit of Whigism". Believes the only politics the Linnean Society should attend to is the proper government of its own body. Encloses new version nomination certificate.

Delighted and surprised at the "sudden unexpected blessing of Peace" [with France] and excited by possibility of accompanying Smith to Paris. [Walter] Wade will send Smith his catalogue of plants found at Connemara, Ireland. Unenthused by the idea of such expeditions. His summer botanising confined to his garden in Dublin but did find, and encloses, a specimen of 'Myosotis ß', and 'Rubus idaeus'. Comments on the unpleasant scent of 'Orchis latifolia'. Compares figures of [Philip] Miller and [William] Curtis. Found many 'Bidens' at the Bishop of Dromore's in County Down. Also found another location of 'Rubus idaeus', convincing him that it is indigenous. Asks if there is any mark to distinguish 'Nymphaea lutea' and 'Nymphaea alba' when not in flower.

Winter has been severe but believes not as much as it has been in England. Vast flocks of crossbills, 'Loxia curvirosta', stayed from the end of August till the beginning of October and wreaked havoc in the orchards. Details the course of their flight across Ireland, believes they are "good prognostics of a severe winter" having also been observed in other winters with hard frosts. Has seen in December's "Monthly Review" a "Natural History of Pennsylvania" by [Benjamin Smith] Barton. Has also seen [William] Turton's [(1762-1835), conchologist] "The Animal Kingdom" advertised. Comments on a lottery prize; biggest prizes always go to the rich. 'Eranthemum pulchellum' is in Dublin stores, a rumour that London gardeners stole it from Kew.

Feels that Smith is too sedentary and wishes he would dedicate some time to exercise, recommends him to winter in Devon or Cornwall. [Dawson] Turner and his wife have been visiting. A very cold summer, believes there shall be no fruit, hay, or grass, but the corn and potatoes are growing well. Sorry that the new charter for the Linnean Society has caused dissention. Advised to go to Harrogate, Yorkshire, and take the waters for an external ear condition.

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