Smith and [Jonas] Dryander have misunderstood each other; Dryander will not become President of the Linnean Society but will accept fixed vice-presidentship, with some reservations. [William] Pilkington [(1758-1848), architect] cannot guarantee regular attendance to be a reader; suggests retaining [Thomas] Marsham for the present. Although everyone "likes Mr [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert extremely" thinks the competition should not be allowed as Dryander is superior in knowledge [possile campaign for vice-presidentship?]. Presses the necessity of maintaining Marsham's cordiality for the Society's general welfare.

On verso of second folio faint outline drawing of a plant, in pencil.

Apologises for several misunderstandings: was not aware of Smith's propriety in naming [Jonas] Dryander as vice-president [of Linnean Society]; insists that he has not complained of Smith's move to Norwich to anyone; his hint about [maintaining the cordiality of Thomas] Marsham was not intended as a slight on Smith's regard.

Reassures Smith of the stability of his position as President of the Linnean Society; his term "fixed vice-president" only means that one person will manage everything in Smith's absence, rather than an inefficient division of authority between multiple parties. [Jonas] Dryander's strengths for the position, thinks [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert will "do vastly well under him". Thanks Smith for specimens.

Hopes Smith's move to Norwich is successful. [Jonas] Dryander opposes [Richard] Salisbury's plan to publish "the heaths" with new names that are expressive of their differences ['Species of 'Erica'', "Linnean Transactions"]. Royal Society news: Prince William of Gloucester [and Edinburgh (1743-1805)] was proposed and a paper on the freezing of quicksilver with nitrous acid was read. Asks to be remembered to [John] Pitchford. Smith's turkey "excellent".

Visited by [Charles] Sutton, who showed him 'Orobanche purpurea', a new species, and 'Orobanche ramosa'. Asks Smith to getting specimens of these as well as 'Robanche major' which grows in cornfields on 'Diadelphous' plants. Introduced Sir Thomas Frankland to the Linnean Society.

Thinks [Richard] Salisbury's nonemclature "improper not to say ridiculous" and sorry that he has persisted and even printed "his errors". [Jonas] Dryander and Salisbury are in dispute over the issue [renaming heath plants with new names based on differences between them] ['Species of 'Erica'', "Linnean Transactions"]. Smith correct the corolla of 'Agrostis littoralis', he has corresponded with [William] Withering on the issue it but believes he printed before Smith's observations were known, blames [Carl Peter] Thunberg for "this curious superficial daubing". Discussion of 'Carduus': after comparison of sessiles and calyx had already decided that [William] Curtis' 'Carduus tenuiflorus' was not 'Carduus pycnocephalus', nor does he think it 'Carduus australis' of [Linnaeus the younger's] "Supp[lementum]"; reassures Smith that he can trust him with his "difficulties".

Struggling with 'Potamogeton', particularly 'P. serratum', 'P. gramineum' (Smith's 'P. pectinatum'), [William] Hudson's 'P. pectinatum', and 'P. setaceum'; believes the latter three may be varieties of the same plant, has examined Sir Joseph Banks' specimens. Asks if 'P. serratum' is a species and whether 'P. setaceum' is a variety of 'P. pusillum'. Eager to hear when ["Linnean Transactions"] is printing; thinks [James] Sowerby has failed in his drawing of 'Fucus haliformis' [for Goodenough and Thomas Woodward's paper 'Observations on the British Fucus']. Jokes about an invasion by the French.

His principle studies and enjoyments are of divinity, natural history, and music. Requests specimens of 'Crocus neediflorus', 'Crocus sativus' the saffron crocus, new specimens from "English Botany", and cryptogamics. A report circulating that [Thomas] Pennant "is at last dead". Asks if Smith has 'Bromus' specimens, particularly of the affinities to 'B. mollis', 'B. secalinus', 'B. arvensis', and 'B. erectus'. Will send Smith the 'Scirpus' found on the Welsh hills, at present thinks it 'Scirpus capitatus' of Linnaeus. In going over [John] Lightfoot's herbarium surprised to find there is no 'Ulva', he has named some of the 'Fucus' from his paper and asks why they do not appear in "English Botany". Looking forward to peace and a renewed exchange of the arts and sciences in Europe following "our great and repeated victories" which are exposing "the folly of French principles".

Received Smith's parcel as he was leaving for Bulstrode [home of Duke of Portland in Buckinghamshire]. Discussion of 'Carex': has not been able to run through Smith's synonyms; there are two synonyms referred to in [Pier Antonio] Micheli's [(1679-1737)] plate which Goodenough quoted for 'C. rigida'; believes Smith's 'C. binervis' grows near Hastings, Sussex, had always thought it different from 'C. distans'; Smith's 'C. micheliana' "a good species"; asks Smith to rename his 'C. vesicaria' as there are "cogent reasons" for the existing 'C. vesicaria' name; believes Linnaeus' 'C. vesicara' was 'C. sylvatica'. Astonished that [Robert John] Thornton's [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany] work is now printing ["A new illustration of the sexual system of Linnaeus"]. Desperate for Smith's "Flora [Britannica]" to come out; believes under Smith's "correct auspices [botany will] stride on to perfection". Sending Smith's corrected manuscripts to [John] White [publisher] but asks who "Hull." often quoted by Smith is; suggests alternatives for the words "scrotiforme" and "genitalia" to spare Smith's "character for delicacy". Eager for Scottish specimens of Smith's new 'Carex' species, particularly 'Carex incurva'.

On verso of second folio Goodenough notes that "Enchiridion" would be a good name for Smith's "Epitome" but as there is already a work under that title suggests "Synopsis" instead.

Prevented by gout from reviewing Smith's papers; it was caused by his horse plunging into an unexpected hole whilst crossing a river at Old Windsor, Berkshire. Smith "deep in the willows": he thinks they should be described in the two states of fructification and leaf; agrees that 'Salix amygdalina' and 'S. triandra' are the same, having seen it in Bath and on Battersea fields with different leaves but the same bark; found 'Salix rubra fissa' Hoffmann in a holt on the north side of Ely, Cambridgeshire, and not on Prickwillow Bank; wanted to add the habitat of Walmer Castle and Deal, Kent, to 'S. arenaria' but not sure of Smith's plant; glad that Smith has thrown out 'S. hermaphroditica'. Does not follow Smith's 'Polypodium': thought they found 'P. thelypteris' near Bury but Smith has listed it as 'P. oreopteris'; asks how Smith has addressed 'P. aculeatum' and 'P. lobatum' on account of how different they appeared in [William] Sole's garden.

Spent the summer at his living of Cropredy, Oxfordshire, "one of the stillest places imaginable" but complains how all of the country "is in a state of cruel high cultivation, so that Nature's original designations are not to be discovered". Found 'Ulva compressa' on rocks in a rapidly running stream, an occurance never witnessed by him before; informed by [Dawson] Turner that 'Ulva compressa' and 'Ulva intestinalis' are the same plants. Hopes Smith's "Flora [Britannica]" is proceeding; its imperfect appearance "not relished" at Oxford. Did not see [George] Williams at Oxford but did visit the Botanic Garden, which was in very good form, and received 'Crocus officinalis' specimen which agreed with the description and figure in "English Botany". Received an old specimen of [Sir] T[homas] Frankland's 'Bromus secalinus' and now convinced he never saw it before; those sent under its name were 'Bromus mollis'. Presented Smith's gift of a plant to the Queen [Charlotte (1744-1818), wife of George III]. Knows nothing of political agitation or riots in the market town next to Cropredy.

Disagreements over 'Carex' between him and [John] Pitchford, who believes Goodenough's 'Carex fulva' is the 'C. distans' of all other authors and sent specimen to him of which Goodenough thinks it a slight variety of 'C. flava'. Pitchford believes everyone has been deceived by [William] Hudson's 'C. inflata' which is in fact Smith's 'C. laevigata'; Goodenough convinced it is his 'C. depauperata'. Continually asked when Smith's "Flora Britannica" will be completed. Wishes that he had been on hand when Smith was selecting specimens and writing for "English Botany". Believes that the arrival of peace [Treaty of London, signed 30 September 1801, a preliminary peace between Britian and France] will be particularly beneficial for natural history, hopes that Britain will "keep the lead in science, as we have undoubtedly in naval glory" but dreads introduction of revolutionary principles.

Begs for natural history news, especially of the new 'Carex' species discovered since he last wrote. Fears all are mistaken over his 'Carex fulva'; left specimens in all stages of growth at the Linnean Society for verification. Identifies himself as the one to ascertain [John] Lightfoot's 'Carex tomentosa' as Linnaeus' 'C. filiformis' after begging the Queen [Charlotte (1744-1818), wife of George III] to examine her herbarium for the purpose. D[awson] Turner insists on writing to him even after being informed that his neighbour [Thomas] Woodward knows as much [about 'Fucus'], Turner talks of a work on 'Fucus' but has urged him to a "tentamen confervarum". Is about to receive a French paper on the fructification of 'Confervae', will inform Smith of anything striking. Deterred from visiting London by the expensive accomodation.

Hopes Smith is recovered from illness which left him unable to read. Appointed Dean of Rochester and comfortably lodged, however, the town itself is "naval, military, & suited to the various business of a dockyard" and does not perceive much literature in the minor canons. Fears intellectual isolation but hopes to make an aquaintance with Mr Wrighte, foreign secretary of the Antiquary Society. Informed that the country about Rochester is well situated for botany but lacks the encouragement of a companion and discouraged by the "loose fellows from the navy and dockyard with their doxies". Thinks Smith's 'Carex [divisa]' is a good figure but wishes he consulted him first as he would have informed him of the variations caused by soil types, following observations on Isle of Sheppey. Thinks [William] Hudson in his first edition ["Flora Anglica"] took Smith's 'L. chrysophthalmus' for Linnaeus' 'juniperimus'. Asks Smith's opinion of [Thomas] Marsham's book ["Entomologia Britannica"]; thinks it "gives great consequence to English entomology". Greeting for the Bishop of Norwich [Charles Manners-Sutton (1755-1828)].

A disagreement at Oxford involving Dr [George] Williams and a new professorship [possibly the Aldrichian chair of anatomy and physiology, founded 1803]. It is opposed by his son, [Edmund Goodenough (1785-1845), headmaster and dean of Wells], but he has written to him pledging his own support for Williams. Unsure of his son's objection unless it is the wish of the Dean of Christ Church, whom he generally has to second on account of multiple kindnesses shown to him.

Smith's forty-five 'Salix' species make him impatient for the remained of "Flora [Britannica]". Nobody interested in botany in Rochester and the dryness of the area is not favourable for the fructification of mosses; however there are "great tracts of wood" and Lord and Lady Darnley have a hothouse, greenhouse, and "an idea of an arboretum". Found a new plant in a hothouse called "Egyptain 'Amaryllis'" which flowered in February to be a 'Pancratium' "caule biflora", refers to [Johan Jacon] Dillenius' "Hortus Elthamensis". [Thomas] Marsham wrote suggesting to leave him out of the Linnean Society Council and vice-presidentship for next year; happy to comply as long as he is not "let down improperly". Hopes Smith's reception at Frogmore [the Queen's country house in Berkshire] will be followed with fresh invitations.

Succeeded in gaining his son's support [Edmund Goodenough (1785-1845), headmaster and dean of Wells] for Dr [George] Williams at Oxford, although from his son's note and Smith's letter unsure "what this place of physical contention is" [possibly a disagreement over the Aldrichian chair of anatomy and physiology, founded 1803].

Apologises for missing Linnean Society anniversary meeting; [Thomas] Marsham rescinded his offer of accommodation and it is otherwise too difficult finding a place to stay in London. Also surprised at the expensive dinner tickets which he believes will "frighten away most of the valuable members" such as [John] Fairbairn, [Thomas] Hoy [(c 1750-1822)], [Jonas] Dryander, and [James] Dickson; compares prices with Westminster School and Orphan School dinners. Observed his first rare plant in Rochester, 'Ophrys nidus-avis', at the side of a wood. Is not confident of Rochester's suitability for botanising; the hills mean there is very little rain. Asks when the remaining part of ["Flora Britannica"] appears; fears [Napoleon] Buonaparte will invade before it does. Gives his regards to [Aylmer Bourke] and Mrs [Catherine] Lambert.

Thanks for the two copies of third volume of "Flora Britannia"; humbled by the "deference you have paid to my humble attempts at the genus 'Carex'". Has just heard that there is a "lady botanist" at Rochester; regrets that both at Windsor and Rochester there were no naturalists, "this horrid war turns all men's minds to drums, trumpets & arms". Will try to attend the Linnean Society anniversary meeting but wishes for his resignation of the vice-presidentship to take place before then. Praises Smith's support of "English Botany", thinks the variety of 'Hedypnois autumnalis' is a distinct species. Unsure of 'Picris hieracoides'; always thought it a one foot high dwarfish plant and cannot find it in "English Botany" and has been told by Eton botanists that it is a smooth plant growing over the ferry in a lane in Datchet, Berkshire, about three feet high. Encouraging his and [John] Sibthorp's acquaintance, Miss [Elizabeth] Hill [(c 1760-1850), algologist], to study marine plants. Dr Walter Vaughan, an old friend of Smith's from Edinburgh and Leiden, has established a practice in Rochester and "threatens" to take up botany in the summer. Goodenough's wife a "sad invalid".

Glad to look over Smith's work for "Flora Graeca". Substanial description and explanation of alterations of Smith's Latin. Wishes joy to Smith's family on marriage of his sister, Fanny.

Also two double folios of Latin plant observations in Goodenough's hand. The date of these is uncertain but they appear to relate to "Flora Graeca".

Divinity is his principal study but always delighted to be diverted by natural history. Justifies his alterations of Smith's Latin in his previous letter and discusses Greek and Latin philology. Dr Vaughan "in high vogue" in Rochester. Has altered the title-page for "Flora Graeca" [extant, on a separate sheet]; explains his decisions. Asks if [John] Sibthorp applied Theophratsus' and Dioscorides' names to his plants. Shall look for his sketch of "the air plant"; gathered his ideas of its physiology from [Engelbert] Kaempfer [(1651-1716), German naturalist] and his directions to the Duchess' gardener for its management led to its only flowering in England. Hopes Smith is not making too many species of lichen in the 'crustacei' and 'leprosi' divisions, asks if they have been watched from year to year in their changes. Instructing Lady Mary Thynne [(d 1863), wife of John Thynne, 3rd baron Carteret (1772-1849)] in botany; will request specimens of [Dawson] Turner for himself and her. Saw [Thomas] Marsham and [Alexander] Macleay; thinks Marsham "overpowered with too much business".

Pleased to hear that Smith is in London and intends to visit him in Rochester; describes the comforts of his house and limitations of Rochester society, "we are all military, mercantile in a little way, or artificers". Has exchanged his living of Copredy, Oxfordshire, for the nearby Boxley, Kent. Received Smith's letters of 1 and 6 May. Asks Smith to defer his business to next week and stay with him this week; the journey from Charing Cross is only five hours. Intending to come up to London himself on 20 May. Has seen that Miss Mary Aynscombe has married Mr Mossop and settled eight miles from Boxley; recalls Smith once saying she was a "great botanist". Intends to attend Linnean Society anniversary meeting on 24 May after missing the last few.

Hopes Smith soon recovers from his illness. Concerned about the whereabouts of a packet sent to Smith. Indecision caused by [John] Sibthorp's stipulation for a "Flora Graeca" with descriptions and coloured plates as well as a "Florae Graecae Prodromus" without images and the consequent attendance to "proper Latin, & at the same time to perspicacity in dressing up such a thorough English circumstance" made him waver in his corrections. Discusses accentuation of ancient and modern Greek; believes all Greek should be accentuated but concedes it will be "very troublesome". Congratulates Smith on "the check which the great scoundrel of all the earth has at length received" [presumably the Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805, a victory for the Royal Navy against the French and Spanish navies]. Requests Smith to ask D[awson] Turner whether he received a packet containing wild specimens of 'Scirpus holoschoenus'.

Comments on Smith's Latinity in the "Flora Graeca" and justifies his use of "etc." for saving the trouble of listing every author of authority who has written on Greek flora. Advice on the delination of [John] Sibthorp's name. Small alteration to title page, and to the title of "Prodromus Florae Graecae".

Longs to hear when Smith will be in London. Attended Linnean Society meeting in March, "where to my astonishment, [Richard] Salisbury presented his printed squib against "E[nglish] Botany", ["Generic characters of "English Botany"]". Does not believe [William George] Maton, who was in the chair, should have allowed it to be read. [James] Dickson, [Thomas] Marsham, [Alexander] Macleay, and Sir T[homas Gery] Cullum were all of Goodenough's opinion that the Linnean Society "was not the arena on which any of its members ought to engage". [Jonas] Dryander also agrees with Goodenough. Pointed out to several fellows the weakness and impotency of the attack.