Thanks for Smith's letter of 20 December [1824], they had heard alarming reports of Smith's health. He has accepted the post of Colonial Secretary in New South Wales, [Australia], intends to embark at the end of April; conflicted about the posting but was offered the post in a "very handsome and flattering manner". Suggests [Robert] Brown to replace him as Linnean Society Secretary, though Smith will have to convince him to accept, otherwise suggests [Edward] Barnard. Recommends that [David] Don [(1799-1841), botanist] be removed [as Society Clerk], his "pride and self conceit are really intolerable".

Thanks Smith for writing to [Robert] Brown [about his taking post of Linnean Society Secretary]; disappointed Smith has not remarked on his decision to leave for New South Wales, [Australia], at the end of April, more hurt after the Bishop [of Carlisle, Samuel Goodenough] repeated several times that it would be "far beneath" Brown to take such a position. Three vacancies on FMLS list.

Thanks for Smith's "very kind letter" [of 27 January 1825]. Pays tribute to their 31 years of friendship, during which they have been "intimately known to each other without any misunderstanding or coolness". Forwards delayed letter for Smith from [George] Hibbert [see RelatedMaterial below, requested Smith's recommendation for curator of a botanic garden in Jamaica]; suggests David Don [(1799-1841), botanist] for the post as a means for the Linnean Society to be rid of him.

Thanks Smith for "high compliment" paid to him by Linnean Society [in proposing a portrait be taken of him], only regrets it comes so soon after the subscription for Smith's bust, which raised £190, proud to be the proposer of it. Uncertain what has happened about nomination of [James] Bicheno to succeed him [as Society Secretary].

Thanking him for sending two volumes. Regarding recent experiments with electricity.

Efforts to relocate Smith's missing trunk, hopes he has received it by now. Sorry to hear that Smith suffered a cold so bad on his way to Bristol that he had to be bled; hopes he will recover with use of James' Powders and usual precautions.

Thanks for turkey. Compliments Smith on new part of "Flora Graeca" especially 'Dianthi' ['Dianthus'?]. [Samuel Goodenough] and himself agree with Smith on [Robert] Brown, who is making up his mind on an unspecified subject. Asks after Smith's "intersting "Flora"". Received letter from [Alexander von] Humboldt who is working on his "Geography of Plants" and complains of [Aimé] Bonpland having taken specimens. Has just obtained first part of a "Flora of Brazil".

Invites Smith to visit Boyton, Captain King, [Robert] Brown, and the two Dons are also to visit. Has appointment for assistant to Dr [Nathaniel] Wallich, a salary of £530 per annum. Offers to show Miss [Etheldred] Benett's [(1775-1845), fossil collector and geologist, Lambert's sister was married to her brother John] collection of fossils, the most scientfically arranged in the country, to Mr Reeve. Has acquired [James] Bruce's [(1730-1794) Scottish traveller] collection of 300 natural history drawings from Abyssinia direct from Kinnaird, Scotland, describes dealings with the family. In postscript tells Smith he has been raising plants from Egypt. Sir Richard Hoare has been staying. Believes that the whole of Regent's Park is to be turned into a "national botanical garden", has been asked to take an active part in it.

Introduces [William Henry Fox] Talbot of Lacock Abbey, [Wiltshire], nephew of [Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 3rd] Marquess of Lansdowne [(1780-1863)]. Asks Smith's progress on third volume of the "Flora". Mentions again his acquisition of natural history drawings of [James] Bruce [(1730-1794) Scottish traveller], which "prove him to be a very different person than the world has thought him".

[Smith has annotated] "expect to reach Boyton Oct. 5 in the even.".

Missed JH at the R.S.L. meeting. Has some experiments on which he seeks JH's opinion regarding presentation at the Society. Enclosing report.

News that he has been elected an Associate of the Astronomical Society gives him pleasure. Does not have much time at the present to devote to astronomy. Hopes to visit England to obtain materials for a life of Edmund Halley.

No summary available.

Query regarding the diagrams in one of JH's articles in R.S.P.T. Has purchased one of the compound lenses on JH's recommendation, and relates some experiments with it. Would be pleased for JH to call at his house.

Is grateful for his letter and also for the brochure. Sees the folly of his own impatience. Regarding object glasses of telescopes.

Completing the catalogue of 2500 nebulae. Impressed with a French biography of William Herschel, although CH notes a few occasions where 'too great a stress is laid on the assistance of others.'

Wishes JH a happy birthday. Finished the catalogue of 2500 nebulae.

Explains the layout of her recently completed catalogue of 2500 nebulae.

The Duke of Cambridge inquired about JH's research interests.

Her social life is rather boring at the moment because CH is busy caring for her sick brother Dietrich.

Regarding [William?] French and G. B. Airy. Will breakfast with JH on Sunday. Going to Cambridge on Monday and would like his company.

Thanks for the double star catalogue of JH and James South; comments on observing Encke's and Biela's comets.