L30/14/214/6

Sent from Sir John Lambert, Paris:

19 May 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Introduces the bearer of the letter, Mr. Mark Gregory, who is named English Consul at Barcelona. Informs Grantham that things are still in the same state relating to war or peace, that they have no news of the arrival of the Silotta[?], nor of Mr. Destain's having passed the Straits, but probably he is on his way to his destination by this time, as there is no force in the Mediterranean to oppose him. From what Lambert can learn, his orders are not hostile, nor does he believe that the British ones are, therefore unless there is some unforeseen event, he thinks it possible a war may be avoided, if the King of Spain is in earnest to preserve the piece of Europe. Does not doubt Grantham's abilities to procure that blessing to both Kingdoms, as individuals suffer greatly from the scarcity of money and the bad state of finances. There are no ministers from England at Paris at present, and Lambert hopes Grantham may be the first. Has heard of Mr. Robinson's safe arrival [Grantham's brother Frederick's return to England from Spain]. Would like to know if there is any probability of things being made up between France and England, and thinks that this depends entirely on Spain.

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Gregory, Mark,
Lambert, John,
Robinson, Frederick

Barcelona, Paris