L30/14/59/2a

Sent from Rome, 24 June 1778, received 18 July:

1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Encloses bill of lading for 2 cases, one contains 2 china vases with vase of alabaster and pedestal of Egyptian red for the middle of the plateau; the other case contains the plateau in three pieces. Carefully packed; finished early February and sent to Leghorn to be forwarded by "first safe opportunity for Spain"; considering "ticklish situation of affairs at that time" dispatch to be cautious - better remain in warehouse than be lost or taken. As appears by bill of lading are directed to William Gregory esquire, British Consul at Barcelona. Enclosed is note of money laid out and receipts totalling 192 crowns 38 baiochs which at present exchange of 42 pauls [Paul/Paolo=Italian silver coin, circa 5d sterling] per £ is £45..16..0; please pay to Messsrs Drummond at Charing Cross on my account. "Poor Meng" sends thanks for remembrance; have twice mentioned portrait and has promised to finish it immediately as there is not above a day's work but has not yet done it. "The first time I see him in tolerable spirits, I shall mention it again... although he is not in any immediate danger, I scarce think he will ever recover his health, he is still much afflicted for the loss of his wife". Mr Swinburne and family and Sir Thomas Gascoigne spend summer here - all well.

item

Gregory, William,
Drummond,
Swinburne,
Gascoigne, Thomas,
Mengs, Anton Raphael

household china, Italy, specific artists, portrait painter, miscellaneous portraits