Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/14/333/88
  • Title
    From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid:
  • Date free text
    24 Apr 1778
  • Production date
    From: 1778 To: 1778
  • Scope and Content
    No letter from Grantham since Paris. Must be silent on public affairs. Attended Leveée, the King enquired after Grantham. Conversed with Lord Weymouth. What Fritz says to him at next meeting depends on circumstances, "if I see that our great object....must bring itself about, I shall keep my counsel, if not I will leave no means untyed to effect it..." Feeling well, living between Sackeville and Stratton streets. Lord Pelham and Tom in town yesterday. Former fatter in face, Tom & Lady Pelham unaltered. Harriet, Fanny, Lucy and Emily described. Harry on a recruiting party in Sussex etc..., "George is what we remember Harry", Tom unsure about Militia. Surprised Duke of Buccleuch in uniform, raising a Regiment, going into Scotland for purpose. Militia to be encamped this summer. Fears Mr. Parker will find it a very disagreeable service. Bishop of Chester has gone into country today. Lord Ossory is at Newmarket. Fitzwilliam is in Northamptonshire. Hasn't met Lord Robert. Has dined with John St. John. Aislabies at Hendon. Lord Pelham has made house in town delightful; expensive, but Duchess paid for it. Much needs doing at Whitehall "& much temptation will offer itself, but I really trust we have lived long enough out of the vortex of luxury not to be drawn into it though almost all around us are overwhelmed by it." Has taken a Swiss bi-lingual livery servant, recommended by Bourgiois. Spoke to Mr. Folkestone about job horses and a Vis a Vis. Everyone thinks Fritz thinner than before journey but otherwise the same. Draper thinks he doesn't look well. Discussion of clothing; spring suit at Paris "verte brodie en perles, diamants et gaze etc..." Vicuna much admired. Thinks Lord Pelham and Mr. Parker will choose his colour. Will wear it to dinner with Sir Joshua Reynolds at Sackville St. today. Hasn't been to new parts of town, doesn’t admire present taste of light ornament in building etc... Uncle Worsley very old and infirm. Aunt Stainforth just the same. Appearance of people in general not so much changed as in Paris. Describes changes, equipages, horses, dress, shops etc... Lady K. Pelham very old. Miss Pelham not worn out. Miss Mary fatter. See the children daily. Read `Emile' on the road. Ministers not yet in town. Has left his name at their doors. Lord Gower and Duke of Bedford have been ill but recovered. Lord Chatham not recovered from accident in House of Lords. P.S. Has seen Shadwell, who was reasonable with Fritz about returning to Spain whatever his language to others. Recommended Diego to go soon via Lisbon. Mr. Parker in town tomorrow. Nephew sends his love; little sister is a stout girl.
  • Level of description
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