L30/14/333/90

From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid:

1 May 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Update on which letters have arrived. Intends to write alternately by Paris and Lisbon. Sorry not to have executed commission for Portugal's sword. Send his order for steel one with his watch. Awaiting directions from Masin about piano-forte. Draper received his letter; reference to contents. Uncles horses, Grantham didn't mention etc... Keep Chico and Tordo for own use, dispose of them in Spain afterwards. Defer payment of Palomer's [?] debt lest it becomes necessary to draw for a thousand pounds. Recommends having just one creditor at Madrid. Comments on present attitude to money in this country, fortunes disappearing, people living beyond their means etc... Hopes he and Grantham have learnt moderation and prudence after seven years in Spain. Opened letter enclosing Persicata with Tom, Harriet & Fanny [Pelham]. Tom now recovered from cold and sore throat. Shadwell's letter passed to him. [Non-specific] reference to the issues in Grantham's letters now received. King and Queen set out for Portsmouth tomorrow to see Fleet ready for sea. Attended Levee and Drawing Room; both very full due to presentation of three brides; Duchess of Hamilton, not handsome, Mrs. Stuart, handsome, third forgotten. Many handsome women around "though their heads are preposterously high. I dread their changing them for the misshapen, touzled, blousy coiffures that I saw at Paris". Duchess of Devonshire very beautiful etc. Has shown Nanny all his Atharjus[?]. Mr. Parker has had an Epargue made by Hemings, parts very beautiful. Also has a pretty urn/coffee pot. Lord Ossory puts on his Militia uniform today. Has seen Duke of Dorset in his. Destination of several regiments not known. Has promised to visit Mr. Parker and Tom in theirs. Joined Tom on his birthday rather than dining with Joshua Reynolds. Saw latter who is as deaf and makes more money than ever. Children all well. Mr. Parker manages them well. They talk much of Uncle Grantham and Uncle Fritz. Mr. Drais has set Grantham's Venus in a black tortoiseshell snuff box and his portrait in a transparent horn bonboniere. Most people see a likeness in the portrait. Dined at Mr. Sneyd's with Draper, Nesbitt, Tullerton, Jeans, Harry Bridgeman and Forth. Latter an Irishman, doesn't know him. Hasn't had opportunity to be introduced to the foreigners [Spanish]. Describes the secretary who will succeed D'Escarano, also the Marques de Vill ‘or something alesse’ also from Grenada who was present at Court in Maestrante uniform, silver lace like the Spanish Guards. Schulenberg also there. Green Room; bring as much damask as possible and send over your chair, gilding better than here. Marron Vicuna excellent present for Draper. Compliments to Masin, Kaunitz, Monro, Waddilove. Has seen Lort who is well and wild.

item

Masin,
Draper,
Pelham,
Pelham, Thomas,
Shadwell,
Hamilton,
Stuart,
Devonshire,
Parker, John,
Robinson, Anne,
Hemings,
Ossory,
Dorset, John Frederick Sackville, 3rd Duke of,
Parker, John,
Reynolds, Joshua,
Drais,
Sneyd,
Draper,
Nesbitt,
Tullerton,
Jeans,
Bridgeman, Harry,
Forth,
Masin,
Kaunitz,
Monro,
Waddilove,
Lort