Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/14/333/98
  • Title
    From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham:
  • Date free text
    May 1778
  • Production date
    From: 1778 To: 1778
  • Scope and Content
    Has been to House of Commons to hear debate involving General Burgoyne. About to go to Hendon with Nanny. Returning in two days with Mr. Aislabie. Operas and Ranelagh on Sunday. Dined with Sir Joshua Reynolds at Richmond, has two very good rooms with delightful views. Mentions Nanny, Mr. Parker, little Tom Pelham, three Mr. Bastards and Mr. Elliot & son, describes Mr. Elliott, new wig, manners etc... Experimented with Champagne at Sackville Street, no pain in feet or bowels next day. Will not repeat experiment however. Jack Osborn still intending to travel through Spain to Lisbon next Autumn, despite Fritz's description of the inconveniences. Met Lord Robert at John St. John's. Lives with the Bouveries mostly. Dined with Mr. Astle, Mr. Brander & others antiquaries at Lort’s [?Michael Lort], who lodges at an apothecary in Bond Street, supposedly made himself sick at previous lodgings with pastry cook, moved to avoid temptation. Supped at Stratton St. Going to Queen's House. Acktons[?] in town for short time. Has bespoken Negretti's books at White’s but has halted Architectonick sector which he had ordered to be made of silver. Adams the Optician has never made one of that metal, it would take months to finish and would cost 30 guineas. One not entirely of silver about £10. Draper received letter of 7th Instant, Fritz awaiting his of that date from Lisbon, conveyance via latter very slow but more secure. Little boy behaved well at Richmond. Scarred by fall on stairs. Little girl improves visibly [Jack and Theresa Parker]. Mr. Lee [also spelt Ley] also in party at Joshua Reynold’s, much attached to Mr. Parker. Dining with old Law friends at St. John's. Can't therefore go to meet Mr. Pelham at Putney. 27 May 1778 [Later] Called at Sackville Street on way back from Hendon. Saw Nanny and children, all well. Mr. Parker gone to Epsom. Saw Mrs. Allanson at the Aislabies', other details of visit etc... Mrs. Aislabie bespeaks one butt each of sweet Pajaretti and Aloque [wine]. Lord Barrington has vacated his seat in Parliament, prelude to quitting his place. Lord Shelbourne most people think is coming in, in which case he expects Dunning will have one of the great Law offices. The speaker has put a stop to Wedderburne's peerage. Wilson of Dalham tower thought to be marrying Miss Egerton, her father wanted match with Lord North's son. Hasn't see Mrs. North, she is quite the fashion, lives with Danby's etc... Miss Nanny Barmiston talked of for Mr. Burrel, "indeed I have not yet seen my future, who must be pretty without telling it, clever without knowing it, & rich without caring for it..." Saw a St. John by Murillo [?], belongs to Mr. Major who has been offered £400 for it. Not a good time for selling, scarcity of money universal. Unbounded credit of previous year mostly stopped. Of the £100,000 debt Lord Onslow contracted, not above £20,000 ever passed through his hands, rest interest. Private concerts now fashionable. Mrs. Aislabie in town to attend one at Mrs. Wilmot's. Miss Gates, who lives with Mrs. Aislabie, sings, has lived at Hamburgh and is a niece of Bishop of Oxford etc... Mr. Cecil, Lord Exeter's nephew resembles Fritz's friend Dr Sobral. Lady Stormont dresses well but not very handsome. Lord Stormont has bought house in Portman Square for £8000. Apology for rambling letter, missing Grantham etc... 29 May 1778.
  • Level of description
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