Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/14/333/101
  • Title
    From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham:
  • Date free text
    9 Jun 1778
  • Production date
    From: 1778 To: 1778
  • Scope and Content
    Update on letters received. Agrees that he left Spain at a good time given what he now knows. Thanks for Grantham's Spanish verses, wishes he would not indulge his "melancholy muse" too much. Doesn't like his chintz, the patterns of silk accompanying it he supposes are eschantillons [fragments] of Grantham's summer suit which Fritz thinks will be rather grave. Latter will have little opportunity of wearing any of his clothes due to period of mourning for Queen's sister. Dress coat only required for Court this time of year. Cannot foresee occasion for green poplin again. Judas Tree seeds; nothing known of success either at Saltram or Studley. No notion of "Cavallero de Christos' being Mello...nor...from recollection say that it certainly was him, the room...being dark". Mr. Pinto did not attend Birthday due to illness. Affairs deranged, not likely to stay at Court much longer. Portuguese Embassader the luckiest of men "his hopeful son will require much scrubbing before he is as bright as his predecessor". Caylus will enjoy the embiado de Bucars. Thanks for duplicate of Grantham's public dispatches. Happy the Joyes' have been paid off. Recommendations for budgeting. Details places stayed at on journey from Spain, as required by Grantham. No comparison to be made between French & English travelling etc... Accounts of Grantham's winnings; hopes accounts of losses not concealed as before. Has played "vingt & un" and "Commerce" generally lost at each, latter game the "stupidest". Circumstances of Lord Pelham's last legacy; an estate in reversion, case involves an idiot against whom Pelham is trying to obtain a commission in opposition to the relations. Disagreeable, but owes it to his family; has had many accessions of fortune but not much richer for it. [see L 30/14/333/107]. Misses Franckland; three married well, one indifferently. Molsey at last determined to jilt little Tommy Pinstreet and dispose of herself, against advice of Sir Thomas, to Sir Boyle Roach an Irish Knight without a farthing. Red & blue cloth to be sent to Duff & Welsh for Mackintosh. Ship soon for Cadiz. Diego had thoughts of returning on it but thinking of Bilbao again. Steel bracelets; at nearly £12 hesitated bespeaking them but, remembering they might be for Queen of Portugal, went ahead. Grantham's public character gives value to everything used, Fritz's horses being much admired now they are Grantham's. `Murillo' mentioned in previous letter knocked down for £590; details of circumstances. Duke of Bridgewater supposed to repent his caution. Expect fewer letters whilst Fritz in the country. No news is good news. Consulting his Baldwin's Journal to relay events since last letter. Dined with Mr. Mogsey in Lincoln's Inn Fields, also Nanny, Mr. Parker, Miss Dunning, Bath and Burton. Mogsey married a sister of Sir Charles Bamfylde. Latter completely ruined, making him do many wrong things. Mr. Brand has gone off with Mr. and Lady Catherine Beauclerk. Lady Powis has left her house in town to the Bailiff's, retired to Brighthelmstone. Daily news of family break ups connected with financial problems, even Duke of Devonshire. Has been to Ranelagh, dine at Sackville Street and supped at Batt’s. Supping not disagreeing with him as it used to. Dined at St. John's, Legge mentioned. Was at the Queen's house. Fritz's Aunt has great trouble with Madam Swellenburger who is ill and very demanding. Lord Amhurst has taken the French Embassador's house. Describes improvements around Town; his old tenement in Norfolk Street, Adam's new Stucco, appearance of etc..., work on Somerset House. Vast arch towards river, too big for an egout [sewer/drain]; doesn't understand. The front towards the Strand is handsome. Inigo Jones' pont, not sure if it will remain. Old Bailey part of New Newgate. Prisons plain and ill situated. Lady Pelham and younger children came to see Duke of Cumberland's prize sailed. H.R.H. took to water at Whitehall and whole river was covered with sailing boats. Dined at Sackville Street with Mr. Walpole & Lord Wielden's son, good man "bit of jockey", Mr. Coffin [?] a cornishman, Cob Grenville and Tom Pelham. Went to Ranelagh, not crowded. Town begins to grow thin. Visited Mr. Leys in New Palace Yard to see Lord Chatham's funeral; described fully. Smyth of Heath married to Lady Georgiana. Duke of Grafton advised her to take time to think which she didn't. Off to Yorkshire after marriage. Thought to have £20,000. The little boy John Parker junior liked the sailing match better than the funeral. Describes his nature, need for routine and punctuality etc. Little sister and family to Saltram. Fritz intending to visit Stanmer before thinking of Devonshire, but will of course remain or return to town, if it helps his & Grantham's meeting again. Shadwell calls occasionally. He would not dislike a promise of Cadiz. No time to continue, Lady Pelham old fashioned enough to dine before five. Not hungry, has already eaten a Muffin, jelly, ice orange & biscuit at Mr. Leg's.
  • Level of description
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