L30/14/333/103

From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham:

21 Jul 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Confining himself to answering Grantham's queries. Opinions on Emile [Rousseau], "work abounding with good reasoning, truth & eloquence with a great mixture of absurdity & inconsistency". Nanny's chair to be ready for her return to Town next winter; fashionable now for lady's to ride, seldom see chairs in morning anymore. Having been used to seeing Spanish lady's attended by pages etc.. disconcerted to see "Lady Derby riding down St. James' Street with no servant but a little groom...". Grantham hasn't forgotten the vicunas, Fritz sorry if he cannot get a marron one for Mr. Parker. The one for Mr. Langlois should be made without lining or button holes. Fritz does not disapprove of Grantham attending bull feasts but is not quite satisfied with his numerous solitary activities; rides, walks, tete a tete dinners etc... Approves of riding. Uncle Worsley has written that price of horses no impediment. Fritz thinks £500 too much for an unviewed horse facing a long sea voyage. Fond of Grantham's drawings, which part of place are new views taken from? Hasn't experimented with a light paper in his bedchamber as intended. Crimson flock put up by Pelhams still there. Often goes up into Grantham's room to look at prints. Thinks of moving into it after resigning his own. Talks of meeting again, as soon as situation more relaxed will resume trying to accomplish his return. Garden put into tolerable order "fine show of blackcurrants and blighted roses". Floor length balcony's and windows now very common, not only in new houses, old ones altered. Has found Portland Place, right behind Foley House, the back of which forms one end of it, the other open to Hampstead and Highgate. It is not long but the broadest street in London, the houses are shewy but not convenient. Answering Grantham's question on eyes; "very few fine dark meaning eyes, but lively blue ones have great merit". Dines at Sneayds [sic] with Secretary to French Embassy. Hasn't seen Mr. Forth, supposes he will never be thought of for Spain. Hasn't found time to read more than the newspapers; doesn't care for their nonsense and lies. They never mention Fritz but Shadwell's arrival was announced for his, many people deceived. Doesn't know who Mr. Enscott's uncle is nor has there been any notion of Fritz's dining in the City since arriving in London. Will execute commission for Masin's coach. Recounts his activities since last writing. Dines in Stratton Street on turtle with Mr. Parker and Nanny. Ranelagh in evening with the Pelhams, down to Fanny, and also Miss Mary. Same party dined on turtle at Sackville Street with St. John Chichester. Went with Mr. Parker to Vauxhall at night, met Tom. Latter left for Militia meeting next day. Has had toothache and flushed cheek on right side. Saw Lord Fitzwilliam whose regiment is on its march to Essex. Looks well. Very grateful for ease of his brother George. Dined at Sackville Street, passed evening at Queen's House. Saw Mr. Parker, Nanny and little boy about to set off [to Saltram?]. Celebrated 23rd anniversary of the Wedding with Mrs. & Miss Stainforth. Lady Litchfield arrived in evening, all off to George’s (Tom & Harry absent). Played a pool at Commerce. Lady Pelham received Grantham's letter at dinner. Thence to Lady Gowers; assembly and "odd" ball, only harp music, and only ladies dancing due to scarcity and laziness of men. Mr. Burrel and Mr. Grenville managed half a perigordine etc. Describes Lady Gower's furnishings of the Great Room towards Whitehall. Uncertainty of Post. Fleets have sailed. The King will visit most of the camps this summer. Unlikely to get as far as Plymouth. At Court last Thursday, will attend once more before leaving town. Pelhams soon off. Surprised Grantham hasn't heard from Rome about Desert. Hopes to dispatch Diego at end of week to Bilbao with case of things. Nothing much available that is affordable. Will send Camerara's steel trinkets as Grantham's buttons will be amongst them. Forward steel trinkets to Lisbon if necessary. Compliments to Bourno[?] and M. Arcos.

item

Rousseau,
Parker,
Langlois,
Worsley,
Forth,
Sneayd,
Shadwell,
Enscott,
Masin,
Parker,
Robinson, Anne,
Pelham,
Fitzwilliam,
Stainforth,
Litchfield,
Gower,
Burrel,
Glenville,
Diego,
Arcos

Marylebone Portland Place, turtles, balls