L30/14/333/105

From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham:

22 Jun 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Letter and objects delivered by a Spanish gentleman through M D'Escarons for security; snuff box made at Paris for Grantham's Venus [Titian see L30/14/333/107] containing mended and cleaned chain. Also sent the King's present for Prince Masserano, picture and diamonds. Setting out tomorrow morning from Stanmer, London hot & dusty, doesn't regret leaving. Whitehall situation preferable to any other in town. House needs time and money to repair but doesn't require luxurious fittings so fashionable now etc... Three plaster of Paris busts which for "ruefulness of countenance will very well match with your d_____d [sic] Lord Luis de Gongora". Best way of dealing with Masons and Bricklayers etc...is by contract. Estimates always exceeded. Lord Pelham's stables cost three times as much as expected. Lord Fife's trees "thrive cruelly & I fear by a late act of Parliament it was made Felony to destroy them". Negretti's books consigned directly to Grantham by mistake, not via widow Brodeirs; instructions on how to deal with situation. Red & blue cloth for Mackintosh sent. Bill of lading sent directly to Duff & Welsh. Plagued with bills but will not leave debts in town.

item

Masserano,
Pelham,
Fife,
Brodeirs,
Mackintosh,
Duff & Welsh