Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/14/333/113
  • Title
    From Fritz, Stanmer to 2nd Baron Grantham:
  • Date free text
    12 Jul 1778
  • Production date
    From: 1778 To: 1778
  • Scope and Content
    Recounts story of abortive journey to Coxheath. Supposed to have laid at Sheffield then continued on to camp with Mr. Holroyd, Colonel Hey and Mr. Gibbon. Put off before reaching Farmer [Falmer] by letter from Mr. Holroyd; company thence to Colonel Hey’s. Decided to go by themselves next morning. Describes journey via Uckfield to Tunbridge Wells, walked upon Pantiles etc... Detailed description of camp etc... Introduced to General Keppel by Tommy Townshend. Lord Fairford with Hertfordshire Regiment. Keppel lodged at Sir Horace Mann's. General Amhurst the General of the Day & the Duke of Devonshire the Colonel. General Ellison the only stranger besides Fritz's party. Harry set out for Battel to join his recruiting party on way back. Fritz enjoyed expedition despite missing company of party of people originally planned. Camp currently consists of 11-12,000 men. Cheshire Regiment of Lord Chomondley particularly good; great expense in dressing and providing good music for them. General very strict. Duke of Devonshire to inspect whole camp at midnight on foot. Sadness at Grantham missing such experiences. Visitors at Stanmer; the Norths, the Bannisters, Campions, Courthops, Lord & Lady Ashburnham & two eldest daughters, Lord St Asaph and Lady Jemima the 2nd. Also Lord Robert Spencer and Lord Middleton. Latter is "a little too Townsend in his manner". Description of Harry's character. Surprized at not hearing of Mr. Almodobar's arrival. West Indian fleets arrived safely. Strong apprehension of it during Admiral Keppel's stay at St. Helen's, he is to be reinforced with six ships & return immediately. Mr. Parker forced to have leave of absence to go to Exeter races. Think he will not much like "so exact discipline". Duke of Grafton very vigorous in observing order and training his Suffolk Militia at Coxheath. Reconciled to Smyth's marriage with his daughter. Mr. Offley still at Stanmer. Mr. Hawkins is made a Baronet, will return to retreat near Bath before Fritz gets to town. His son Charles has good ability but too big an independent fortune, left by Mrs. Bright, to apply himself wholeheartedly to his profession. Is told that "Ladies of a particular description set up for themselves more than they used to do and consequently the bordello is less frequented...". No personal experience. Wishes to be remembered to Waddilove, Munro, Losada & Gazola. Will try to see Mademoiselle Molyneux if going through Bath. Dining at 3 pm in order to go to Church after dinner. Lord Pelham's country cook better than in town. Tom still partial to Tarts.
  • Level of description
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