L30/14/333/118

From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham:

31 Jul 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Vicuna's, re-capping arrangements. Update on letters received. Answering queries. Clarify the new Dane's name, can't read writing. The inkstand has no bruises but it has not its former polish. Branciforte's commission will be executed, no opportunity to send anything of size at present. Coke refused money for his miniatures. Assumes letter to Dr Achmet has been sent another way. Execute Cardinal Valenti’s commission through Duff & Welsh. Poplins fashionable here, wore his noisette at Court. Told Bishop of Killaloes Grantham had clothed the whole Court of Spain. Draper has heard nothing of Grantham's freedom, will not be spending any of latter's money, complains about price of Stocks. Obliged for Grantham's attention about bathing etc...Approves of his conduct about play. Temptation to gaming nowhere greater than in Spain. Ox suckling a calf; if story is from Milan, supposes it to be G. Selwins[?]. Doesn't envy the serenade of Ciego's. "Nothing more agreeable than the cessation of Musick". Lady Pelham's attitude to Fritz's remark. Bad accounts of poor little Viso. Pities Madame Zenowieff, New Madame Mouschin is daughter to M. Vandersleben the Dutch minister at Magence[?]. Very pretty. Corps in England not badly off, Madame Coreton rather handsome; fake air of Lady Ossory. Hasn't seen latter, her conduct more decent than that of the other Lady in her predicament. Sir Edward Hales; has built large house, was at Lewes races, now travelling, "our ludicrous uneasiness ill founded". Hurt about Grantham's uneasiness regarding Fritz's idle excess. One off. No more. Right to order things from Rome to be sent to England. May wait until Grantham home to unwrap them. Doesn't know what to say about transportation of Grantham's table frames. Lord Pelham's are in the drawing room at Stanmer and are too rich, but well gilt, his chairs are the same design as Grantham's. Hopes Diego has arrived at Bilbao with case. More thunder than usual this year? Zenowieff's fete seems to have been pretty and well conducted. Sorry for poor little Infanta "suppose they are more alarmed as she must be about the time of life which was fatal to the Infant". Grantham's letters afford much comfort & matter for reflection. Account of Fritz's activities since last letter. Visited Mrs. Stainforth's, all her time taken looking after Madame Schwellenberg. Went to Levee, spoke with M Almodobar, two lines of Cypher in Grantham's no.18 explain some things he said. Visited his house in St. James' Street, that in George St. under repair, not ready until September. Saw Madame L'Ambasadrie at the Drawing Room, brief description of their circumstances. Met Morton Eden at Sneyd's, resemblance to his brother etc... Cessation of hostilities between Austrians & Prussians. Puts a stop to Duke of Gloucester's intention to join Prussian Army. Went to a "baddish comedy" at Colman's Theatre in the Haymarket. Shadwell's thoughts of joining Army, would like Cornecy of Dragoons or Lieutenancy of Foot, prefers former. Fritz spoke to Lord Weymouth about this, and his own affairs. Weymouth promised to mention Shadwell's position to Minister at War, Lord Barrington. Mr. Chamier will remind Lord Weymouth etc... [see also L 30/14/333/126,127 & 129]. Regarding Grantham's position, Weymouth said he would do everything to accommodate it, once the proper opportunity arose. Fritz to use some other method of acquainting Grantham of details [see L30/14/333/119]. Satisfactory progress "a very considerable addition to the Castle". Thunder and heavy showers prevented much getting out. Morton Eden called. Dining alone this evening. Doesn't know who dresses his dinner, not Nanny. Latter has been very ill, details given. Mr. Wainwright and Dr Warren consulted. Her disorder is peculiar to her sex and age. Fritz trusts she will recover "as she is a very excellent servant". Dr Warren thought Fritz well and approved of his intention to bathe in Devonshire.

item

Coke,
Achmet,
Valenti,
Duff & Welsh,
Draper,
Pelham,
Zenowieff,
Mouschin,
Vandersleben,
Coreton,
Ossory,
Hales, Edward,
Pelham,
Diego,
Stainforth,
Schwellenberg,
Almodobar,
Ambasadrie,
Eden, Morton,
Sneyd,
Gloucester and Edinburgh, Prince William Henry, Duke of,
Shadwell,
Weymouth,
Barrington,
Chamier,
Weymouth,
Eden, Morton,
Wainwright,
Warren

fabrics, weather, Austrians, Prussians