L30/14/333/123

From Fritz, Saltram to 2nd Baron Grantham:

14 Aug 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Usual discussion of post, best routes etc... Dined with 23 people on a large well dressed Turtle. Company chiefly Captains of the Fleet; Stuart, Digby, Jervis, Lockhart Ross. Also Lord Shuldham, commanding at Plymouth, General Parker, Colonel Ogilvie of the 13th now in Camp. Commissioner Ossory and Mr., Mrs. & Miss Heywood. Describes latter. Not the eldest daughter who is married to Mr. Musters. Sea battle discussed over dinner; Officers disappointed at not bringing in a few French ships etc...French accounts "scandalously false..." Arrival of Mr. Anscott and four other gentlemen; Fritz left to entertain them as Mr. Parker off to camp. Mr. Anscott a mixture of Grantham and Dr Pablo Olavide etc. He and Fritz intended, but were unable, to ride to Dock to go on board ship. Sir Thomas Ackland & Mr. Pepham in to supper. Former's eldest son still lame, younger turns out badly. Remarkably dry year throughout England. Militia to winter quarters as soon as wet weather arrives. Mr. Parker talks of going up to Town as soon as Parliament meets, supposedly October. Thinks he may then resign Regiment. No declaration of war yet made, perhaps waiting on news from America. Still waiting for news of Diego's arrival [in Spain]. All well at Saltram, Nanny employed with care of children. Mr. Parker "fully sensible of his great obligations to her". Picture of little boy by Mr. Conway in what was the music room, dine there now when alone, always breakfast there, company received in Velvet room.

item

Stuart,
Digby,
Jervis,
Lockhart,
Ross,
Shuldham,
Parker,
Ogilvie,
Ossory,
Heywood,
Musters,
Anscott,
Olavide, Pablo,
Ackland, Thomas,
Pepham,
Diego,
Robinson, Anne,
Conway

turtles, captain, Captain in Royal Navy