L30/14/333/124

From Fritz [Buckland Down] to 2nd Baron Grantham:

18 Aug 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Glad of Diego's arrival in Spain and the entertainment Grantham will derive from opening the case. No change on subject of Grantham's return. Sorry for Waddilove who had hopes of returning to England before winter but Fritz inflexible about Grantham being left alone. One expedient may be for Preston to pass winter with Grantham as chaplain but before suggesting it Fritz must know the state of public circumstances and Waddilove's honest choice. Curious still about the Smisaerts/Smissaert. Mr. Wilkie passes by Saltram soon, Fritz interested in his papers but may not glean much about actual state of affairs. (Camp, 18 August 1778). Hopes Grantham will be happy at Richterer’s house but thinks better weather at Escurial might make time pass quicker. Long time since Grantham mentioned riding. Fritz likes his mare in England but misses Chico. Has thought better of the idea of sending the latter and Tordo over. Promises to start bathing as soon as Dr Warren gives him leave to do so. No temptation to bathe in early morning. Fritz passing his time agreeably, enjoying life. Mr. Popham, Mr. Anscott, Sir Thomas [Ackland], Mr. Parker & Fritz dined at Mess of Devonshire Militia. Enjoyed it but may not repeat it as the Corps of Officers, though good men, are not the "politest & most agreeable in the world". Went to see Mr. Parker's Regiment reviewed by the General, after which we took the Commissioners boat at the Dock, and rowed through the Fleet to Captain Jarvis's ship, ‘the Foudroyant’, in the Sound. Saw the war damage and repairs etc. Returned to dinner with Batt, a friend of Fritz, invited by Parker. Also in the company Mr. Booke and Mr. Justice Buller [?Sir Francis Buller]. Didn't recognise latter at first. Describes how he formerly sat next to him in Westminster Hall taking notes etc. Perhaps at 32 he is the youngest judge ever made. Sir John Chichester arrived the same day. Went up to Camp in phaeton. Also rode up to the Down with Sir Thomas, Sir John & Mr. Parker where the Colonel should be seen once a day. Returned through Burrington & farm. Grantham to design the Arch which is to be at the entrance of the farm. View through it of over 20 sail of the line had it already been up. Rode to camp 6.30 am this morning with Mr. Parker, breakfasted with Mr. Cox, Lieutenant Colonel of the Somersetshire. Then on to see 13th Regiment reviewed, rode along line with the General. Sir John Chichester's son arrived yesterday. Mr. & Mrs. Stevens & Miss Willett were the company at dinner. Miss Willett is niece to Cleveland. P.S. Nanny to change her day of writing and to post by France when Fritz does Lisbon. 18 August 1778.

item

Diego,
Waddilove,
Preston,
Waddilove,
Smissaert,
Wilkie,
Warren,
Popham,
Anscott,
Ackland, Thomas,
Parker,
Jarvis,
Batt,
Booke,
Buller,
Chichester, John,
Cox,
Stevens,
Willett

Spain, militia, HMS Foudroyant, lieutenant colonel