L30/14/333/130

From Fritz, Saltram to 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid:

8 Sep 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Received papers by Mr. Wilkie from Grantham, hopes latter will continue this kind of abstract and send it for Fritz's private curiosity. Reflects with satisfaction on the Portuguese Embassador’s not mentioning, on the 22 March, all he had learned at the Pardo. A "most cruel procastination" would have resulted, and an even more unwilling parting. Mr. Coxe & his two brothers dined, they are in the Somersetshire Militia. Lord Corke is Major, separated from his wife and ruined being involved in Lord Toddington's distress. Played Whist with Mr. Parker, Nanny & Mr. Dunning. Fritz won and has only lost once since his first essay at Tresille. Rode, with Dal, to Mill Prison between Plymouth & Dock. Currently holding Americans and French. Describes difference between the two groups; first, thoughtful and sulky, latter cheerful, singing & playing etc..., they all jumped out of bed and danced a Cotillon when Dal went into their dormitory one night. Describes Dal, reminiscent of Bobby Beard etc... Mr. Parker thinking of sending little boy to Plympton school in mornings, Fritz approves of the routine etc...[issue dropped according to later part of letter]. Trip up the Tamar with Lord & Lady Macclesfield, Lady Mary Parker, Captain Stanley the General's Aid de Camp. Mr. Coxe, Mr. Dunning & Mr. Dalrymple. Describes expedition. Rode up to Camp with Mr. & Mrs. Heywood. Mr. & Mrs. Musters dined; describes the couple etc, former of large fortune, living within two miles of Nottingham and currently doubting whether he will accept an invitation from thence to serve in Parliament in the room of Sir Charles Sedley. Mr. Heywood not well. Mr. Bastard’s match with Miss Elways not true, he is now thought to be courting a Mrs. Weimansell, a rich widow "an odd plan for so young a man to determine to marry a fortune". Disappointed at no letters from Grantham yesterday or today. Expecting news from Admiral Keppell, watching the signals on Maker[?] Tower. Siere going daily to Plympton to learn English, luckily he doesn't understand enough at present to hear of all the prizes taken & carried into Plymouth. He has seen the Camp at Buckland Down but couldn't be prevailed on to view Coxheath. Hasn't heard from Tom Pelham since Stanmer although from the papers sees they have been preaching & dancing on the Downs. Will send Don Luis's watch with John Osborn if he intends to go through Madrid. [Cancels journey L30/14/333/133]. Mr. Parker intending to go to the meeting of Parliament "less evil than attending the Camp". Will go to Town if of any use to Grantham. Greatly missing him still. Sir William & Lady Leman and Mr. & Mrs. Buller have arrived. Gentlemen in the Cornish Militia, returning to Camp at night. Wishes to be remembered to all his St. Ildephonso friends, Don Vincente, Peggy Dowling etc. Mr. Parker, Nanny & children all fine.

item

Wilkie,
Coxe,
Corke,
Toddington,
Parker,
Robinson, Anne,
Dunning,
Macclesfield,
Parker, Mary,
Stanley,
Dunning,
Dalrymple,
Heywood,
Muster,
Sedley, Charles,
Bastard,
Elways,
Weimansell,
Keppell,
Pelham, Thomas,
Luis,
Osborn, John,
Leman, William,
Buller,
Vincente,
Dowling

prison, Americans, French, Tamar