L30/14/333/148

From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham:

Nov, Dec 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Pleasure in writing today, wishes joy & many returns of it [birthday]. Laments uncertainty of date of Grantham's return. Suffered a great weakness in leg & feet after standing for so long in House of Commons. Prevented him from going to Levee "did not choose to hobble as we have both done in the Palaces of his Catholick Majesty". Dined at Stratton St., then on to Queen's house. Aunt quite recovered from severe illness. Lady Robinson still subject to niobetis and a Mrs. Margaret Thornhill has taken possession of poor Miss Kitty's Ward. Too late after visit to dine at Stratton St. so Nanny prepared boiled fowl with oyster sauce, beef stakes and brawn. Went to St. James's dressed in Vicuna, turned back at stairs due to a Drawing Room. Dined at Prince's with Mr. Parker, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Mr. Skipwith, Mr. Lee & Mr. Pigott, from thence to Queen's House to join Pelhams. Met Mr. Smith who attends the King as his "conversible man". West has painted His Majesty en Militaire and is to sit for Sir Joshua for Lord Suffolk. Eden probably home in a few weeks. Mastership of House kept for Carlisle though rumoured that Duke of Northumberland to have it. Discussion of Draper's mistake in accounts and how rectified. Thinks Grantham's recovery slow, take to Cow's milk when finished with Ass's. Fritz has given up former due to his weight. The "Stampe of Climate" upon Fritz has disappeared. Uncle Worsley is better than he was. In daily expectation of Horses. Glad watch arrived. Doesn't believe Pacheco's match; Duke of Arcos's reaction etc... Lord Ossory grows very fat. Saw Bishop of Chester and Mrs. Porteus. 30 November 1778. Visited some Law friends at Lincoln's Inn. Dined at Star & Garter with Mr. Parker. Supped at Burton's Chambers with Batt & Hawkins Browne. No Levee. King has slight cold. Monsieur de la Fayette has challenged Lord Carlisle over expressions regarding Court of France contained in Manifesto of Commissioners. Lord Carlisle replies he will not be answerable to him for his activities in his public capacity. His admission that he holds same views in private have exacerbated circumstances... Lord Malden is to marry Miss Harriet Vernon and the Duke of Ancaster has actually taken Lady Barrymore. The Almodobars & many other foreigners attended Lord Mayor's show. Not satisfied with Grantham's slow progress in recovery. Likes design for Flower Pots, what size are they? Asks who is Menerey's wife? Daily expecting to be called upon to sign settlements [of Lady Middleton's marriage - ie.Fanny Pelham] after marriage they will go to Pepper Harrow for few days then all meet at Stanmer at Christmas. Has received £75 from Draper; one quarter of Annuity due at Michaelmas. Duke of Northumberland to be Master of House. 1 December 1778.

item

Thornhill, Margaret,
Parker,
Reynolds, Joshua,
Skipwith,
Lee,
Pigott,
Smith,
West,
Suffolk,
Northumberland, Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of,
Draper,
Worsley,
Arcos,
Ossory,
Porteus, Beilby,
Batt,
Hawkins,
Browne,
Fayette,
Carlisle,
Malden,
Vernon, Harriet,
Ancaster,
Barrymore,
Almodobar,
Middleton,
Pelham, Frances