Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/14/333/152
  • Title
    From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham:
  • Date free text
    15 Dec 1778
  • Production date
    From: 1778 To: 1778
  • Scope and Content
    Glad of Grantham's real improvement in health. Off to Stanmer for three weeks on Thursday, taking George. Leaving directions with Draper for care of Chico in case horses arrive in his absence. Grantham should write to General Carpenter; assuming other horses will go there. Uncle Worsley died on Sunday morning at 2 a.m., `complication of disorders' etc.. Three sons & two daughters left. Believes their guardian is Dr Danby; his wife has £3000 a year and his daughters £50 until their fortunes of £2000 are paid. His estates are entailed after his own children, upon Uncle Jeremy's, remainder to the Constables and remainder to us provided the Weddell estate has not come into our possession by the bye. Incidentally, Mrs. Tom Weddell with child. Worsley to be buried at Hovingham where last year he made vault & coffin. Assumes Mr. Keene succeeds him in office. Mr. Parker off to Saltram taking his two wards, the Bullers. Fritz remaining alone in London without an established home. Dined with Mr. Parker at a Tavern, Le Telliers, in Dover St. Went to Opera; full, talked to Spanish Embassadress who has lost a quantity of damask through shipwreck. Saw M Almodobar, Escarano & Las Rosas but not Anduaga. Latter is son to the Lady with whom Campo is connected. Dined with Martin. Queen's House & Aunt Stainforth in evening. She's been a good deal hurried in Scotland Yard, sends excuses for not writing. House of Commons from three 'til ten. Eat a mutton chop in a room over the House. Mr. Jenkinson, Secretary at War on Wednesday, did business of that Office, debate not very interesting etc... Charles Fox a wonderful speaker etc.... Burke much gone off, frequently outrageous etc... Will try to send pamphlet called `Anticipation’ by Mr. [Richard] Tickel, mimicry very accurate, of no small service to Government in preventing many subjects of debate being treated in a serious light. Mr. Erskine, brother to Lord Buchan has appeared at the bar. Detailed account of his circumstances. Changed to career in Law after Sea service and Army; retained in a cause between Lord Sandwich & Mr. Bailey concerning the Government of Greenwich Hospital, was against Sandwich. Made one of the finest speeches, in terms of Law and Oratory, ever heard in Westminster. Walked in Town, beyond Portman Square, in Manchester Square the Duke has built a large house, Circus or Crescent beyond etc... "Licentiousness of Caprise as will annihilate the very principle of taste" on external decorations of doors etc.. Visited Dr Hunter, delivered Waddilove's letter & manuscript and also recommended a Wet nurse; widow of poor Sam Parry who drowned at Custom House Quay. Has made handsome frock for Stanmer; Vicuna with gold Alemars to wear with a waistcoat "Couleur de Rose". Mourning will prevent this. Frock not an extravagance, couldn't dispose of cloth so used it, little inclined to follow current extravagance in dress. Missing Grantham but feeling justified in return from Spain to avoid further illness. Packet from Shartor[?] in post, duplicate for Waddilove separately.
  • Level of description
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