L30/14/333/198

From Fritz, Whitehall to 2nd Baron Grantham:

27 Apr 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Glad Grantham likes Derbyshire Urn. Aunt flattered that you like her picture. Same man did Lord Pelham, Fritz & Tom's. Grantham fortunate not to have dined with Gazola just before his attack. Gazola has great resistance. Compliments to Portugal on his forthcoming nuptials. Dressing plate for him, if he wants it, it is silver and made in England and he should state the highest he is prepared to pay. Madame Dos "refert un peu le printemps, beware of basques of Aranjuez". Lord Chatham has a difficult part to act in England, character variously spoken of. Grantham's letter to Conway to be forwarded in England. Almodobars thought to be in the country. Marques de la Torre arrived in England. Thinks it is Fonsdeviala's brother. Arrival of Spanish Noblemen in London always announced and commented on in papers. Reports around of possible peace. Dined at Stratton St. with Mr. & Mrs. Charles Pelham and Messrs. Offley & Cleveland. Middleton's to Pepper Harrow. Assembly at Mrs. George Hardinge’s. Dined at Mr. Macdonald's with Lady Gower, Lord & Lady Carlisle, Solicitor General & Mrs. Wallis and Lord Trentham. Lady Louise looks old & haggard. Mr. Parker leaving town so went to Sackville St. instead of Opera. Dined with Nanny then carried her to Queen's House. Went to Play, supped at Batt’s, with Burton, Arden & Hawkins Browne. Batt has taken the chambers of poor Lockhart. Debate in Lords of Lord Bristol's motion to remove Lord Sandwich. Lord Stormont's speech well regarded. Impropriety of mistrusting Spain etc. Lord Lyttleton "violent against administration", motivated by want of a better place, especially seals, also ready money won at play. Duke of Marlborough in a minority. Against American war & dislikes Lord Sandwich. Lord Charles wants to be moved from Admiralty. Lord Robert mixing so much with opposition people e.g. Charles Fox, Lord Foley etc... better to change his political stance. Not their intention to dissent however. Sir Joshua's Nativity much admired at Exhibition, although with some reservation; defective Virgin etc... Thinks West deteriorating. Currently painting Battle off La Hoque. Sir Joshua thinks it his best. Loutherbourg's Warley Common Camp views to be a present to the King from the General Officers. Colouring too brilliant. Harry Banbury has some clever drawings. Sir Joshua to begin tomorrow painting full length picture of the King for Royal Academy. Nanny & children well. Nanny hasn't heard from Grantham for long time. Mr. Parker's lack of success at Newmarket. May not afford the Murillo.

item

Gazola,
Chatham,
Conway,
Almodobar,
Pelham, Charles,
Hardinge, George,
MacDonald,
Gower,
Carlisle,
Wallis,
Trentham,
Parker,
Batt,
Burton,
Arden,
Browne, Hawkins,
Lockhart,
Sandwich,
Stormont,
Lyttleton,
Marlborough, George Spencer, 4th Duke of,
Fox, Charles,
Foley,
West,
Reynolds, Joshua,
Banbury, Harry

Joshua Reynolds, paintings