L30/14/415/2

From John Weber, London to 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid. [Text in French]:

9 Nov 1776

From: 1776 To: 1776

Translation: If it pleases Your Excellency John Weber, Locksmith to Her Highness Princess Amelie; knowing the goodness of His Excellency, I take the liberty of explaining to His Excellency that I have a strong box on Madrid which was ordered by General Bonsall at the time when he was Ambassador in London, which I had presented to him by the people of the Chevalier Grey, the said General denied that he had given me such an order , in spite of the fact that I could always show the note that he had given me to put into it a box of diamonds belonging to the deceased Queen: It is very hard for me that the box remains in such a distant country for me, I begged M Languetin who was in His Excellency’s service to try to sell it. Me Dagest wrote to me that the said M Languetin was a poor object and that Milord wanted to dismiss him from his service and that I was in danger of losing it if I did not send him full power to take it from the hands of the said M Languetin. At the present time M d’Agest tells me that it has cost him 400 reals to have it mended I do not at all understand what there can be to repair in a piece finished as it was, and it is impossible for a Spaniard to have pretensions to repair it. I come therefore to beg His Excellency to give orders to someone of his family like Mr de la Pierre or who it pleases His Excellency to try to sell it for me for whatever sum he can. The price was set at 100£ sterling, or if not to have it sent to London when His Excellency’s men come back. I am with deep respect and prayers for His Excellency’s preservation The most humble and very obedient servant John Weber. [Enclosure, on the back of an advertising handbill for John Weber and his Wares]. “La Viecha proche”[meaning unclear] the place St Ildephonse in Madrid at the lowest price is 50 Guineas [Signed] John Weber [word illegible] Gingesaro. My compliments to Mons Lebrun and I am satisfied with nothing that pleases him. John Weber. I endorse this power to Mr Delapierre, valet (de chambre0 to His Excellency My Lord Grantham who can sell it according to the power herein for” &oy” to which I sign my name in Madrid 21st April 1773 F Languetin.

item

Weber, John,
Bonsall,
Grey,
Languetin,
Delapierre

locksmith, Madrid