L30/15/54/1

From Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron Grantham, Aranjuez, Spain to Frederick:

c.1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Account of the important transactions he has made since Frederick left for England. Surprized that Frederick has been left uninformed etc. Taking the opportunity of Mr. Willkie's going to England via Portugal to send the enclosed Précis [much of it direct quotes]: Floridaba [Floridablanca] has the King of Spain's orders to communicate to Grantham the news from the French Court, viz the Treaty with America and the Declaration to be made to Lord Weymouth. Showed Grantham the Declaration, as he did M. Wergennes letter to M. Noailles, in order that Grantham be aware of the surprize it has given. His Catholic Majesty will neither express Approbation nor condemnation, considers himself free to act as he pleases as he was not involved in the Measure and his Conduct towards Britain will be guided by the latter's to him. Excarano told he adopt the same language. Monmorin not to know the communication has been made to Grantham etc... 22 March [1778]. Conveyed information to Lord Weymouth in his Office letter of 24 March. Sent by Messenger to Escarno. Added in confidential letter, His Catholic Majesty is very piqued at his exclusion unwilling to support consequences of the Measure etc... Poor attitude to France, no notion of that Court as an Ally, anything passing in Lord to be known to nobody in France. Morino mentioned. Grantham does not expect a Dissolution of the Family Compact etc.... Credit to Floridablanca for asserting the Measures of the French Cabinet despite doubts he'd [Grantham] had upon his declared ignorance formerly. Reasons why France had not included Spain. Sent a further letter of the List of the Fleet at Cadiz. Supposed to give his Packet on Tuesday to the Minister, met on the Madrid road, got into his Coach. Told Grantham that Queen of Portugal knew of matter and wanted to tell her Court which as it went through the Embassador's Channel meant his knowing it. Directed Grantham 'on one of the most sorrowful days I ever passed to go to the Pardo, next day". 24 March. Gave notice to Lord Weymouth in cypher that dispatches of 24 March are confirmed and Court of Portugal knew secret. 26 March. Sent duplicate of above letter through Lisbon. Dined at French Embassador's on 26th. He dismissed probability of their meeting less but wishes to do whatever had been done previously in similar circumstances. 27 March. Lauzun arrived with Lord Weymouth's dispatch of the 16th, enclosing the French Declaration with instructions to acquaint Florida blanca with it and express that it could not be supposed Spain would cut with France and support the Americans. Grantham to be vigilant and give notice to Gibralter and the Consults if necessary etc... Now able to admit his knowledge of the Declaration, went with Masin and Munro, needed to check language of the latter for fear it should pass for his. It could do n good. Everyone looking at him at the Pardo; King and French Embassador's response to him etc... Obeyed his instructions, agreed to send back Laursun [sic] whom it was not necessary to keep. 28 March. Saw Masin, could say nothing to him, his dispatches agreed with Grantham's opinions, his Court fully persuaded of Aranda's activity, contradicting the supposition of it's being by Instruction. 29 March. Dined at Kaunitz's, Lozado told Morino that the King wanted Lauzun to go via Lisbon, for fear of his being stopped. Grantham agreed etc.... 30 March. At the Pardo, took a Packet from the Minister for Escarano, dispatched Lauzun at night. Conversation with Morino grew more open, Grantham founded in everything he said in his dispatches to that date; that he'd obeyed instructions etc.. clear and positive orders to all Spanish ships to act in Peace, observing that if French, British and American Fleets were out it might be necessary to protect Trade (news arrived that day of the Flota having reached Havana). Excarno to repeat these assurances, hoping for similar behaviour on the part of British Navy. Orders to distant Governors to maintain harmony. Court of France now knew that the King of Spain did not think himself bound by their measures etc...attitude of Spanish Court. Grantham's response to Floridablanca's overtures as relayed to Lord Weymouth, no.18. Abstract of No. 19 sent home by Lauzun. Attitude in Spain to news. Some doubts about the Prince's opinion but most think him right. Various other rumours. Added a private letter to add light to rumours; Morino said the King was glad that France hadn't consulted Spain as it left them at Liberty. Escarano instructed not let Aronda know anything that passed etc... No foreign Minister except the Portuguese Embassador knows anything. Florida blanca anxious their [his and Grantham's] intercourse should not be suspected. Confirmed that Frederick had gone. Sent in no. 20, Lists of the Navy at Ferrol[?] and Carthagena, Fleet at Cadiz mentioned. List of Land forces in Spain stating destinations [not repeated in his letter]. Hinted to General Elliott that affairs with France in an untoward state etc... 31 March. No. 21 to Lord Weymouth on 3 April, no extract given. Circular letter received of Message, Addresses etc... on 7 April. Acknowledged in No. 22 via Lisbon. Message and Addresses etc...communicated to Florida blanca. Confirms opinion of Court given before. French excuses. In a private letter; relayed the King of Spain's expressing to his sister his disapprobation of the French declaration, scandalous pretence to candour, insidious behaviour. France looked upon as the Aggressor, attitude proved in Morino's answer to French Ambassador’s complaint of coolness between them. 10 April. Notice of Portuguese Treaty in No. 23 to Lord Weymouth. 17 April. Packet from Lord Weymouth, also a note from Florida blanca that if Grantham had anything to say to him to be at his Office before 11 am. Lord Weymouth's informed him that the Spanish Minister's Communication was very satisfactory. Obtain assurances that no part would be taken. If the conduct of France detached Spain with whatever consequences, they cannot be regretted. Spain should speak out. The King is willing to cement the strongest union and secrets shall be kept. Confidential letter from Lord Weymouth, in the face of an apparently sincere application from the Court of Spain, to encourage Florida Blanca to disclose his views but be vigilant. Disarming of Cadiz cannot be insisted upon etc.. It should be understood that the Americans are to receive no succour from the Court or subjects of Spain. 18 April. Much speculation caused by the arrival and immediate return of Weymouth's Messenger with the following; M. Florida [blanca's] answering for H.C.M.'s desire to confirm the confidence between the two Courts. H.C.M. ready to offer his Mediation for restoring public tranquillity. Aranda and Escarano should receive orders shortly to sound out their respective Courts. Danger of independency of their Colonies expressed when asked whether the American independency allowed by France would be supported. Assurance that no Spanish assistance would be except in cases of distress of ships. Doesn't seem to renounce Commerce being kept up. Orders issued on first of the month that Officers, Governors etc.... should not take part in the likely rupture between France and England. Prevalent principle being the anxiety to prevent the rupture and intention to offer mediation. Confidential letter from Grantham of same date communicates the King of Spain's wish to establish a permanent equilibrium etc...by encouraging France to relinquish the Acknowledgement. For Spain wishes Colonies to subordinate. Disarmament of Cadiz not possible. Account of Portuguese Treaty given and enclosed [not present]. 19 April. Wrote via Lisbon that the Enterprize had been admitted without difficulty to p[?]atic. The Flota had put back at Havana three times. Several British houses had changed their signatures and wanted information from Grantham. Florida blanca had repeated all he's said before, notion groundless that they waited for the arrival of the Flota, to hold a difficult language. H.C.M.'s mind unchanged, France knows it. Toulon Fleet has sailed thought to be behind for Boston. Same date, information from general Elliot [undated] of a Treaty between Spain and Morocco, if it took place, not to assist enemies of Spain. 30 April. Almodovar/Almodobar arrived, 7 May. Wrote to Lord Weymouth that a Messenger from the French Embassador says France is ready to accept a Mediation if offered etc.14 May. Acquainted Lord Weymouth that the ships in the Harbour of Cadiz had struck their yard arms and topmasts and discharged their fist pilots. 21 May. Letter to Sir Stanyer/Stanier Porten from Mr. Hardy giving notice of the Toulon Fleet having passed the Straights on the 16th. [Informed Lord Weymouth on 27th]. 25 May. Lord Weymouth acquaints him that the Spanish Declarations were very satisfactory to the King etc., no negotiation however, whilst France still publicly avowing the Independency of America etc. Grantham to hold the same language and present harmony with Spain to remain uninterrupted. The above condition to be obtained before Mediation accepted. H.C.M. having learnt this thought it unreasonable that he be the sole Agent for obtaining it. Florida blanca thought that by negotiation with Almodóvar the subject might be broached again. Concern at coldness with which intention received, Escarano, Ld. M____D and Ld. N___h mentioned. Suspicion of underhand attempts to make up matters with France. King of Spain's general attitude to situation given. Grantham left a paragraph open in a Note of his given to the Minister in order to keep open the Renewal of the Proposition. M. Florida blanca regretted the length of time between the Offer and the Response. More ready acceptance could have meant such measures a keeping the Toulon Elect in the Mediterranean. Details of some of his Ideas upon the situation which he has now thrown out. He has given his solemn assurance that he didn't know the destination of the Toulon Fleet or any part of the French Plan of Operations.31 May [1778?]. Résumé of above - relayed to Lord Weymouth in cypher through France. Grantham's concluding thoughts. 1 June [c1778]

item

Robinson, Frederick,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Wilkie,
Weymouth,
Wergennes,
Noailles,
Escarno,
Morino,
Masin,
Munro,
Kaunitz,
Elliott,
Aranda,
Almodobar,
Porten, Stanier,
Hardy

Spain, American War of Independence, Portugal, France, naval ships, naval warfare