L30/15/54/2

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

1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Update on letters received. No recollection of Mr. Mayne. Breakfast at Hendon seems to have been well conducted, glad some Spaniards saw it. Mention of a financial proposal, commission and brokerage the only saving, exchange much in his favour at present. Hope Tom [Pelham] will get out of mud wherever he's stuck, mentions some "wicked nonsense" about a friend Dean somebody. Afraid he didn't meet Conway at Lord Hertford's. Monseigneur Fabris Ganganelli died last night in the room occupied by Shadwell the first year they were at that Sitio. Reference to "mumps and smacking [?ill humour and fighting], at a loss to understand cause, assumes it will blow over, nothing on his part will augment it. Commission to Masin for a book, as they have been losers so often, resolved to be out of humour etc. Also had conversation with Masin asking many questions of people which affected Grantham, Masin told him some curious particulars which he can't relate to Frederick in letter. Masin off to Madrid, may go with him for part of stay. Will see Mr. P[Parker's] Murillos and receive Frederick's things Masin has brought him. Masserano's dining today. He is a poor creature, has no "Idea beyond his stables and the Waiting Rooms at the Palace". Munro, Bussy[?] and Fabré also dined. Frederick's plan mentioned which he thought of in the room of Dr. Wade. 25 May 1779. Glad to hear he's seen Lord Chatham and Conway. Glad Chatham paid so early a visit and spoke so handsomely of Grantham. Talk with Conway more particular. Supposes M. Henri will have opportunities of following Frederick's directions about the Vicuna otherwise a good opportunity of getting it into England is lost. Will write to his Aunt [Stainforth?] again about the Worsteds. Update on their letters received or not.. Dinner at Lord H's. Supposes the absence of Ladies, invitation of Frederick and arrival of Conways was contrived as a particular attention to two of the Company. Rejoiced at his meeting with Conway, longs for reciprocity and to meet somebody who may have recently met Frederick. Chaise bespoken of Mr. Norton. Masin dined on Thursday. All dined at Kaunitz's on Thursday, dull, as the Benevente was out of humour with everybody especially Zenowieff who keeps a great Bank at home. Cause of "our Smacking...an accumulation of pretended negligences upon Casual Meetings...designed to mask neglect etc..." Suspicion groundless, thinks it is wearing out. Another similar suspicion occurred in the Spring about not being offered to be carried to Bayer's..... Believes Masin's thing will not arrive until after his return to Madrid, so will not go there after all. Prophesies about Portugal no doubt will be fulfilled; but a great risk. Code of Law established is more severe that Legislation of Mahomet or of the Gentoos [Hindus] "Eternal vigilance and universal caution pervade every corner of his house....". 29 [May 1779]. Commissions for Frederick; Portugal's Coach. Duchess of Arcos' Coach. Prints for Don Gabriel. Whip for Kaunitz. Watch chain for Zenowieff, steel sword, Dressing Plate [for Munro] etc... Details of design and colour for Portugal and Arcos's coach given. Also directions for transport. All the Views of Naples published, or about to be, for Don Gabriel, also prints of the Russian Fleet. Bayer to have a set of the 12 views of Naples already published. The Infant also given full power for any curious, new of beautiful Publication. Roger’s' book mentioned. Portraits need not be sent, unless of distinguished persons. Whip for Kaunitz described in a previous letter. Watch chain to be gold, to cost about 10 or 12 guineas. Steel Sword to be the handsomest available for 15 guineas for. Jeffrey's and Bailey and Corregidor de Madrid mentioned in connection with Dressing P[?]. Arrangements for sending and payment. 30 [May 1779]. Thanks to be bespoken fir Chaise - forgot to mention above. St. Ferdinand's Day yesterday. Dined at Losada's, Dining at Galvez[?] today, first time this season. Met Duchess of Alva whilst riding in the Calle a la Gitana. Her hair was combed back with bunch of ribbons over her left ear. Duchess of Arcos much better, "Arcos's fright called in Physician enough to kill an horse". Moriño goes out in his Coach but has yet done no business. Must contrive to see him. Portuguese painter entrusted with great sums of money by merchants here for France went off with them. Arrested at Trieste, about to sail for Turkey. Went with Don Rodrigo who lives with S__________[?]. Esprits forts [?] at Paris, "as great a Stargazer as ever". Coylus not yet married, not much inclined to it, father uneasy. Sn. Jagos are come down, visited each other. Thinks Munro advised him. Dined at Galvez's. Post days are busy as he write much in Cypher. Marble Tables at Malaga are finished. Six lines of Cypher follow. M. Florida blanca still weak but cheerful, going to Court in a day or two. 31 [May 1779].

item

Robinson, Frederick,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Mayne,
Pelham, Thomas,
Conway,
Hertford,
Ganganelli,
Shadwell,
Masin,
Parker,
Masserano,
Munro,
Fabre,
Wade,
Chatham,
Henri,
Stainforth,
Norton,
Kaunitz,
Zenowieff,
Arcos,
Gabriel,
Bayer,
Losada,
Rodrigo