L30/15/54/14

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Frederick:

Mar 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Lists letters sent so far. Received Frederick's first from Valladolid with "unspeakable satisfaction...feasted on it as Lady Trevor used at a good dinner". Much more at ease since. Talks of daily routine, business. Letter from Nanny, Tom [Pelham?], Mrs. Aislabie. They have lost their cousin Roger Talbot. Monmourin's Queen's Ware is shipped. Wrote to Nanny that Posts might become uncertain but to continue to write. Mr. Sneyd will take care of the Packets. Wrote via Lisbon. Frederick's letter a true Cordial in the lull after a busy period of cyphering, decyphering, foul draughts etc... Siere/Sierre wrote fully to Delapierre. "O Fritz Quando te aspeum? 27 March 1778 Messenger arrived from England this morning, assume this letter will get through. Plans for writing; letters of this type accompanied by précis’s of publick transactions, also letters to the Office. Feeling the right of "standing so single...". Writing by way of Lisbon for time being. At the Pardo today, all dined at Morino's, was attentive, discreet, reserved but held up his head which was more than the F.E. [French Embassador] could. Returned with Masin...thinking his Coach was being repaired. Munro with them. Lectured him sufficiently and Massin will assist him [Grantham]. Thinks Masin's journey put off but he will afterwards make himself amends by making his Leave of Absence final. Distresses Grantham that, being scrupulous, he can tell Masin only little, which from him means much. He nearly guesses. There is n bustle but great Curiosity. Took a solitary walk in the Retiro after the Pardo. Met Priego and Bournonville together, "felt it much". Plans for writing tomorrow. Then closes for the night. Saturday Evening 28 [March 1778]. Busy. Had prayers and Dined at Masin's. Said no more than he should, no one suspects how much he knows. Public unanimous in execrating the French, dreading being drawn in and believing there will be a neutrality. Masin showed him much of his correspondence and agrees that Aranda has tried hard to "blow up a flame" which has been eagerly laid hold of at Paris and unjustly laid at door of Spanish Court. Walked in Retiro again, hopes for more comfort and ease from Frederick's next letter. Duchess of Medina Sidonia died yesterday, rumoured that Duke occasioned her death by resuming his affection for her. He is said to be melancholy and intending to resign. Pr. Monforti is aggregé to the King's Regiment of Dragoons now in Madrid. Masserano made exempt outright the eldest Squillaci and that wooden nephew of Grimaldi's is made supernumerary, the man whose turn it was has the rank of Colonel. He is a fat man they have seen at Medina Sidonia's and Gazola's. Duchess of Medina Sidonia's note to the Princess desiring her to accept something for her sake. Princess asked for her picture of the Altraja of the least value she won of next. Talk of M. Arcos for Lady of the Bedchamber. The King enquired very particularly after Frederick yesterday....Grantham scarcely held out. Keeping busy but hourly feeling Hiatus vaide deslendus... assurance that he's not low. Will write a few lines tomorrow, finished this Journal Tuesday etc.... Sunday evening 29 [March 1778]. Has written all his private letters in order to keep his Dispatches open until the last. Has written to Sir Joseph Yorke, Fitzherbert and Sir J. Lambert, and two to Frederick, one through Beylie's hands. Also to Lady Pelham, Uncle Worsley, Draper, Nanny, Doctor Warren, Lord Stormont. Has yet to write to Tom [Pelham?] and to finish Dispatches. Messenger to go through Portugal, fear of being stopped in France. Dined at Kaunitz's, won five medals, walked from Vistellas del Francisco, called at Fernanunez's about sending a letter through the Infantadas, then over bridge to Fuente del Avanico. Fontana's Muleteers are returned, brought no news of Frederick beyond Valladolid, but said roads good and you should get to Bayonne tomorrow. Monday [30 March 1778]. Just finished the foul Drafts of his Dispatches. Going to the Pardo after breakfast. Copying Dispatches and send them by M. Lauzun if no change in the meantime. Will quit his letter to Frederick with regret. Writing letters does help. Feeling along but will say no more. Will keep writing daily, reserving fuller letters for safe opportunities, through Lisbon. Tuesday 31 March [1778]. Everything for the Office finished. Great satisfaction from Frederick's letter this morning etc... Will write constantly by Lisbon and number letters. Hasn't had time to make up the Précis, only part of his work plan left undone. Must finish to make up Packet. Much in his thoughts and heart. Siere wrote to Delapierre. The King asked very kindly after Frederick today. Thursday 31 March [1778].

item

Trevor,
Pelham, Thomas,
Robinson, Anne [Nanny],
Aislabie,
Talbot, Roger,
Monmourin,
Sneyd,
Sierre,
Delapierre,
Morino,
Masin,
Munro,
Aranda,
Grimaldi,
Arcos,
Yorke, Joseph,
Fitzherbert,
Lambert, J,
Beylie,
Pelham,
Worsley,
Draper,
Warren,
Stormont,
Kaunitz