L30/15/54/41

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Aranjuez to Frederick:

May 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Update on post arrived and sent. Letters from Nanny and Draper etc... Anxious for Frederick's by the first private opportunity. Talks of their friendship with Mr. Parker. Surprize at Frederick not being "more in the Secret, one would think they are afraid we should real in the Funds". He was right to go to Lord North's. Grantham obliged for the latter's first notice of him. Dr. Warren's boy was saved, shocking story, cannot yet understand how people can part with their children, yet 'tis the lesser of may evils. Glad Lord Carlisle recovering. So wants to see the little folks [nephew and niece Parker]. Has grown fond of the Infanta who is pretty, quick and shy. Obliged for account of furniture in Stratton Street, will follow advice about Damask and Gilding. Delapierre sends his duty. Box to be directed to Widow Brodeirs. Agrees about the letters in Lord Hardwicke's publication [nothing specific]. Thinks Frederick would like Mr. Brown, has written to Madrid about size of frame. 22 May 1778. Munro hindered his letter writing last night. Penofuentes afterwards, won four more medals, has won 37 since Frederick left. Dined at Morino's today. M. Almodóvar dining Wednesday. Giving Campo and friends a haunch of venison tomorrow. Monmarin/Monmorin's plate has arrived. Sent his Terrin and Pot a Olle for Grantham to see. Carlos has come down, gave him a bed, didn't like him, his picture didn't succeed. "They forget it was seven years next Thursday since they left England. If I have not learnt any trade in this Apprenticeship, I never shall....". Hot weather, everyone in poplin. Summer clothes soon. Other details of day, walk to Embocador etc.. 23 May [1778]. Lost seven medals at Penafuentes last night. Campot, Yriarte, two Las Casas, Saleedo, Roxas and Aguiri dined today. Promenade full, amused by children, brought to mind their little folks etc.. Music tonight. Size of frame came today, enclosed [not present]. Madame Almodóvar took leave of the King today, looks well for a Spaniard. He niece is like Mm. Stuard's youngest niece, 13 or 14 years old. Mentions enamelled watch and the Nuncio's razors. 24 May 1778. Few lines for him sent with the Office packet. M. De Mire dined, having breakfasted with Delapierre whose brother he knows. Charles breakfasted, then dined with Delapierre. Mr. Fitzgerald is there, from the Russian Service, upon raising a new Corps of Troops, which was never imbodied. The Pope's Nuncio recommendation to the Pope who recommended him to the King of Spain. He is now a Captain. Albergoti, a young Tuscan, protégé of Kaunitz' has also come into the Service. He knew Tom [Pelham] at Cardinal Berni's. Uniform white and red with a Croix de St. Etiene. He was in the Tuscan Sea Service and fought at Algiers. Zeonwieff and Nicolas are fitting up the Theatre. Niobers is making Grantham a desk for his music, which has improved considerably by giving his Master full powers. Master conceited but a good sort of man and excellent Master etc... Was playing tonight at Penafuentes', vexed at his last loss, in his last hand and chiefly won by "that horrid lad, Don Ramon Roxas". The Penafil hasn't arrived and the Alva is at the last Bull Feast in Town etc.. Up to the 9th of Virgil's books. Has almost finished Dr. Beattie's 'Laughter'. Mention of growing like Harris [James H. and former Embassador to Spain] leaving off laughing, which will not be balance by the partiality which he adopted. Sends his Remembrances. 25 May [1778]. Great dinner at Portugal's. A bank after dinner. Lost five medals. Venice held the first Bank and left off after doubling it. Zenowieff went on with a great bank and lost it. Heard yesterday that Lord Chatham was dead. Visited Dowr. Masserano and Mr. Fernanunz/Fernanunez to invite them to dinner. Fifteen came, two Fernanunz, two Masseranos, two Almodóvars and niece, Lozada, Masin, Kaunitz, Nuncio, Zenowieff and Portugal. Almodóvar sets out first of next month staying a week at Paris. Wishes he would give as good a dinner as he had at Grantham's, but has a bad Cook. Venice giving dinner tomorrow on Ascension Day, Masin on Friday and Sunday Grantham returns Arissa's civilities. Priego going to a Spa, not expected to return. Unjust transaction in his Regiment about some Accompts. Etc.... Colonel disgusted, other officers offended. The Danish Chargé d'affairs is arrived. Brought back Frederick's canteen. Tall, good looking man, much envied by his Rank in the Corps. The Principal of the latter is quick sick of him and avoids him. 27 May [1778]. James Nangle and Philip Kearney brother to Peter Kearney. Nangle married to Philip Kearney's daughter. Read the paper Frederick had sent, to them. Grantham added his opinion, prudent for him to look after his affairs as soon as possible, weigh the advantages of enjoying a Patrimony under such a Government "as ours", and cited his father's example. Setting out immediately, denying ever having received the Accounts said to have been sent to them. Enmity between Hayden and Kearneys. Grantham doesn't know who is right, asked Nangle to write to him, letter sent on to Frederick [not present, no further information]. Vicunas for Lord Pelham, Mr. Parker, Mr. [Tom] Pelham and Draper. May be Maron of Natural/Fawn depending on availability. Don Juan de mentioned. Almodóvar promised to allow delivery under his name etc... If Draper doesn't ant his, may be appropriate present for Wilmot. Uncle Worlsey's Commission for horses. Vague state of prices of Carevajal's horses. Also expected assistance from Masin, not now forthcoming; involved in an order of 12 horses for the King of Sardinia before he goes. Intends to get them from Carabiniers, therefore rivalling Grantham. Delicate situation. Still doesn't know source of news of Chatham's death. Anxious for answers to his Dispatches. Dined at Venice's. Had Torus y panpintado, Gondolas, Castle, the Bucentaux itself. Nobody to laugh with about it. Thought it right to obsequiate Madame Almodóvar. The Penafurnete and her relations mentioned. Private joke about latter teaching the Fandango and Drawing parties. Won two medals at play. Arrangements for transporting the Commissions. Widow Brodeirs involved. Musquiz' handkerchiefs mentioned. M. Benevente will not trouble him for the buckles, nor Portugal for a sword. Send any pretty women's buckles for Portugal. The steel things may come via Mr. Walpole at Lisbon. Best Map of America for Negretti and his books t come via Widow Brodeirs. Refuse any further commissions for Vicuna. Their meeting again never out of his thoughts, uncertainty as ever. Love to Nany and Parkers etc.... 28 [May 1778].

item

Draper,
Parker,
North,
Warren,
Carlisle,
Delapierre,
Brodeirs,
Brown,
Munro,
Morino,
Almodovar,
Campo,
Monmorin,
Carlos,
Mire,
Delapierre,
Fitzgerald,
Kaunitz,
Albergoti,
Pelham, Thomas,
Zenowieff,
Nicolas,
Beattie,
Harris, James,
Chatham,
Masserano,
Fernanunez,
Lozada,
Masin,
Nuncio,
Portugal,
Nangle, James,
Kearney, Philip,
Kearney, Peter,
Nangle,
Hayden,
Pelham,
Wilmot,
Worsley,
Chatham,
Benevente,
Walpole