L30/15/54/58

From 2nd Baron Grantham to Frederick, [Stanmer, Sussex]:

Jul 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Lost and won back five medals at the Benavente's. Bathed, Delapierre guarded his clothes, met with Floridablanca. Walked about Sitio with the Nuncio, called at Masin's., other daily events etc... Carabinier horses at Ge ? ssez. Masin has seen them, hundred pistoles each, none of them worth it. Won ten medals at Zenovieff's. Met M. Burgoign at his bathing spot this morning. Undressed in a Cabinet of Tabarisks, going in within sight of Burgoign "plumged in with British Valour". Wrote and cyphered, siesta'd etc... Hoping Court removing on Saturday, getting very hot, thermometer showing 90° outside and 76° in. Waddilove very exact about it. Very gond of Botany, his motto at Topcliffe will be "Tanrus amor florum, et generandi gloria", left out the word 'mellis' as Grantham began to laugh. The Dolicoze thrives in the old greenhouse at Saltram, reference to Sir William Hamilton and Etiquette and Grantham talking to the Minister there about it. Assumes his office packet will be stopped through France, so writing to Frederick separately. 6 July 1778. Sermon preached at Zenovieff's for last time last night. Won five medals. Bathed this morning, attended Court. Lists of things sent received. Impatient for the arrival with Diego. Assume leather purse for razors. Lists of things sent received. Impatient for the arrival with Diego. Assume he's going to Stanmer. Leaving Friday, the Order is out. Masin has got six horses out fo the Carabiniers, not pleased with any. Grantham doesn't regret trying. Masin going [to England] very soon, will be glad to hear from Frederick and offers his services. His correspondents name is Briant, not Brissard, and Valiere. Will send Grantham something puce from Lyons. Expecting Diego to set them the Fashsion. Hopes his buckles arrive for St. Luis' Day. Reference to him not being able to keep the toothpick case etc. 7 July [1778]. Parejas concluded, Sitio emptying fast. Mourning days tomorrow they used to keep in Madrid. Has nothing but a VelourRas, excuse for not attending Court. Cameraro Mers lives where the Duchess of Bejar did, in a little window overlooking the little Passade Court a Criada or hers and Negro wench of the Duchess of Lumiares, sing Portuguese Sequidillas every night. Fashionable to watch etc... Bathing refreshing, but doesn't enjoy it alone. Queen Dowager watched the Parejas last night through a closed window. Little Infanta better, drinking Asses milt, the milk Ass walks upstairs at the Palace dressed in striped satin and pink ribbons. Received the box with the Venus and the Watch Chain. Came via Marina. Has also just received his letter by the person who brought the box. Directions to Widow Brodeirs are undertaken. Passport sent etc... Reference to Frederick swearing about Gonzora. Londing to see Masserano's present and that it be seen and admired. Happy at Frederick's writing weekly from the country etc... 8 July [1778]. Alone at the Sitio. Went to Court, Masserano hadn't received his present, Morina not well. Promises to show it to Grantham as soon as he does. Too cold to bathe. Leaving for Madrid tomorrow etc. 9 July [1778]. Has been to say goodbye to the River. Everything packed except his bureau. Remembers how they often wished to pass a few days there without the Court... Cards for dinner at Yranda's on Sunday. Lozada and others invited. Supposes he was afraid people would not know how to meet so chose to begin the opening of the Sessions. Not intending to go to Court unless obliged to, dressing anyway. 10 July 1778. Just received letter no. 28. Will see the Retiro tomorrow and compare it with Kensignton. Has made comment about Frederick's meeting the Condons in his last letter, "we must have patience". Sorry Lord Pelham has failed, may drive the family into marrying. Admires his Uncle's objection to Mrs. T. Weddell, Frederick's joke admirable. Agrees with Frederick's decision to crop [his hair], supposes his queue [plait/ponytail] is like John the Painter's brush. For if that Fashion came from France it is a las Bostonienne etc... Steel Ware; not all for the Cameraro Mor, only two thirds, will recover the proportionate payment when he has the Bill. Advises Frederick to live in the County as London too dear. The Swiss is with Frederick. Two quarter casks of Waddilove's wine has been drunk in his friend's cellar. Assurance of his [Grantham's] well being. Saubigné wrote that Frederick's bed sold for 96 livres. Lord Urvine is dead, in newspaper. Tell Tom [Pelham] he will reply to his letter next post and will resume regular correspondence. Fourth volume of Gray has been found. Eat as much mutton as he pleases but don't bolt down the "indigestive masses of Sussex pudding which will be offered you". 12.30 am [10 July 1778].

item

Delapierre,
Masin,
Nuncio,
Zenovieff,
Burgoign,
Waddilove,
Hamilton, William,
Diego,
Briant,
Bejar,
Brodeirs,
Masserano,
Morina,
Lozada,
Condon,
Pelham,
Weddell, T.,
Irwin,
Pelham, Thomas