L30/15/54/67

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Frederick:

Aug 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Intending to go to St. Ildefonso on Wednesday, depends on the Princess being at the Escurial or not, she has been left there having been blooded due to anxiety of a miscarriage. Took Waddilove to Martinez'; no additions to his show [show?] box. Kaunitz supposed to meet them there but arrived first and didn't wait. Visited Conji[?], M. Yranda, Princess Masserano and the Benevente. Called on the Nuncio to propose a PickNick at his Cell, it being the coolest place at the moment. Frederick will remember the day they passed there with Harris seven years ago. Masin not well when he left. Expected back in January or February. Don Rodrigo expected some "with a large Company of Monkeys and Parrots..>", being various servants. Derogatory comment from Grantham on the possibility of their being Portuguese. The Peñafiel has miscarried [at thre months - L 30/15/50/68]. The moving of the Princess caused a great Cry especially as the Court was inconvenienced by the Queen Dowager's illness at Aranjuez. 9 August 1778. Received his no. 34 containing the entertaining account of the expecition to Coxheath. Missing him etc... Mr. Gregory at Barcelona wrote to apologize for the things being forwarded from thence before Grantham's instructions arrived. Longs to be able to write fully and plainly. W.[Waddilove] "is not a bad politician upon the whole and rather in opposition. Well her may!". Cases have arrived from the Custom House containing the Plateau, Urn, Vases etc. Describes the design and patterns in detail. Received his no. 37's from Stanmer and one from Old Whitehall. Mention of an Expedition and stay at Sandheath of Grantham's. Report of an engagement between the two Fleets of two hours only. Finds Tom [Pelham] is "not yet out of his Apple pye Class". Glad of Frederick's benefit from the Downs air, and his putting on weight. Found the Almanack of their years at Hovingham but not Jack's 'Merry random' [check] so cannot tell his weight at that time. Liked his drawing but didn't know if it was a lamp iron or man in chains. Nor surprized at Frederick's regret at leaving Stanmer etc... Vicuna's; do what he wants with them, also with his Chaise, wishes he could sell his coach. Angry at Stanmer paling, hoping it will be gilt. Golumbus go over the hill tomorrow. Glad he's heard from Eden, "would be God, he had gone long enough ago to be back by this time". [Commissioner to America]. Arrangements for acknowledging letters. Nanny wrote. Nephew and niece well, the boy is called Jack and the little girl [Theresa] makes a long speech about him [Grantham]. 11 [August 1778]. Arrived at the Escurial, on his way to St. Ildefonso. Went to the Prince's Table, dined at a Mesa de Estada, now home expecting his mules about 4 pm. Felt much emotion going over their small apartments, especially his old room and Frederick's side bed etc... The Princess is still weak and likely to remain there. Lower Apartments (of the Minister and Captains) fitted up for her. Thinks they will avoid St. Ildefonso. The Prince seemed sensible of their attention i.e. Kaunitz, the Nuncio, Venice and Grantham. Waddilove got a good dinner at home. Renard being down with the Mesa de Estada. Escurial, 12 [August 1778]. Arrived at St. Ildefonso an hour ago. Received no.39 by Spanish Messenger. Road less rough than usual as sand had been laid for the Princess etc... Great Gala tomorrow, will attend Court, go to see the Minister and probably dine with Losada. Nothing authentic heard on the action between the Fleets. St. Ildefonso, 12 August [1778]. Attended to Palace and Gala. Dined at Losada's. Made out his Dispatches, duplicates etc... Will now go to the Gardens, return home and put all his matters to rights "not however like Abbé Dobois who burnt all his Arrears". 13 [August 1778]. Responsible to his letter of 31st [no.39]; approval of the Business Frederick has undertaken, he has received as full an answer to it as possible in these times [see L 30/14?] Discussion... [In Cypher] they will not again offer mediation voluntarily but, if any advance is made they will, such is my opinion. Plan laid down for all possible cases is judicious, thinks the most probable. [In Cypher] things being made up for whatever is done with america will not be bettered by war and our honour is saved by having fooaht[led]. Update on post sent and received. The foreigners have agreed to be at home in turns, as Monmorin and Grantham cannot meet at each others they choose to take Mondays and Thursdays. They have agreed to have no suppers and as Sitio is very thin there will be few visitors. Grantham's room comfortable, Waddilove well lodged in the Eating room. St. Ildefonso, 13 August [1778].

item

Waddilove,
Kaunitz,
Masserano,
Benevente,
Nuncio,
Masin,
Rodrigo,
Gregory,
Pelham, Thomas,
Eden,
Parker, John,
Parker, Jack,
Parker, Theresa (1775-1856),
Losada,
Monmorin