L30/15/54/68

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Frederick:

10 Aug 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Risking this letter by open post. Assurance of his well being. The Princess is still at the Escurial, but anxiety about miscarriage over. Desert etc.. delivered to Custom House instead of remaining at Mr. Gregory's, Barcelona as directed. M. Guille involved. Have given Madame Fernanunez a fan, she took the buckles for pearls, everybody wants them imitated. Grantham requests abother set as he is worried the gilding will wear out. Gazola struck by Lady Melbourne's picture, wants one and a further three of the same style. The Masserano goes on well. Masserano well now after a fever. Grantham wishes he was in another line of business. Much beloved there [continues text in French, translation], "You will think my scrap as absurd as G'S.s Gallicisms". Has seen little Don Antonio de Ulloa, he has brought many wild beasts and birds "which together with some that Don Rodrigo brings and Don Rodrigo himself, will form a capital collection" [joke reference to servants? See /66] Seven years previously they kept within the Escurial for fear of Deputations from the Fryars. Owes Harris an Office letter, he owes Grantham private ones. Hughes rode yesterday, the People were pleased. Attended the Play once, mediocre function. Breaking up the pavement at the Palace corner to start the additional wings etc... The Duke of Alva's house is nearly down, but will be apatchwork. Sending some cases of books via Bilbao. Goya's etchings sent; one each for Grantham, Frederick, Tom [Pelham], little boy [nephew Parker] and Sir Joshua Reynolds. Wishes Don Balthazar was among them. Finishes bathing tomorrow, of great comfort in the heat. Glad Frederick not there to be affected by the heat etc.

item

Gregory,
Guille,
Fernanunez,
Gazola,
Melbourne,
Masserano,
Rodrigo,
Harris,
Hughes,
Alva,
Goya,
Pelham, Thomas,
Parker, Jack,
Parker, John,
Reynolds, Joshua,
Robinson, Frederick,
Robinson, Thomas (2nd Baron Grantham)

CORRESPONDENCE, Madrid, Spain