Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/15/54/71
  • Title
    From 2nd Baron Grantham, St. Ildefonso to Frederick:
  • Date free text
    Aug 1778
  • Production date
    From: 1778 To: 1778
  • Scope and Content
    Waiting for safe opportunity of sending the last letter. Fine ride upon Chico. Met the Queen of Portugal in her Chaise with the Infanta. Also, the Fernanunez'; running about everywhere. Drove past last night at dusk to the Machina and saw the glass polished by candlelight. This morning they were at Segovia, and the glass house this afternoon. She looks well and "her situation grows visible". Tokayo Gravina has arrived, glad to see Grantham, enquiring after Frederick and Tom [Pelham] also. Describes him. Thinks Waddilove and Don Antonio [Ulloa?] will be great cronies. O'Conry as arrived. Malta lives at Dunhall as last year. Levetzowq is in love with Madame Torremanzanal and writes from Madrid that "he must break his Chain of Roses to comply with his Duty upon St. Lewis' Day". Tertullia at Portugal's tonight. Not seen today, his mineral waters have been too strong for him. Scented waters would be of use to the Company [he smells]. Played deep and stayed late at Frances. The Princess is very weak at the Escurial. The Infanta is recovered. The Robledo road is almost a desert. Their old house has been turned into an Inn and crowded with blackguards etc.... Looks dangerous. Finished Dr. Wharton, begun history of Charles V. Reminisces about their walks. Calle de la Reyna mentioned. Feelings for Frederick etc. Dined at Morino's; pineapples, peaches and greengages. 22 August [1778]. Unnecessary dinner at Venice's, believed meant for Madame Fernanunez who couldn't attend, having a Flush. Duchess of Granada brought to bed of a boy. Masserano has the King's Leave to quit the Corpos, will probably be aggregé to some Regiment of Horse or Dragoons. If ever Grantham gets the horses from Andalucia, he [Masserano] can better spare his servant than before. Mr. Tremlett of Exeter painted by Maurice at Madrid. Returning shortly to England by Lisbon. Mr. Becker very ill and have bought Aubry's furniture will confirm the Spanish notion [?]. Levetzow broken by his journey down, "more sepulchral than ever". 23 August [1778]. Nothing new on their private Concerns, inconclusive action between the Fleets, laying aside of armaments the only secure prospect under which their own project might begin etc...not discreet to predict even by this conveyance. [In Cypher]; I believe they wish here to put an end to the rupture but not unless applied t__. I have given my opinion at home if something is not done all is left to chance which is against us. Bartholomewtide crowds passing by his window, the Fernanunez and a Valencian, Masserano and Federico dined. Grantham's Tertullia is tonight. Nuncio's last night. Court today. Talks of his work etc.. Update on letters sent and received between, he, Frederick and Nanny. Little children [niece and nephew Parker] mentioned. Has just taken a tour to the Bartholeemew Fair. The Queen of Portugal was there. Returned, copied over some Office letters etc.... Tomorrow is Besamanos. His buckels are admired. Did not like Frederick's p[icture today, found out it is like Kaunitz' frenchman. Zenowieff makes a frock like Frederick's. 28 August [1778]. Received the Camerera Mor's payment for the steel things, and for all the other commissions. Will be happy to hear that Shadwell succeeds and that he is off Grantham's hands. His Company broke up at one etc... Going to Court early. Some people are come from Madrid. Villamhermosa/Villahermosa is to take leave. Fernanunez and wife go to Portugal next month, will miss them, but poor Madame Bejar is to be pitied indeed. Gravina gives lively accounts of his adventures including two shipwrecks. His Uncle has come down to the Besamanas. Nobody going to the Escurial, pointless as the Princess sees nobody. 25 [August 1778].
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