Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/15/54/72
  • Title
    From 2nd Baron Grantham, St. Ildefonso to Frederick:
  • Date free text
    Aug 1778
  • Production date
    From: 1778 To: 1778
  • Scope and Content
    Gala yesterday. Fernanunez and Villahermosa called today, meeting them at Lozada's. Latter goes in a few days, former in middle of next month. Drank Tinta Rota yesterday which stopped a complaint that either the waters of the first had brought on. No pain, well now. The Duque and Duchess of Alba are going to their stables in Andulucia. Her Rascamonio represents a Soldier's pouch or cartridge box, blue and yellow with two columns and two globes enamelled, representing the Union of Europe and America. "You remember who is in the Regiment of America. Are our Ladies so notorious?" Didn't go to the Rio Frio today, all the mules were engaged. French Ambassador gave a great dinner yesterday being St. Lewis' Day. He won 120 medals at a bank of 60 etc.... Won 200 in all chiefly from Zenovieff and Costrillo. Grantham won a little last night etc... Kepel plays "but storms at such a Rate that he pays dear for it...." Walked from the baths of Diana to the Prado, saw all the Fountains playing above the trees. Parody; "nasty enough for Lord Com______r C____e....[supposes] some kindred spirit of P_______l's [Portugal's] when he arrives will ask after his Papa". Five verse poem, first verse: I the hoard headed Swain may say Oft have I seen him at the Close of Eve Brushing with hasty steps the Dust away To meet his fair one and her Nods receive etc..." 26 August 1778. Received no.4 and 42 from Saltram. Charming account of the Dear Children [niece and nephew Parker]. Would be nice to have Mr. Parker a little more settled in his Military Duty. Glad he will see the Fleet, can't make out much from the late engagements. General advice about his time spent at Saltram. Madame Smissaert, yes, Grantham had meant to puzzle him. Talk of their separation. Nothing but Frederick's illness could have separated them etc... The Prince is there fore two days and the Princess still very weak, only rises in the afternoon. Has written to Dr. Achmet, enquiries about linnens. The English dealers monopolize the produce of the manufacture and send out arbitrary assortments. Direct and open intercourse is required. The Cardinal's poplins are to be sent to Genoa and eight suits to Duff and Welsh for Monmorin who is not to speak of them. Wrote to the Office by Spanish Messenger on Tuesday. Supposes Mr. Wilkie must have reached England by now. Long passage. Thanks for Merlin's Shop bill, must be an ingenious Merchant and an even greater man than Monsieur Pelletier. Hope he liked the Watch, he's never mentioned it. The Lady [unnamed] is three months gone with child etc... She and her husband are to build a house, architect probably Ojarasca. Games of Bowles going on under the windows involving the whole family. Fall out between Brunier and Delapierre a few weeks ago now blown over. Venice's last night, many curdles but little meat. Doesn't know about France's, but his own suppers and the Nuncio's he thinks are best. Giving no dinners to the Corps. Bayer to dine soon and "bawl Arabic". Comparison between Charles V and America. Former the best. Dr. Robertson wrote that he'd seen Frederick and Shadwell, much pleased with the Echantillon of their family and country. Mention of him as Carrier of Compomanes' letters. Longs to be with Frederick etc.... 27 August [1778].
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