L30/15/54/73

From 2nd Baron Grantham, St. Ildefonso to Frederick:

Aug 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Received his no.36 presumed last, it acknowledges the receipt of his with drawing, also thought lost. Account of Frederick's visit to Muntham, "Would have been written verbatim by Lord Chesterfield and Dr. Swift[?] Twiss...."had they been there. Mentions Tom [Pelham]. His mention of Newby, back Court and Stucco coincided with Grantham's making one of the finest Castles they'd ever made in his mind. Glad to give his assistance about the Lodges, though sorry to add to the expense at Stanmer. Received four letters from the Office, along with Frederick's, forwarded by Queen's Messenger. Describes rides taken; Baths of Diana, patte de vacca wood. St. Cecilia's bridge, Robledo all mentioned. Went to the Tumbler's last night with Waddilove, Marino, Miss Parquis, Spectacle of various clunny men, ugly women, rope dancing, two Torredillas, an Italian Air, a Saynete, a Relation and two Ballets. All bad. Portugal's Tertullia tonight. Has a fever, called in Don Vincente and told him the effect of the waters had filled six Jattes. Vincente didn't understand until he was shown the "grandest Exhibition that was ever seen at Potfair". Vincente enquired after Frederick whilst visiting Burier for a fever. Masserano no longer in the Garde du Corps, he is aggregé to the Regiment of Alcantara of which D. Grenada is Lieutenant Colonel and which has in it six Grandees. Dined at Morino's. Rooms hung with views of Aranjuez, Madrid Crier and Goya's etchings. Has seen a badine for ten Reals, not a fine one. Hope the one given to Siere in Grantham's name was worth move. Found a fiddler to accompany him on the Base. He also teaches Felix and Brunier. Dining soon at Galvez's to secure his Impeño for Diego. 29 August 1778. Working for the Monks of Atocha. Portugal has asked him to give him a design for vases or pots for thirty silver branches of flowers which the Queen Dowager gives to the Convent. Describes his designs. Job of supervising the medal is in the Tordecilla's hands. Has a fine pair of red morocco slippers. The Nuncio's tonight. Portugal's last night where Grantham won. 30 August 1778.

item

Robinson, Frederick,
Pelham, Thomas,
Waddilove,
Marino,
Parquis,
Vincente,
Masserano,
Grenada,
Morino,
Siere,
Galvez,
Diego,
Portugal,
Nuncio