L30/15/54/82

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz (Frederick) [no.34]:

Oct 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Left the "hateful" Sitio of St. Ildefonso yesterday and reached the Escurial by two o'clock. Enquired after the Princess; very polite as usual. The Prince has gone to St. Ildefonso. Dined then left, arrived Madrid before six. Sobral called this morning, found Grantham well, enquired after Fritz. Munro also well. Grantham in very poor spirits, will burn this letter if he is not cheered by tomorrow. 30 September 1778. Better spirits. Saw Don Felipi Oconry and Abbé Pozzi. Looked in at the fair, visited the Benevente who was very attentive whilst he was ill. Dined with Masserano, saw Gazola, wrote to Nanny and Draper. Good dinner at Masserano's, managed well between the two Princesses and satisfied them both. The Santistivans[?] have resigned; various possibilities, some say she told all to L____a [?Losada] occasioning rough usage and resignation, others that she took offence "at a person whose proper Office is to wear a Shi___ and held Train, taking upon himself Entreés and Offices which belonged to her....". Sent her resignation through her husband who added his. De Glemis, Montijo and others pretend to succeed him but the Lt. Colonel is sent for from Barcelona. If he is an old man, Grantham thinks Regiment may be put on footing of the Carabiniers under Old Madn Audriani[?] and not be given away yet. Madame Bejar has accompanied her brother part way to Portugal. Thinks she has gone to see St. Peter's body at Alcantara. Salm has gone into the French Service. Duque of Infantado is coming back. Little Viro [?Viso] very ill, although his Aunt the Camerara thanks otherwise. Sent for Canales who comes tomorrow. The Town is very quiet. Sits in the green room etc... Response to Fritz's no.49; receipt of packet by Mr. Wilkie, account of French prisoners shown to Monmorin. Longs to see Mrs. Muster's and even Dal. Party up the Tamer. J. Bastard and Miss Elways. Siere's going to school, told his friend Francisco the day he [Grantham] dined at Arcos'. Regarding the Watch, Fritz must speak to Almodovar and Grantham to Losada. Also enquire in London about the Vicuna's arrival. Fritz not to hasten his journey to London on Grantham's account [regarding the possibility of his return to England], things must work out their own way etc... Monmorin's commission for a gold repeating water. Dutton, Emery and Elliott considered the best. Villahermosa has a fine watch of Emery's. Involve Draper in case he things the last commission solely in his hands was not satisfactory. 1 October [1778]. Update on letters received and sent. Nanny, Draper and Lady Pelham mentioned. Horses; of Munro's to see body clothes will say no more until horses set off. Almagro mentioned. Went to the Fair. Madame Sottomayer at he Escurial, offered him her house. His illness much exaggerated at the Sitio, relays some of rumours. Queen of Portugal rumoured to have begged some swine of the King of Spain; "that pork and bacon and lard, are dear in Madrid. God help them". 2 October 1778.

item

Sobral,
Munro,
Oconry,
Pozzi,
Masserano,
Gazola,
Robinson, Anne [Nanny],
Draper,
Losada,
Bejar,
Salm,
Wilkie,
Monmorin,
Muster,
Bastard, J.,
Elways,
Siere,
Arcos,
Almodovar,
Dutton,
Emery,
Elliott,
Villahermosa,
Pelham