L30/15/54/91

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Escurial to Fritz (Frederick) [no.37]:

29 Oct 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Not going to the Battue, well enough but prefers to make use of the post day at home. Received Fritz's no.56. Fritz's anxiety about Grantham's affliction, assurance of present well being etc. Fabré has given him soap pills. Nothing to write via Lisbon today. Grantham's illness should not alter their plans, other events will decide them. Has acquainted Sir Stanier Porter [n]? of there being nothing to say and that he has been ill and absent from Court. Waddilove received Fritz's last, but did not show it to Grantham. Thank Nanny and Mr. P[Parker] for their concern at his being unwell etc. Glad the little boy [nephew Parker] for their concern at his being unwell etc... Glad the little boy [nephew Parker] got no cold with his dip. Not many people there. Fashionable to play and look over Tersille, whenever dining, until 8 o'clock then go yawning home. Grantham cannot do it, would rather be at home. The State of Society grows worse hourly, but it affects him less than others etc. Duke de Foes, i.e. Don Juan de Braganza cannot dine on Monday, so invited M. Arcos instead. La Riccia hasn't down old, enquired after Fritz which compensated in part for his lack of attention to Tom [Pelham]. Trieste is grown old and is soliciting an Exempts Staff. Kepel's is given to La Casrte who married that pretty woman on the Plaza San Domingo. Valdecarzano is Cavallerigo Major to the Prince. Monsr. De la Cote de Guinée called twice at Madrid whilst Grantham ill, Grantham didn't notice him and feels sorry. Supposes him gone to Garagossa where his mother is retired to keep house for the little Carromigo. Borghese is at Madrid, hasn't seen him or Felinjeiré. Was made much of at Court, especially by the Person who took so much share in Fritz's illness there last year. Bespoke a pair of candlesticks for his Dressing box, hasn't had their nossels fluted. Proposing to make a Porrenger Plate, knife, fork and spoon as present from them to Brunier. The English Gentlemen [Turnbull and Mackeller] brought a letter of Recommendation from Black [Jim] who is afraid that Fritz passed through Bordeaux. They sold their English Chaise at Madrid for 4000 Reals, Grantham thought of taking it for the Pardo "and for a better purpose....". Sending to Joyes for money, no arrears besides Munro's interest and a debt to the Box. Fritz's Annuity regularly put by and his Quarterly accounts are being sent by Mr. Kerr etc... The Nuncio is to have a Model in wood made of one of his Carcophagi to be executed in Green marble at Granada. The China Vases are too good to be used upon the Table, they must be reserved for Chimney pieces or Encoignures. "No Pute Gold can surpass the workmanship of Luigi". Gazola wild about them. He is in earnest about his Dismission and will press for it. Pozzi so ardently desiring a basin and ewer in Sheffield Plate both for his own use "and to cheat the monks, who he said at his Death would take it for solid silver, that Grantham gave him his later finding it cost 900 Reals. Didn't repent more than once. Monks of Atocho under great obligation to Grantham for "the most shewy Exhibition of Glowerpots that ever were seen". Thirty of them. Portugal does not care about his Wife's death, has got some jobs for his family upon the pretence of it. He goes with the Queen to Jalaveras and returns with his son who he will meet there. "Zenowiff's Creature has kittened in his house, instead of the Placade Toros". Aislabie's bill to be drawn, let her know the amount. Has written to Bishop of Chester [Beilby Porteous]. Love to the Parkers and Nanny.

item

Fabre,
Porten, Stanier,
Waddilove,
Parker, Jack,
Parker, John,
Arcos,
Pelham, Thomas,
Kepel,
Turnbull,
Mackeller,
Joyes,
Munro,
Kerr,
Nuncio,
Gazola,
Pozzi,
Portugal,
Zenowieff,
Aislabie,
Porteus, Beilby