L30/15/54/97

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Escurial to Fritz (Frederick) [no. 40]:

Nov 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Received his nos. 57 and 60, Fritz's anxiety for him. Responses to the letters; assurance of gradual recovery and the means by which he makes it etc. This letter being sent by Morino's Messenger. Attributes his late intermittent fever to the climate of St. Ildefonso. Fritz's dear of it being an Ague unfounded. Journey to Madrid was not hurried, he was vexed about the horses but the notice of Shadwell's intention [to return to Spain] came after he became ill so he reverts to the supposition of laying it [illness] at the foot of the Mal Aria [literally 'bad Air'- O.E.D.] "which I will never experience again". More of this subject in his next by Heslop. Envies Fritz's retired life at Saltram more than the rambles to Camp etc... Happy that Mr. Parker finished his Campaign. Match at Stanmer [Fanny Pelham and Lord Middleton], "heartily wishes the Article of Health was better established". Response to no.60. Fritz's alarm at no letter of 5 October from Grantham. He has never missed a post since being out of order, hopes it is now arrived. Will comment on Fritz's reference to Lord Stormont in his next letter. Captain Jardine has arrived [in Spain], big Fair man like Colonel Ross, with one arm. Wants to be secured in his residence in Spain in case of troubles. Swinburne has lost his favourite daughter at Rome; wrote a melancholy letter to Waddilove. Catastrophe at Saragossa now thought to have claimed 250 lives, doesn't know if any of the Puenteforte's were there. It was a Decoration which took fire. [See also L30/15/54/96]. Great fray between the Spanish and Walloon Guards at Barcelona. The Benevente has gone back to Madrid. Galvez sends presents of the new Laws for the free Commerce, well put together and handsomely bound. Hasn't received his. Lord Pembroke has sent two of his books, one for the King of Spain, one for Grantham. It is to remind the King of a promise of Masserano's that he should have leave to buy three horses. Princess of Masserano is gone to Town, her child not being well. Fernanunez wrote with compliments and enquiries after Fritz. He gives Assemblies and Music. Grantham has music alone, good resource, "tho' Time was when my Guts were more played upon that the Vatgut of ye base if I attempted to touch it". 19 November [1778]. Feeling benefit from good weather. No need for anxiety about him how. Writing to Nanny fully as he assumes they are not together now. Hopes the two missing posts to Fritz have arrived. Waddilove assists in Grantham's business, good when plenty of time but useless in a hurry or 'upon a pinch'. Hasn't been drawing at all lately. Will visit some Spots before leaving for Madrid but without a pencil. Nothing in today's Papers to interfere with his Plan; sending his Packet to the Ministers at six o'clock. King expressions about his health are in letters from Lord Weymouth and Sir Stanier Porter/Porten on the former's behalf. Fritz should not be alarmed when he [Grantham] replies with thanks but health not absolutely re-established. More of this in next letter. Further assurance of recovery, length of it due to climate etc.... P.S. The court removes on the 2nd. 20 November [1778].

item

Shadwell,
Parker,
Pelham, Frances,
Middleton,
Stormont,
Jardine,
Ross,
Swinburne,
Waddilove,
Galvez,
Pembroke,
Masserano,
Fernanunez,
Weymouth,
Porten, Stanier

FIRE, theatre, Saragossa