L30/15/54/105

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz {Frederick):

Dec 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Mistake in saying two years and three quarters due from Ireland, should have said two [L 30/15/54/102]. Duque of Medina Sidonia has sent Grantham a present of a handsome, chestnut horse. Present based on the Duque's supposition that Grantham's Commission [for horses for Uncle Worsley etc..in England] was not yet executed. Horse has been returned, Grantham gives reasons etc... 7 December 1778. Describes a dinner has given as "a grant Spectacle ___ an Antique Pavement, ornamented with Statues, Urns, Posts and Chains, Gilt Bronze etc..". The spectators and admirers were the Duque de Arcos and St. Estevan and their wives, Lozada, Kaunitz, Colona, Pozzi, Requeren[?], La Riccia, Branciforte, Munro, Levetzou, Fountain in all. Waddilove not well enough to assist. The Nuncio was obliged to attend a Prelate just arrived and going to Portugal. Naples and Madame Valdecazana excused themselves. Thinking of converting his eighteen duly old fashioned long dishes into eight plain handsome cloches for the four Pincushions and the four deep octagon dishes etc... will make the most complete course possible for 16 covers. Waddilove dines today and is quite well. Bore his illness impatiently etc.. Abrantes in great danger, seized by an Apoplexy the other day. Montillano dying. Banos has the Court of Orders. Morino has been overturned in his own Coach by a Colliero Coach. Grantham thinks this might bring about some Reform in the Scandalous Monopoly. A few people are meeting nightly at the Penafuentes. Hasn't been himself yet. Gazola doesn't remember M. Coffin. He wouldn't dine with Grantham yesterday, two many people, yet he longs to see the Desert. Awaiting news of Fritz's receipt of the Vicuna cloths. The Infant Don Antonio had a blossom one on the other day. Prefers the darker one, natural colour quite plain with white satin waistcoat, embroidered etc. Don Rodrigo sent a shabby excuse for not dining with Grantham, afraid of meeting him. His Father treats him as ever, thrusting him in other's carriages and taking no notice of him himself. "That horrid little Deroteux is come back..." Well received in Gibratler upon Grantham's letter, but on returning "was desired to march off". Hasn't received or paid for his prints from Paris, nor answered St. Saphorin. Lavetzou behaved well, not opening his lips...is becoming as coarse and ill-bred as a Porter. Sent Mr. Walpole some choice bark, if there was any scruple in accepting it to reciprocate with the equivalent in tea. Last wrote to Waddilove, mentions Lady Di Beauclerk's drawings for the Prints to Mr. Walpole's Tragedy. Printed and given only to the few. Grantham thinks he has some entitlement to it having been invited to hear him ready it at Lord Ossory's etc. Anxious about the Meeting of Parliament and Fritz's receipt of his long letter of 27th [October?]. Thinks Fritz does right to visit Cambridge etc... Reference to the old Hobby horse of Italy. 7 December 1778.

item

Worsley,
Arcos,
Lozada,
Kaunitz,
Pozzi,
Riccia,
Branciforte,
Munro,
Fountain,
Waddilove,
Nuncio,
Naple,
Valdecazana,
Abrantes,
Montillano,
Morino,
Gazola,
Coffin,
Rodrigo,
Saphorin,
Walpole,
Beauclerk,
Ossory

dinners, Spain, apoplexy