L30/15/54/106

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz [Frederick] (no.44):

Dec 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Received his no.65. Update on letters sent. Expect his next from London with the Speech etc... Anxious to see latter. Fritz's Christmas plans, Cambridge, Saltram or Stanmer. Grantham has received a kind and friendly letter from Lord Pelham. The Urn is not too large for the three pieces of the Plateau together. The D'Arrisa's dine on Tuesday. Commission for six soft flesh brushes for Madame D'Arrisa. Spanish Wool requested for Princess Amelia, thinks Peg Wharton used some. Don Pedro Jayes must assist Grantham. Kepel's health grew so bad that he retired[?] to a Regiment se aggregé and has a years leave for travelling. Has given orders for the clothes Fritz mentions to be looked out. Obscure reference to possible routes home... Grantham and Waddilove both well, latter eats plentiful breakfast of toast and honey and uses every preventive in his power etc... The papers say Colonel Ackland's death was owing to a fall whilst fighting. "Does Sir T. know or think how ill his Sons have turned out". Has asked Nanny to tell Mr. P[Parker] that he will never forget his attention to Fritz "on that occasion", latter's prudent behaviour, most would have "cobbled up a Qualification" etc.. Has one Sallust more than he previously mentioned. Fritz to decide whether it be given to Trin.Coll. or Salt.Liby. Has written to Swinburne. Court yesterday and also made many visits to invite the D'Arissa females. Expecting Canales. May finish Tacitus afterwards. Went out on the 9th in Gala. Gave Don Rodrigo a place in his Coach "which is too fine for him at Turin". 12 December 1778. Transaction involving the Duque of Medica Sidonia's horse has halted due to the Duque being seized with an Apoplexy near Barcelona. Could only salvage from Fritz's wardrobe some oval steel buttons, a present of Tom's he thinks. Impatient for news of the Warring, wants details. Attended Court. Visited the Corses[?] and the Santa Maria "who was a petite maitresse and maja as you can conceive, nor were those beautiful eyes idle". She told Grantham her husband was in London. Will have left by now. Having a very select party to dinner tomorrow. Is still very abstemious however, invites them for a break in the day. Took a drive round the Prao with the Masserano's. The pools for the fountain are being dug and the scaffolding to the Puerta d'Alcala is taken down. Fire weather and exercise will re-establish his health to perfection. 13 December [1778]. The Nuncio, Colona, Pozzi, Monsignr. Ganganelli, Borghesi and Gazola dined. Gazola ate well, "looked about him, began cheerfully but I think tired sooner than I wished" [commenting on the tableware?]. The square portion of the Plateau much admired. Gibralter Obelisk well polished. Prints are near Madrid, delayed due to the Carrier being suspected of carrying contraband. Surprize at Daper imagining their cases could contain anything but books. Reference to Tom [Pelham's] Torradillas and brocades. The Nuncio and Kaunitz go tomorrow to Aranjuez, return Wednesday. The Court returns Tuesday. The King sent Grantham some good woodcocks. Bill of Lading for General Carpenter; transport of horses, 100,000 Reals for the four horses and two men. Waddilove and the payment for his horse. Continuing with the asses milk. Gaining weight. All painful symptoms gone etc... 14 [December 1778].

item

Pelham,
Jayes,
Kepel,
Waddilove,
Ackland,
Parker,
Swinburne,
Canales,
Rodrigo,
Masserano,
Nuncio,
Pozzi,
Ganganelli,
Gazola,
Draper,
Pelham, Thomas,
Kaunitz,
Carpenter

DEATH, apoplexy, dinners, horses