L30/15/54/109

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz [Frederick] (no, 45):

Dec 1778

From: 1778 To: 1778

Received his 66 and 67. Glad of Heslop's quick passage; acknowledgement of receipt of his letter. Nanny also saw him at Saltram. Received two letters from Draper and two misdirected packets for Sir Robert Muray/Murray Keith at Vienna. Redirection caused a stir at the Secretary of State's Office, when Michel took a paper there he was much questioned about the New Minister coming here. Responses to Fritz's letters. No.66: Thanks for his remembering Grantham's birthday. Would have been uneasy about the fatigue in Fritz's legs and feet at the House of Commons had he not mentioned walks to Lincoln's Inn etc... Article about Lady Robinson very pleasant [nothing more specific]. Sends prints to Spain of either of the King's pictures are engraved soon. Assurance of his recovery from illness. Heslop seems to have given true accounts of him. Likes his expression "Stamp of the Climate". The Watch arrived by a Messenger of Almodóvar's. "God Great Carlisle may have no further dispute with the wrongheaded Frenchman I forget whether the Duke of Northumberland was in ye Opposition!! No.67; Trusts Fritz will watch Tom [Pelham], any reason to think him ill, "send him abroad and give up that vile hobby horse, which perhaps he rides upon. Sensible of the King's enquiring after him [Grantham], Fritz’s answers were very proper etc.. Glad Vicuna's have arrived. Appears that Fritz was not at the Wedding [Fanny?]. The Urn is about 15 inches high. Charming letter from nephew [Parker], will answer punctually. Pleased with being shown the Spanish waistcoat [by Fritz] etc... Saw Lacy, a tall man, at Court [pain]. Mejoradas and Terremanzanal dined. The Lady of the former could not come. Quarrel with the Corps, feels ill used. More marbles and chairs have come, Desert handsomer than any Table Decoration seen. Walked to Gazola's afterwards, came home to Conales. 22 December 1778. Merry Xmas. Has passed as good a one as possible under the circumstances. Received his no.68, vague reference to Grantham's return, more discussion by safer opportunity etc... Fritz to exercise his feet, if the change of diet or increased wine consumption appears to affect the condition then he must attend to this. Will write to Pelham's of all sorts by the next good occasion, handsome letter to cousin Lady Middleton [Fanny née Pelham]. Wishes he had dined with Fritz at Mrs. Nesbitt's. Comment on Coaches and Palanquins. Chair for Nanny bespoken. Arrangements for Fritz's reimbursement. Vicunas. Mr. Parker, Lord Middleton, Mr. L______are all Fritz mentions. Fourth to go to Draper, Wilmot or Nesbitt, in Grantham's name. Fritz right to answer for Grantham serving Lord P[Pelham, promise Tom the same, but as a great secret. As to it being a favour, will make no merit of it with him. Little Haslemere has written to thank him for civilities. Prints arrived from Paris. Walks every afternoon towards Puerta de Hierro, played base, finished Tacitus. Drank tea at Munro's with Waddilove. Tea did him no harm. Xmas dinners going the rounds but upon a smaller scale. Morino dining on 2nd January, up to sixteen guests, Desert will only do for this number. Not worthwhile having anything Darbyshire sent. Obliged for the Almanack. Saw Waddilove's first. Glad they have kept up the same style as Inigo Jones', guessed the print would be Somerset House. 25 December [1778]. Dined at Zenowieff's; the Corpos, Lady, Losada [sic], 18 in all. Won a Medal. Dined at Gazola's with Lozada, La Riccia, the Nuncio, Duke and Duchess of Arcos. Pacheco couldn't come. Excellent dinner but missed Fritz for the Honours of the Punch which was always his department. Writing now having missed Court, the King going out at twelve. Drawing for Lady Pelham. Fancies the French are disappointed at not having a Dauphin. No orders yet out for the Pardo, in hopes the Princess will lie in Madrid. Dined at Arcos' with Madame Bejar, Madame Montijo, Infantado, Magallons, who has promised Grantham a Don. Quixote, Waddilove doubts his ever receiving it. Writing to Sir St. Porter, La Princessa 9esta sin novedad0. Portugal has a Supper and Concert tonight. "None of us are invited....". 28 [December 1778].

item

Heslop,
Draper,
Keith, Robert Murray,
Pelham, Thomas,
Lacy,
Gazola,
Middleton,
Pelham, Frances,
Nesbitt,
Wilmot,
Haslemere,
Munro,
Waddilove,
Morino,
Zenowieff,
Lozada,
Riccia,
Nuncio,
Arcos,
Bejar,
Porter, Stanier,
Portugal