L30/15/54/115

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz (Frederick) [no.49 = no.5]:

Jan 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Dined at Naples' on Thursday, Great Dinner. Cold. At Penefuentes' the same night. Wrote some Consular and Lisbon letters on Friday and dined and made music at Kauntiz/Kaunitz's. At the Pardo yesterday, dined at Morino's. Called on Madame Bejar today, she dines with him soon with Sa Cruz who called yesterday. Gazola has been in bed for 15 days and had a fever for more than 20. Physicians think him in great danger. His condition fluctuates. Various reports about where he bequeaths his possessions. Some think him worth 150,000£, may or may not have left a will, some think he leaves all to a Foundation for your women at Placentia. Translation of Dr. Robertson stopped by Galves. The Academy refused to criticize it at his Orders and his brother (the author of Cato, or the Child's Catechism) is to undertake it. Grantham refers to a prophecy to this end, he made to the Bishop of Chester [Beilby Porteus]. Awaiting more certainty of the position before writing to Dr. Robertson. Magallon has promised Grantham a copy of Don Quixote when finished. Enclosed [not present] a note of the Duque de Arcos' agent at Bilbao, to whom his cases should be sent, instead of Widow Brodeirs. Queen's Ware from Wedgewood and Co. For Prince La Riccia. Writing directly to save Fritz the trouble. Waddilove's disappointment at being made to put "two piddling parcels" to Sneyd's Case instead of Fritz's etc... Grantham has given him some seeds and Indian flint for his Cabinet. Has also asked for a small square of Vicuna skin. Berthol very ill due to excessive drinking and eating. Grantham has told him to go to the hospital next time he is ill. At Madame Masserano's saw a Giant, a learned horse and a monkey who dances on a rope. Two Miss O'Burnes there, born in England and brought up in France, clean, well dressed and well behaved. Medina Celi thought to be the neat Cavallerijo Major. Murillo copies to be four Medals each. 24 January 1779 Gazola is better but not out of danger. Gaivio[?] a Cadet of his Regiment dined today, much recommended. Portugal's story, the fable of the week; invited to the little Benevente's Ball, uninvited the next day. Thought to be owing to two foolish balls at his house to which he invited almost no Company only Cadets and Garde du Corps etc.. Arcos[?], who always interferes, "spoke so loud about it that the Penafils (very unjustly turned away the Servant). Portugal has sent to have the Page restored and the matter made up. Retiro; entrance to the garden from the Court is more gardenlike that it was, Gate of Alcala very bad, covered with incongruities, description. Has acquired a beautiful plinth and broken column today from the Desert. Has also see the handsome pattern for his Cloches hammered out. Siere has sent Belmonte a very beautiful pair of buckles with a genteel letter, says the happiest day of his life was when he entered Fritz' service etc... Delapierre showed them to him. Munro visited. Now wearing out an old velvet embroidered coat, once white now black. Duque of Grenada sends his compliments. Spent two pezzetas on cane things at Perez's. Called on Pozzi, not up yet etc... Awaiting news of landing of horses. Two Garde due Corps, brothers, played at Kaunitz's. Never apart except when on different Guards, "think whether it is not enough to make merry very partial to them". Grenier's application. Waddilove and S.[Shadwell] involved. 25 [January 1779].

item

Kaunitz,
Morino,
Bejar,
Gazola,
Robertson,
Porteus, Beilby,
Magallon,
Arcos,
Brodeirs,
Riccia,
Waddilove,
Sneyd,
Berthol,
Masserano,
O'Burne,
Siere,
Delapierre,
Munro,
Pozzi,
Shadwell