L30/15/54/116

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz (Frederick), Whitehall [no.6]:

Jan 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Received his no. 1,2 and 3, also heard from Tom [Pelham]. Anxious about Fritz's lameness; consult Dr. Warren. Glad his letter by Mr. Kerr arrived. Hopes John's [Johnson?] match turns out well. Would like to have been with them all at Lewes to see Lucy look pretty, Fanny behave well and above all Fritz playing whist. Will follow Fritz's advice about a sedentary life, won't sit too long at a time etc... Marbles will cost about 20 pistoles. Agrees with the words in cypher. Grantham throwing cold water on Fritz's schemes to return to Spain, couldn't bear to part again etc... Grantham’s drawing of the Plateau, beauty sadly expressed etc... Madame Arissa's commission; sorry Lord P[Pelham] missed the joke. Money for the Wardrobe to be given to a servant by degrees not all at once. Sorry about Fritz's fingerache, take care of every small complaint. Lady Litchfield's intentions. Grantham not aware of them. May have been of more use to Harry if Lady Pelham was free to divide the Legacy more extensively. Keep Grantham informed about Tom [Pelham's] health and present complaint. Glad his Prophecy about Harris will be fulfilled. "The folks whom his father calls good Spa Maids are well pleased at the Promotion which.....give[s] Mrs. Harris a Tratto". Truly vexed at Lady M.L. etc... Hopes Fernandez has done nothing wrong or absurd. Anxiety to deliver the King's horses himself. No written agreement, he and Austin was to have 20 Rls. A day for journey to London and 15 back again. 29 January 1779. Mr. Mourgue staying, on way from London to Cadiz. Settled at Cadiz where Waddilove knew him. He was taken in by Mr. Collett who visited in the Summer. Committee of the Academy dined Thursday, pleased with Desert, dinner and conversation. Comedy at the Duque de Hejar's. Has built a handsome theatre. Schism in family about it; neither the Arissa's or Monrtigo's were there. Other relations and good company were invited. Details of the play written by the advocate of the family upon Alexander Severus(?), Duque's little daughter involved. The Nuncio was present. Music and dancing afterwards; Sayneti of (?) Blindman's Bluff and at Torradilla by the little girl. Pozzi called last night, lacking the vivacity he had before his illness. Canales also. They played before the Abbé [Pozzi]. Grantham wondered whether Dr. Burney would consider he played with precision and expression, as Pozzi thought he did. Carpegna is made Exempt. Attended the Pardo, dined at Morino's, thence to Gazola's, who is cheerful and complaining less than he has done from his great Chairs. Thought to be 86 years old. Grantham visiting daily. Losing time in writing having to use blotting paper instead of sand. 30 [January 1779]. Duchess of Bejar, her friend the Paulina Sa Cruz, Penio Sylva, Lozada, Revillajujedo[?], Orcesitas[?], Infantado and Magallou dined. Stayed until nearly six, wanted to see all the Relicks. Desert admired. Duchess Arcos couldn't come, not well. The Paulina looked very pretty. The Dss. [Duchess of Bejar] consulting a French Oculist for swollen eyelids. Went to Gazola's afterwards. Bad night but better now. Played with Canales. Walked for an hour in the Green Room. A Princess born at Naples. Galas and illuminations. Esteves begins the Murillo's tomorrow. The Gilder says he can make frames for pictures and tables which can be removed in pieces and reassembled. Ask if Mr. P [Parler] wants frames made. 31 [January 1779]. Writing to Draper and Nesbitt as usual. Has paid Munro 30,000 Rls, 27,000 of which he borrowed from the box. Debts to Munro reduced to 45,000. Waddilove received a commission about a Gunbarrel from Draper. Supposes he will undertake it but not ask for favour to be reciprocated, has a poor opinion of Draper as a Commissioner. Assurance of "how very few clouds we have and how very light they have been", despite this wishes for Waddilove's release, no immediate prospect however etc... Mr. Mourgue had 'Anticipation', which Grantham read with "Airdity and entertainment". Supposes the Publication "stopped the mouths of many". Forgot his promise to Ct. Lacy to let him have the Papers, which will disrupt the regular plan of circulation and safe return. Hopes it won't happen, expects Joyes and Madam will get them as usual etc... Visited Gazola who wishes to be mentioned to Fritz. Love to Nanny and the Parkers. 1 February 1779.

item

Pelham, Thomas,
Robinson, Frederick,
Warren,
Kerr,
Arissa,
Pelham,
Litchfield,
Harris,
Austin,
Mourgue,
Waddilove,
Collett,
Pozzi,
Burney,
Morino,
Bejar,
Arcos,
Gazola,
Draper,
Nesbitt,
Munro,
Lacy,
Joyes