L30/15/54/121

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz (Frederick), Whitehall [no.10]:

25 Feb 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Extraordinary letter, mainly to thank him for his full and long no.10. Lozada pleased by the account of Almodovar's dinner and assembly. Read Fritz’s kind expressions to Gazola. Assurance of his own well being and Ramel’s comment to support it. Possible alterations at Whitehall house. The Renewal should be considered. Expenses for Chico [horse sent from Spain]. Sending a drawing of the Inkstand which he has at home. Masin has set out for Paris from Turin, will write to him at Paris under direction of Scarnafs. If Fritz thinks it proper, Cordon should write to him about his Pannels [for his Coach]. Grath to ask Masin to bring a plain Spring suit made by Henri and a cane head for his Unicorn Cane. Sending the duf [?] of Arcos’ Cypher hopefully in time to put on the Queens Ware. Brown says Fritz looks wonderfully, Nanny says he talks etc. Tom [Pelham] has done right to decorate his Watch. Account of Mrs Eden wished for and Fritz sent. Baron Nostiz/Nostitz; wonders Fritz did not recollect him. Thinks London paid more honours to Garrick than to Lord Chatham. Letter from Suard [Seward] to Waddilove says Lord Chatham soon to be in Spain. Will not be sorry to show him attention. Pleased at Nanny’s response to her new Chair. Account of Almodorar’s day [see previous letter] very welcome. If Sir J. [Joshua Reynolds] does the children [niece and nephew Parker], wants a copy. Joke about Grantham’s Vice Admiral, trial would be unjust. Grantham is a great Keppelist as is everyone there, one thing clear from the Trial; the French Fleet went off. Palliser’s wife is Clough’s sister. Hopes Dr. Achmet’s Packet is on its way and that the summer things will be there before winter. Linen set to Cadiz is much admired and hopefully will prompt more Commissions. Brought Levetzow and Ramel home to dinner from the Pardo on Tuesday. “The last is a Coach horse and a great friend of Mr Oakes”. Maigre and mules mentioned. The Yriarte’s pictures in their new home. Philip IV thought to be original, in the style of Pacheco’s Velasquez. Bo and Tomas Yriarte dined there with Don Miguel Ottomendi and wife, Abbe Roxas, Abbe Pons and Count Prasca. Showed particular attention to the Ottomendis as they constantly enquire after Fritz. Dining at Kaunitz’s going on foot due to weather. Swedes astonished at it. Hopes Fritz aware of the latest private opportunity of writing from England “Oh Fritz? when shall we meet?” Battle at Cuerva planned, will give a few days respite at the beginning of Aronjuez. Corps removing on 16th April. Vergaza is a Valencian Maestrante, friend of Lanti’s, resembled Lord G. Germain. The Oreillys had a great escape [bridge disaster in last letter L30/15/54/120], she snatched up one of her children from a plank which fell in straight afterwards. 25 February 1779.

item

Lozada,
Almodovar,
Gazola,
Masin,
Arcos,
Brown,
Pelham, Thomas,
Eden,
Nostitz,
Garrick,
Chatham,
Seward,
Waddilove,
Reynolds, Joshua,
Palliser,
Clough,
Achmet,
Oakes,
Yriarte,
Kaunitz,
O'Reilly

Spain, buildings & land bridges, general bridges