L30/15/54/129

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz (Frederick) [no.19]:

Mar/Apr 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Good music at Lalaigns on Monday night. Took the visitors [Chatham, Conway and Colt]. Waddilove took them to the Escurial yesterday. Dined on cold meat and liquor in Grantham’s Barraque. Visited the Torrepalma and Gazola. The Princess enquired much after Frederick and Lozada was very sensible of Fritz’s compliment. Cabinet of Natural History this morning, rest on Saturday. Dairla showed particular attention etc. Dined at home with Morina, Lozada, Kaunitz, Portugal, Venice, Zenowieff, Lacy, Campo, Casas, Munro, Nuncio, Colona, Ricardis, Pacheco. Everybody pleased with Grantham’s visitors. Grantham’s constant references to his brother Fritz. 31 March 1779. Assisted at the Ceremony of the poor peoples feet being washed. Presented his “Strangers” to the Infants and Infantas. Dined at Arcos’ with 103 people. The English were treated with much attention, the Duchess called Conway Chico [name of Fritz’s horse], connected with her way of talking rather than his looks. Duchess of Alva in great beauty. Saw the religious Procession from Lozada’s and the Court one from the balcony. Toured the streets then came home. The travellers wanted an English Coach. Grantham’s hired one from the Biscayen look so shabby with his new summer Liveries that he took up the offer of Portugal’s of his horse, equipages etc... and will borrow his English Coach. The travellers will reciprocate with a new Coach for him from England. Portugal has entrusted Grantham with a secret [he is to marry the Martina - L 30/15/54/131]. Grantham’s description of his relationship with the Colt, Conway and Chatham etc. His long residence in Spain and the situation in which Affairs are thought showed the footing he is on and provided their good Reception everywhere. They are now gone home. The Lamplighter makes a very smart footman who waits very well. In Gala today. Don Vincente Rios, one of Gazola’s Officers, is dangerously ill. Sent a sham angry, but flattering, answer to Gazola who thought Grantham had sacrificed his promise to dine with him to Lozada. 1 April [1779]. Has risen early to write, reminded of a time when his public affairs and feelings for Fritz took up all his thoughts etc.. Saw the Academy this morning, dined at Lozada’s. Now waiting for the Procession. The Case is at the Custom House, will open it tomorrow. Lord Abercrombie has arrived with a good letter from Duchess of Gordon. Draper’s arrived in the post. Waddilove has written to Brown to pay Fritz’s balance. No objection to Storer’s getting a Sallust in hand as Fritz proposes. Inkstand drawing coming with Chatham, also two drawings for Nanny and music for Paxton. Hope the Duchess of Arcos’ pianoforte progresses. Doesn’t tell Bronciforte his is not begun. Hurry it up, and his paintings, doesn’t object to price. The Arcos Cypher is not important. Hopes Monmorin’s bell [watch] will not be a striking one. Procession has gone by. Has seen Morino. Friday morning [2 April 1779]. Has mislaid his letter to Nanny, make acceptable excuses for him. 3 April [1779].

item

Chatham,
Conway,
Colt,
Waddilove,
Robinson, Frederick,
Lozada,
Morina,
Kaunitz,
Portugal,
Venice,
Zenowieff,
Lacy,
Campo,
Casas,
Munro,
Nuncio,
Arcos,
Alva,
Rios,
Gazola,
Abercrombie,
Gordon,
Draper,
Brown,
Storer,
Monmorin

food & drink, Spain, processions, religious processions