L30/15/54/131

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz (Frederick) [no.21]:

5 Apr 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Prince and both Princesses Massarano/Masserano?, Mr and Madam Ramel, his brother, a Swedish Consul from Portugal, Don Philipi Oconry, Captain Abercrombie, M. Levetzow and six British, dined. Opened the Case from the Custom House afterwards: Flesh brushes, Darbyshire Urn, Pedestal, Tea, Sir Th. Morley’s picture [not known who painted it], picture of his Aunt [? Stainforth, see next letter], Mrs Ward’s commission, box for Munro, buckles with simulated pearls, Waddilove’s Tassie’s, Views of Naples, great improvement in art of engraving. Bas reliefs of Aldermen sent by Lort, books. The Maritime Campaign and Brereton’s [?] Case are food for Conway. Narrative about Lord Chatham highly interesting to his son and Colt studies Criminal Law as eagerly as Grantham does. Achmet’s letter contained his bills which Draper has paid and which will be recovered from Joyes and Monmorin. Valentis’s commission not yet executed. Gazola extraordinary continuation to live. Just recovered completely from a fainting fit which deprived him of all senses for an hour. First thing he did on regaining them was to send Grantham his excuses for not being able to have them for dinner and two send 150 Rls. for two bottle stands acquired from Kearney’s. Fit thought to be caused by indigestion. Dined with the Ramels instead. Went to the Prado. Declined Munro’s due to a cold, now gone. The Gentlemen went, stayed until twelve, but the Colt, so tired of Munro, ran away and nearly got lost. They leave without fail, Wednesday morning. Grantham will be sorry as they have been good Company etc.. Portugal’s great secret disclosed yesterday; he is to marry the Martina. Awaits the leave of his own Court which the King of Spain has solicited. So impressed by Grantham’s confidentiality he now overloads him with it. Everyone considers it a foolish measure and pities the girl who is but seventeen. Believes Portugal will want a real silver Toilette. Account of Madam Dos and her singing, will be given by the english gentlemen, interesting manner of speaking, vivacity of an Andaluza without caprice. Sings Italian well and Spanish with a guitar “de mode que arrastra el Alma”. Convinced Fritz would admire her despite his inattention to music.etc.. Colt thinks he is in love with her, Conway is in raptures and Lord Chatham “capable of the most sentimental Admiration”. Used his eight new silver covers for the first time, four remaining dishes to make four round covers for often used dishes. Has just been at the Nuncio’s, but didn’t dine as it is a cold room. Visited Gazola also, Sweetmeats being sent to Portugal mentioned. Naples giving dinner tomorrow, has a wild nephew come with the M__s__[?] and Requerens[?], a younger brother, unlike him, in the Gards du Corps. Monsignor Serlussi’s[?] presents very handsome. Lozada has written five things about Fritz to Almodovar. Gazola is well and also enquires after Fritz. The Gentlemen are gone to the Play with Waddilove to see the Loa etc.. Different accounts of Ld. Ch. [Chatham] coming from Gibraltar, sure the best are the truest. Garrison divided in parties and his singular education does not directly qualify him for a Garrison life. Conway speaks handsomely of him and Grantham is very partial to him. Writing to Aunt Stainforth, her affectionate attention [sending her picture?] requires immediate acknowledgement. Waddilove writing to Fritz. Sees less of him since guests arrived. Have acquainted him of their intentions. Love to Nanny and little Folks. Enclosure for Harry Conway [not present]. Writing to Fritz via the travellers.

item

Masserano,
Ramel,
Oconry,
Abercrombie,
Stainforth,
Ward,
Munro,
Waddilove,
Conway,
Chatham,
Colt,
Achmet,
Draper,
Joyes,
Monmorin,
Gazola,
Portugal,
Dos,
Naple,
Lozada,
Almodovar,
Stainforth,
Conway, Harry

MARRIAGE, singer