L30/15/54/133

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Madrid to Fritz (Frederick), Whitehall [no.23]:

Apr 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Responses to his nos. 23 and 24. Thinks “the rapidity of Macau [macaw - a gambling game - O.E.D.], would make it very fashionable in England, where people are in such a hurry to be ruined”. Requests “a Chatillon, as Zeno used to call a Pattern”, of grey paper. What furniture is used with it?”. Supposes any as any Ribbands may be worn with a grey gown, or whatever the current term given to ladies wear. Comparison of Mr Coxe’s Travels to Fritz’s etc.. Monmorin strongly objects to a sounding bell. Grantham glad the 400£ is paid. Agustin has returned after a passage of 51 days. Has paid him a Crown a day. Nothing known of Manuel’s return. Will pay him when he does, and draw upon General Carpenter. Murillo; doubts about it’s originality, will not buy it, 4000 the most that should be given for it. Sorry for poor Elliot. Having seen him there “and having gone so far as to think of him if necessary, created an Interest in his favour, besides Tom’s friendship for him”. Sorry also for account of Tom Constable. Did Lord Pelham ever secure the place upon his own Life? Bargas of Toledo, the maker of the Inkstand, also designed it. Medina Sidonia and Hijar’s houses in Town. Neither had houses in the Sitio’s, both were always lodged by the Court. Duke of Hijar first lived in house in the Calle de las Inquisition. Curious to see Swinburne’s book. Imagines Lord Clifford’s son to be like a Worsley, as his mother was reckoned to be like theirs [Frances Worsley - Grantham’s mother]. Fritz’s lists of dinners and Company are not at all tiresome. Contradictions about Lady Oss. [Ossory]. Her retirement may perhaps be accounted for by her mind taking an unfortunate turn. Grantham’s news; cold gone, but left a problem with his foot, now improving. The English went away on Wednesday. Had taken them to a Ball at the Penafils’ on Monday and to Countess Aranda’s on Tuesday. Acquired their proper passports etc.. at the Offices. Dined at Naples’, went to play, supped at Grantham’s. Believes they were regretful at leaving. Has been to Gazola’s, Ramel’s, aired constantly, resumed his music, paid his March Bills, entered all his Business, closed all arrears. Company to dinner today. Hopes Nanny will be flattered by his “sympathising Ancle”. Munro has received notion of his brother’s getting the Order of ye Bath. [After dinner]. The Nuncio, Colona, Pozzi, Monsignor Serlussi, Count Vardi, Kaunitz, Portugal, Venice, Borghese and Lann dined, “a true Macaroni party”. The Urn was much admired, begs leave to replace the pedestal with a more steady one. Views of Naples. If this is subscription work, subscribe in Grantham’s name, worth doing for the sake of a good impression. Drove round the Altos with Ramel after dinner. Returned to Canales. Reading “with Contempt and Indignation the malevolent Ribaldry of Thicknesses’ Travels, which would have been enriched by much ___rility if he had proceeded to Madrid, where I can answer for his meeting with a bad Reception”. Delivered letter to Don Antonio Pons F.S.A. He encourages the Etching scheme and says it will shame the expensive and injudicious Views already published at Aranjuez. Grantham getting mis[?] Herramientos together for this purpose, will send impressions as they come out. Has two copies taken of the last (the Vase dedicated to Fritz]. Conway wanted a head of Tom Pelham, gave him that but failed to acquire an Oriheula, box meant for Lord Pelham. Penafuenta better after being dangerously ill. Kaunitz as assiduous as ever in the Nursery. Martina still holds out and cries “but she must be Excellentified for all that”. Portugal consults the Paulina about the means of making himself agreeable. His Abbe the French Painter “has not such clean hands as ye Embassador was painted with by him”. Went away with Don Rodrigo and was entrusted by Merchants there with an immense sum of gold to smuggle. He is gone off with 45000 dollars. The Nuncio brought apricot cakes from Ferrara. Joyes has settled their share and Monmorin’s[?] of the Inst. Bill which will be repaid to Grantham this month. Has enough money in the meantime and will pay Munro off. Tries not to get too excited at thought of their plans.etc.. Two parcels coming to England with Lord Chatham contain music, Waddilove’s Frontispiece, various papers with directions as to their distribution. Also bringing Munro’s present to Fritz and a letter from Grantham ensuring they will meet. Conway has promised to look him out, probably the Colt will call Grantham “an amazing good kind of man”. 11 April 1779. Has written today to Lady Pelham, Bishop of Chester [Beilby Porteus] and the Office. Aired round the Retiro and by the Delicias. Not walking yet. Pozzi asking about a set of people in England in a French book called the Herenkuteers or Moravians. Grantham looked at the book and read an ironical description of a Fox hunter etc.. Enquiring about Negroes, no new or old laws about them. Used as servants in America, let out like wild beasts, at Carthagena, work in the Spanish West India Islands etc. Waddilove has good accounts of his horse, has never mentioned charges etc... Love to Nanny and the Parkers. [Sic]. 12 [April 1779].

item

Coxe,
Monmorin,
Agustin,
Carpenter,
Elliot,
Constable, Thomas,
Pelham,
Sidonia,
Hijar,
Swinburne,
Clifford,
Worsley,
Ossory,
Gazola,
Ramel,
Munro,
Nuncio,
Pozzi,
Kaunitz,
Portugal,
Conway,
Pelham, Thomas,
Joyes,
Chatham,
Waddilove,
Conway,
Colt,
Pelham,
Porteus, Beilby,
Pozzi

gambling, Bishop of Chester