L30/15/54/142

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Aranjuez to Fritz (Frederick) [no. 31]:

May 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Apology for shabbiness of recent letters. Unable to write about certain subjects. Comfort in writing to Fritz. Received his no. 37, made him laugh. Admirable account of the Bona Piglioula. Can’t conceive of Wedderburne’s being Secretary of State. Received a letter from Draper with accounts, right to pay himself as much as he pleases and keeping a sum in hand. Fritz’s account with Grantham; fleshbrushes costs ten shillings instead of £1.10. Mrs Davison never was a flame of Grantham’s Miss Tref_ris was, at the time Fritz alludes to. Fritz’s bill of fare is “truly fritzical”. Has been walking, playing base and writing a great deal, assisted by Waddilove. Dined with Musquiz, saw his daughter, much improved. Saw Morina at Madrid. Whole Royal Family dined at A__a on Thursday. Venice still lame. Duchess of Arcos has bespoken a coach. Negretti’s things arrive soon, hopefully the pianoforte too. Brancifote thinks his Orals[?] too small. Hoping to write by a safe conveyance soon, commissions to be explained more fully. Monmorin does not mind his bell being a winger. Kaunitz wants a whip and walking stick combined etc... Zenowieff wants a gold watch chain for ten to twelve guineas. Fritz's summer plans, somewhere near Town, Stanmer or Ampthill perhaps. Has no arrears [except balance to Fritz, and money owed to Masin], owing only 250 to the box. Not likely to get involved in play, goes fairly regularly to Portugal's. His wife much admired, describes her and her relationship with her husband. Madame Ramel coming next month, will dine out, one evening at the Portuguese Embassadress', others at Princess Masserano's. The Llano's have returned, charming children. Princess of Asturias made particular enquiries of Fritz. 21 May [1779]. Moriño has been dangerously ill. Cholica morbus, incredible evacuations. Dined at home with the Sn. Eusemia's, Abrantes, granada, Valpariso, Palafox and another Priest called Lasso. Went to meet Masin on the road yesterday. Munro drove him, but he didn't appear. Will be there by tonight. Whitsun holydays. Gollillas are most of them come down. Has put on a Poplin, but not left off his leather waistcoat. Waiting to see what Masin brings in the way of clothes. Fritz's green vicuna will make a couple of good frocks but not a dressed suit. Expects Lord Chatham etc... were in England by the 4th. Castelfuente has brought his two french nephews, appeared in french uniforms the first day, that of the Walloon Cadets the next, "no small falling off...". Sn. Jago down soon, will be awkward at Court, hasn't the entries he once had. Naples is ill and off to Madrid. 23 [May 1779]. Masin arrived. Has to the Arcos', Portugal's and Benevente's. Sons well. Waddilove gone to see him about books he should have brought with him. Grantham's cane head pretty. His spring clothes arrive in ten days or so. Masin has bought a set of english horses from a Mr. Macartney and a coach of Lord Stormont's. Franklin has his audiences at Versailles the same day as Masin. Michel lives with Zeno. Aranda is broke. Morino is better but weak after 70 evacuations. Sobral put forward for a vacancy [not specified] against his will. Business wrongly manages by "a little black Abbé and a man who dresses well, who have sovereign Influence with their Principal". Hopes Masin's arrival will inject a little life socially. The Masserano dines with Grantham tomorrow, Masin on Wednesday with part of the Corps, Lozada etc... Little Infanta has left off her cap, looks well, but daily eats ham. Hope little Girl [niece Parker] keeps better diet. Love to Parkers. Monday [24 May 1779].

item

Wedderburne,
Draper,
Davison,
Waddilove,
Musquiz,
Morina,
Arcos,
Negretti,
Branciforte,
Monmorin,
Kaunitz,
Zenowieff,
Masin,
Portugal,
Ramel,
Masserano,
Morino,
Munro,
Chatham,
Jago,
Benevente,
Macartney,
Stormont,
Franklin,
Aranda,
Morino,
Sobral