L30/15/54/253

From 2nd Baron Grantham, Whitehall to Fritz (Frederick), Ripon:

21 Jan 1785

From: 1785 To: 1785

Glad of his improvements in health and greater mobility. Mrs. Worsley's Law Suit, thinks the Egerton's mean to defeat her an example of "that cruel Dispropriation of Fortune which too often exists between a minor accumulating Wealth and a Widow and three Children without a Shilling". Sad story. Ralph has sent his Tutor's bill for the Aunt who will order payment of it. Sir J. Ramsden and Bud's visit to Newby [Park], bad season to visit, Fritz's comments proof of his improving spirits. Thirteen at Lord Hardwicke's yesterday, received about stairs after Dinner. The Bowens go next week as Mr. De Nicoise, "a Lamb" is off to join his Corpos at Breden. Visited Lady Frankland, Miss Frankland and Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas were there. Miss Grace had withdraw with toothache. Believes Lady Grantham will present her at Court. Mrs. Ellis' private party afterwards. J. St.John at Rest [Wrest?], expresses Obligation to Grantham. Told Grantham an Epigram written about one of Lord North's supposed tastes: "For twelve year old Girls North walks in the Dark And for smooth Downy Lawns quits his Old Bushy Park" T.P.[Pelham] also told him of a house of Darkness near Soho, of Blacks, "Such is the Refinement of the Present Times". Grantham met an Indian Girl today who seemed to mean to entice. Crawford says he is ill but looks well, says he is too old to marry. At Sir Joshua's[Reynolds], Wests, Romney[s] and at Bacon's today with Lady Grantham. Also at Downman's, with Tom [Pelham], former has done Lady Midleton's [née Pelham's] Head from the Mask. May employ him to the Children if Lady Grey thinks it will please Lord Hardwicke. West had just carried his Landscape to the Queen's House; a good Royal Chase in Windsor Park, much commended. Sir Joshua has done a Venus in a Grove and a Girl with a Mouse Trap. At Bacon's they saw the model of Blackstone's Statue which is at All Soul's College and the sketch of Rodney's Figure for Jamaica. Mrs. Yorke's and Lady Camelford's tonight, not yet reconciled to evening parties, has nothing to do at them. Guayuva from Munro arrived. Didn't buy a Coffee Pot as medium sized one there can be used for Newby. Taking out Opera Subscription for Lady Grantham, doesn't think he'll go himself, shall have enough of his Dinner. [Subscription] Rule at Brooks, partly explained by Tom [Pelham]. Hoping to avoid paying the two last years, if he returns must pay all arrears. No such thing as cutting a name out, so it was devised that a years absence suspended payment till the Subscriber returned to the House. Lord Herbert still very lame, St. John says he is in a bad state of health which Grantham should be sorry for. Close Stool Pan hats, high Capes, very short waistcoats and immense balloon leather fashionable, at least in St. James' Street. Carlton House Front being built by Holland, the Prince says he cannot pay for it but the workmen continue work, receiving Interest first without the Principle [Capital], as it thought such a handsome object for the Town. Will inform Waddilove of any news of Mr. Hasting's return. Mrs. Lace [Law?] looks well but thin, hair style of dropping curls forwards like a full bottom wig very pretty. Tom and Harry [Pelham] couldn't dine, Tom engaged to Henry Pelham today etc... Mr. Metcalf is chosen [?for what] but it will get into Chancery, may hear of it in House of Lords. Bought Dr. White's Sermons, highly spoken of and C.Fox's print, good impressions scarce. New Cooke coming out. No symptoms of gout left except lassitude, sleeping well but not much appetite 'Grand Repas' Saturday: Sir Joseph, Lady Y. Jasq: Mr. Mad Bowens, the son, Mr. J. Yorke, the Carews, Lady Bell [Amabel], Mr. and Lady G. and ourselves. Reserving the Archbishop for Fritz. May have Clarendons and Howes before Fritz arrives. The [Grantham] Boys met the little Yorkes at St. James' Square, all behaved well but took no notice of each other. Mrs. Fielding's little boy is to go with them. Amazed at Mrs. Waddilove's continence.

item

Worsley,
Egerton,
Worsley, Ralph,
Ramsden, J.,
Hardwicke,
Bowen,
de Nicoise,
Frankland,
Nicholas,
Ellis,
St. John, John,
North,
Pelham,
Crawford,
Reynolds, Joshua,
West,
Romney,
Bacon,
Grantham,
Downman,
Pelham, Thomas,
Midleton,
Yorke,
Camelford,
Munro,
Herbert,
Waddilove,
Hasting,
Lace,
Pelham, Harry,
Metcalf,
White,
Fielding,
Yorke, Joseph,
Bowen,
Carew,
Hume-Campbell, Amabel, 1st Countess de Grey, 5th Baroness Lucas,
Clarendon,
Howe,
Grantham,
Holland

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