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

24 Jan 1785

From: 1785 To: 1785

Hoping for a good account of Fritz. Writing to him this morning as he is going to Lord Sydney's at eight o'clock, also taking Lord Hardwicke's excuse for his not going tonight; intending to go to the House some early Day to take the Oaths and he take out his Proxy which he will give to Grantham. Plans [not specified] will take a few days to produce. Dinner at Jenkinsons, Pitt made them wait until 6.40. Good dinner went of agreably. Company were; Lord Huntingdon, Pitt, Lord Rawdon, a son of Jenkinson's, the Speaker, Ja. Greenville, Sir Jo. Yorke and Lord Gower. Jenkinson's son aged about 3, attends Charter house, well behaved, clever Grantham didn't go to the Opera for fear of a headache. Grantham's Dinner very good. The Foreigners "seemed much edifyed and pleased......". Boys looking good and well behaved. Meeting with Jack [nephew Parker] at Hammersmith. Description of him. Says "they" came in about three weeks as soon as Peach House finished [Saltram?]. Told Grantham a secret, that the horses were paid for, satisfied to be rid of them. His father [John Parker, Lord Boringdon ] intends also to retrench the number of his workmen. Jack's observation, in connection with Sir John Hart, on how much betted bred people who have lived abroad were than John. "Mademoiselle a great favourite, and the little Girl improves apace, saying everything in French. Mr. Ley wrote to Saltram about Mr. R. and Ly. A's forthcoming marriage, meaning Radcliffe and Ashburton but misinterpreted as Robinson and Amabel. Described Ley and Jack's journey together, Ley grumbling about returning to the Table and "vowing he would take Orders for a Living of £200". Hatsell's Precedents, two more Volumes advertised. The Lords have lost a very good Clerk, Mr. Shutt. [Later] Delapierre just returned from paying Ralph [Worsley's] bill to Mr. Collyer. Excellent account of Ralph at College. Spending from seven o'clock til after tea with Lady Grantham and children. Ladies St. Asaph and Ashburnham come tonight. May see them if back in time from Lord Sydney's. Has no idea of what Speech contains yet. Conference with Wilmot, prevented Grantham going to Council. Mrs. Worsley's case desperate [no details], she must answer the Bill in Chancery which will cost money, or she will be "liable to be attacked". Valuation of Newby [Park] to be made by Mr. Ellis and a fair Rent stated. Wilmot advises petitioning Chancery for Abatement of Rent to which their cousins should consent. Future Lease to be during the joint Lives of Sir Norton and Grantham as it would be disagreeable in the event of Sir Norton's death to put it into the power of whoever might be his Committee to let the place and undone all that has been done. Tom [Pelham] and two brothers dining on Thursday. Acknowledges receipt of Fritz's of the 19th. Was with their Aunt, found her low and speaking with less firmness than usual. Gave him the balance of Ralph [Worsley's] £100, said she didn't want to be troubled with the situation again until Christmas. The £100 consists of £20 of hers, 30 of Mrs. Worsley's and £50 of Mr. Constable's, £49 remaining. Grantham will inform Ralph of his affairs when he quits Cambridge. He should thank Mr. Constable. The Scrutiny at Westminster being called in Question in House of Commons Thursday sennight. Dr. Burney's book pretty, costs a guinea. Bought it for Lady Grantham. Hopes Fritz will like his "Cheval de Henri 4 i.e. a day bronze [?] frock". Received Fritz's letter, happy he finished below [downstairs] etc. D'Anireville's [?] book about "the most remote Antiquity and means to prove a wonderful similarity in ye first Objects of Worship among all Nations". [Third sheet does not appear to belong to this letter] The Estate pays for passing the Accounts but as [Grantham] receives all the rents he is accountable for it. "If the Master paid himself etc... it would be an Article in his favour, and the Ballance to be paid would be greater, so it is as broad as it is long". Keeping Accounts and Cash separate would prevent such a Demand being unseasonable in future. Duke of Rutland's health poor, excessive lowness of spirits similar to his father's disposition etc... Unsure whether he's been able to open the Irish Parliament in person. Duchess's absence though "particular in his situation". Fritz's "Johnsonian" sentence about Tom [Pelham] was excellent, believes he wishes to be settled. His father better in the Country than in Town, Harry [brother] the reverse, looks well but prone to fainting recently. The "Babes" go to their Aunt's tomorrow. "The purple light of Poweder decorates the Grizzles of Eliza, and adds to the artificial Charms which she displays...". Reference to Nanny and the Fritz not understanding the Frolicks of Jezebel. Tom [Pelham] out of all patience with her. Went over Newby drawings with the latter, Entrance, Arch and Farm mentioned. Tom most interested in the Farm [just inherited one - Warden's, Sussex]. Has to hear Tod [son] say his letters and Lord Sydney read the King's Speech before Post goes out. Compliments to Waddilove.

item

Sydney,
Hardwicke,
Jenkinson,
Pitt,
Huntingdon,
Rawdon,
Greenville,
Yorke, Joseph,
Gower,
Parker, Jack,
Parker, John,
Boringdon, John Parker, 1st Baron,
Hart, John,
Ley,
Radcliffe,
Ashburton,
Wyeville,
Delapierre,
Worsley, Ralph,
Collyer,
St Asaph,
Ashburnam,
Sydney,
Wilmot,
Worsley,
Ellis,
Robinson, Norton,
Pelham, Thomas,
Constable,
Burney,
Rutland, Charles Manners, 4th Duke of,
Pelham, Harry,
Sydney