Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/17/2/10
  • Title
    From Frederick [Fritz], Escurial to Anne [Nanny] Robinson, Whitehall:
  • Date free text
    29 Sep 1771
  • Production date
    From: 1771 To: 1771
  • Scope and Content
    Mr. Harris bringing this letter with him, affords him [Fritz] the opportunity to be more truthful about their experiences. Glad Nanny able to get to Bath during her summer expedition, also to spend time in Devon and at Stanmer. Thinks she will see the Gala Coach whilst in Town as Mr. Wright has been slow. Required in Spain, 9th December. Grandees; seldom above four feet high. Resemble Sir Clifton Wentringham, Mr. A. Paulett, Jack Aislabie, all the Tancreds and Dr. Arne. Women, general description…, not so fair as the Duchess of Bedford & Dowager Howe "dressed like housekeepers, large black eyes & bad teeth". Madame Benavente "an hideous likeness of Mrs. Fanshawe". Duchess of Bejar the most sensible seen, except Madame Torrepalma who is nurse to the newborn infant and consequently lost to society. Routine; every day except Monday and Thursday, dine between one & two at Grimaldi's, Losada's, Musquiz's or Arriaga’s, play cards, take air or attend Opera. Grimaldi; Spanish Prime Minister, Genoese by birth, disagreeable, a frenchman in politics etc... Duque de Losada; the King's confidante and favourite, sincere but reserved etc. Musquiz; Minister of Finances, not a Grandee and therefore despised by them. Imagines he found his wife washing linen in a ditch. Arriaga; Minister for the Indies, "procrastinating old totching bigot". Italian Officers of the King's Guard the most conversible. "May adopt Spanish prejudices in time & become like Gay Lavagna". General discussion of Frederick's feelings on his circumstances. Sorry to see Mr. Harris go, not likely to return, can't fill Secretaryship to the Embassy until he is provided for. Love to Pelhams. Ask Therese to write more frequently when away from Nanny. Mr. Harris brings a parcel containing a silk cap called a Recillo, usually black, all the "puppies" male & female wear them in Spain.
  • Level of description
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