Grantham, Aranjuez to Fritz, Whitehall [no. 28] Received his no. 31. Glad Fritz...

L 30/15/54/138

9 May 1779

Grantham, Aranjuez to Fritz, Whitehall [no. 28]

Received his no. 31. Glad Fritz concurs with content of no. 20.

Miss Heywood has a brother in Spain, with a Clergyman., Mr Dunant. Good account of them, but former still subject to fits. News from Captain Kearney, now on his way home.

Mr Savory has arrived, will write via him.

Would like to have seen the painted glass. Longs for Fritz to see his Travellers [Conway, Colt and Chatham].

Aranda wrote a handsome letter in response to Grantham's recommendation of them.

Fritz not informed of an opportunity of writing. Lord Hertford's was a very proper and great attention.

Dined at Arcos' with the Portuguese Embassadress, who had her Audiences today, well dressed, handsome. At ease and in good spirits. At a loss for Company however, found her playing Manille with her husband, his Secretary and his Ec yer Francisco. "She was quite Bishop of London".

Dined at Yranda's.

Captain Kearney, recommended by Gregory, went away this morning.

Mr Savory [sic] came today. Sent Miguel to stop Mr Kearney at Madrid as it may suit for them to travel together.

Dined at Morino's yesterday as usual. Drew in the afternoon. Visited Pr. Masserano. Attended Court today. Mr Savory dined. Oddly, Bernardo Griaste called in at dinner time. They dined together there four years ago on a bad bustard.

Masin wrote from Bordeaux, replied to Baione. Expected 24th or 27th.

Esteves has sent materials for etching. Bayer told the Infant about Grantham's Views of Napels, sent them for him to see as requested and rolled up his three Views of the Sitios which H.R.H. said "he wished to have stolen, but he knew they were single". Offered to copy them. Transaction brought another Commission for prints etc.. from England for the Infant.

Fears about losing the Pena Fuente and not much success expected for Fabre, although Grantham has solicited more for him than he would himself. Fabre off to Madrid tomorrow.

Gazola going on well. Wishes to be remembered to Fritz. Still talking of his journey to Italy "with as much anxiety and more apparent Expectation of Success, than other people can, who wish to re-visit the Patria Arva as much as he does".

[In Cypher]; If negotiation ceases I answer for nothing.

Prints for Zenovieff's wife. About £30 worth. To be delivered to Mouskin[?] Pouschi [?]. Send some of Russian Fleet and some of Angelica [Kaufmann's] etc... "As for him [Zenowieff] he does not deserve it, at our hands, for he an arrant French D g as ever was".

Met Kaunitz with some puppies to be shown to the Duchess. The Duke is grown very tractable. The Penafuente is better.

Madam de Ferte, born at Cadiz. Husband very sick. Had employment in the Post Office, very affected in the Arbore Style. Has his three children playing in a Garden painted on a box. Pretty idea, too prettily executed etc...

Prasca has sent some Tea. The Nuncio has sent some cheese.

Uncertainty of situation and lack of opportunity to talk freely about it is affecting Grantham etc... Fritz to go on regularly with Saltram and Stanmer etc.. Fritz's possible return to Spain not being mentioned there by Grantham.

Dined at the Nuncio's with Sn. Jago's, Gregorita, Masin, Munro etc.. Pons is there and says the copies of the Murillo's are very good. Will send them to Mr P. [Parker] as soon as he returns to Madrid.

Infants have a great birdcatching tonight. The Princess will assist. Antonio's tent is pitched in the Spring Garden.

Love to Nanny and the Parkers. Will be very anxious tomorrow if there are no letters.

English