Indian Antiquary Vol 52

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Stephen Meredyth Edwardes, Krishnaswami Aiyangar
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 537

JUNE, 1923 ]
The lady was Elizabeth Radcliffe, a near relation of the two free merchants mentioned above. Thomas Radcliffe, baptised at St. Mary's, Stratford-le-Bow on the 27th January 1630/1, was the eldest surviving son of "Ralffe Ratcliffe gent. and Elizabeth his wife," née Clark.129 Peter Radcliffe, baptised 4th April 1641 at the same church, appears to have been the youngest of the family. He died in England, unmarried, in 1725, and on the 2nd June of that year his estate was administered by his niece and next of kin, Elizabeth Trenchfield, widow of Richard Trenchfield and previously widow of John Scattergood.130
THE SCATTERGOODS AND THE EAST INDIA COMPANY
As regards the parentage of Elizabeth Scattergood, née Radcliffe. Only three of the sons of Ralph and Elizabeth Radcliffe of Bow seem to have survived infancy. These were Thomas, Edward and Peter. The last, as we know, died unmarried, and as his administratrix is stated to have been his niece on his brother's side (neptis ex fratre), she must presumably have been the daughter of either Thomas or Edward. Thomas Radcliffe died in India in 1678 and his will131 was proved in England on the 8th December 1679 by his brother Edward. In the will he mentions only two daughters, Mary and Susan. It therefore seems more probable that Elizabeth Scattergood was the daughter of Edward Radcliffe, and was one of the unmarried women who went to Masulipatam in 1679 where her two uncles were then residing. Edward Radcliffe administered the estate of his mother, who died a widow, in December 1670,130 She was a resident of the parish of St. Olave's, Hart Street but was buried at All Hallows, Barking. Three of Edward's children were baptised at St. Olave's133 but the name of Elizabeth does not appear among them. A search for the will of Edward Radcliffe has so far proved fruitless and at present there is no direct evidence that he was the father of John Scattergood's wife, though there is a good deal to be said in favour of this theory.
A holograph letter of John Scattergood, with his seal, written while he was awaiting an answer to his request to go to Bengal, has been preserved among the India Office Records, 133
Metohlepatam, August primo 1679.
27
Mr. Wm. Ayloffe Esteemed Freind,
I am heartily sorry at the news I hear of your Sickness, which I cannot Chuse but Condole with you, being fallen into the same Condition my selfe, having had a feavour and my Body much disordered these 2 dayes. I hope at the receipt of this you will bee amended, the wholsomness of the place you are in, 134 and the conveniency of the Doctor [John Heathfield] being with you, furthering your Cure, the want of both which here, added to the present sickly time, makes mee doubt my distemper will not soo [sic] soon quitt mee, though I strive against it all I can.
Pray Sir (if your health will permitt you) doe mee the kindness to procure my 3 pagodas of Ramah,135 soe long since promised, and the paintings [printed calicoes] which certainly must ere this bee done, but if you cannot look after it, desire Mr. Ramsden (to whom pray present my service) who knows where the Painters live.
Noe ships yet come, but expected every day. these from, Sir,
My service to your selfe Concludes
139 Baptismal Registers of St. Mary's, Stratford-le-Bow. 131 P.0.0., 116 King.
Your freind and Servant, JNO. SCATTERGOOD 130 P.0.0. Administrations.
139 Registers of St. Olave's Hart Street.
183 0.0. 4638.
134 Madapollam, the health resort of the Company's servants at Masulipatam. 135 Ramayya, a native merchant.