Book Title: Indian Antiquary Vol 61
Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
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NOVEMBER, 1932] THE SCATTERGOODS AND THE CAST INDIA COMPANY
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community and a note of gratitude from the widowed Elizabeth Langelier (see p. 154) in recognition of his efforts on her behalf. Mrs. Langelier added the current gossip of Madras "The news of this place is Mrs. English which came with good Captain Small is a going to be married to
Mr. Oldham (Oadham). Miss Grieth is very much admired but she has mett with no body yet she likes well enough for a husband. I must now send you the mallancholy news of good Mrs. Ramsdon death which was very sudden; she was takon with an apleplectick fitt which carried her of in six. teen hours time. Mr. Horden has desired he may have the child which Mr. Maubert granted ; she is a charming, witty, brick (bright] gairl and I wish she was safo in Europe. This I think is all this misserable town aforda excopt scandle and that I beli[@]ve it will always abound in."
The marriage between Catesby Oadham, Assay-master at Fort St. George, and Mary English took place on 7 October 1717 (Marriages at Fort St. George).
Only two other letters, addressed to Scattergood in the year 1717 by his two stepbrothers, are extant. He did not receive them before his departure from England in 1718.
[68] DEAR BROTHER,
I receiv'd your kind letter dated the 29th of Jany., (') wherein you give me the agreeable new of yours and familys safe arrivall in England.
I thank God for the good health I have had ever since your departure, as also for a miraculous escape of being lost in our passage from Bengall to Bombay and Surat last year, our ship running on shore on a rock that lies of Point du Gall in Ceylone. We all expected every moment, either the oversetting of the ship, or her beating to pieces, but after five or six minuets fright we got safely off, but not without damage done to our ship, she making as much water we could well free her with one pump, so thinking the best way we could to save our lives and ship was to go to Tutucareen(?) to refit her, where our stay being long and the season very late, we could not possible get to Surat, but winterd at Bombay, where we buried my cozen Thomas Pain after a twelveth months sickness. We saild from Bombay the 13th of November, being bound down the coast, that we might somewhat repair our owners loss by the sale of a Malla bar cargo.
You mention of yours and my sisters kindness in endemnifying the Bishop of Meath(3) from all dangers that can happen to him in sending out my fortune, but that his Lordship does not care to part with any money till I am of age and can secure him by so doing, which my being at age the 7th of last September enables me to do, by appointing (with the advice of my brother Trenchfeild) you and Mr. Lewis my attorneys, which have done in a letter of attorney incloe'd in a letter to you both, but my hearing that you have a mind to come abroad again, then my brother thinks Mr. Fenwick() to be the properest man I can appoint in your stead.
I am very much obliged to Mr. Fenwick for his kindness in leaving at his departure 2000 pagodas to be employ'd in what ever voyage I shall undertake, either at respondentia or in the stock.
The trade from Bengall to Surat is grown so very dull, and nothing but the freight can support it, that my brother thinks I should do better if I should go along with Mr. Starke(5) in a voyage from Bombay to Bengall and Mocho Govr. Boone designs for him, and has promis'd my brother that I should, if he liked it.
There being nothing else that I can think of to acquaint you, but to desire you to give my love to my sister and my neices, as also wishing you all health and happiness and remain, dear brother, your affecte. brother and most humble servant
JNO. TRENCHFEILD. Tellecherry, December the 5th 1717.
