The Life of Robert, Lord Clive, Vol. 2 (of 3): Collected from the Family Papers Communicated by the Earl of PowisMalcolm, John
History
The Life of Robert, Lord Clive, Vol. 2 (of 3): Collected from the Family Papers Communicated by the Earl of Powis
Malcolm, John
Clive, Robert Clive, Baron, 1725-1774; India -- History -- British occupation, 1765-1947
From what has been stated we may assume that Clive's fortune, before the
jaghire was settled upon him, did not amount to 300,000_l._ It appears
from documents before me that, previous to this grant, he had given
away, or vested for annuities, a sum not less than 50,000_l._[153] (more
than one sixth of his fortune), to render comfortable and independent
those for whom he cherished affection and gratitude.
Clive was, subsequently to these acts of generosity, enriched by the
grant of the jaghire, which he himself estimates at 27,000_l._ per
annum. With this addition, we may conclude he had an income of upwards
of 40,000_l._; a large amount, but far below what this Indian Crœsus
(for such he was deemed) was thought by his countrymen to possess.
FOOTNOTES: CHAPTER 11
Footnote 104:
Lord Northington.
Footnote 105:
23d of February, 1757.
Footnote 106:
In a letter from Mr. Richard Clive, dated 18th of April, 1755, we find
this subject mentioned. "I was glad," he writes to his son, "to hear
from you last post; and though you banter me about the election at
Dover, I think, as you are so near, and the electors so well disposed
to oppose the ministry, you have a fair opportunity to disappoint the
Duke of Newcastle; and after you are elected you can proceed on your
voyage."
Footnote 107:
Mr. Richard Clive, in a letter to his son on the 22d of December,
1756, expresses his sentiments on this subject with all the warmth and
partiality of a father. "Before I left London," he observes, "the Duke
of Newcastle repeated his promise to do for me; and the last time I
saw him, he told me it must be something in my own way.[a] I have
little expectation, especially at this time of life: but the great and
solid satisfaction I enjoy is to think I have a son, who is a
benefactor to the public, as well as his own private relations; and
though you may not have met with what might have been expected from
your countrymen, 't is no discredit to you, but a reflection on them
never to be erased."
Footnote a:
The law.
Footnote 108:
The transfer of the title-deeds of Styche is stated in his father's
letter of the 22d of July, 1756.
Footnote 109:
22d of December, 1756.
Footnote 110:
In a letter from his father, dated 22d of December, 1756, we find the
following curious account of the sale of Clive's establishment:—
"The coach £40 0 0
"Pair of horses 40 0 0
"A grey riding horse 12 12 0
"One horse broke his neck; another fell backwards; and one pair kept
to go in a chaise."
From this statement of property, we infer that Clive, while in
England, must have lived very expensively.
Footnote 111:
This is independent of the sum he had paid for Styche.
Footnote 112:
This appears, from Clive's letter to his agent, Mr. King, of 6th of
October, 1756.
Footnote 113:
29th of April, 1755.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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