From what has been stated we may assume that Clive's fortune, before the jaghire was settled upon him, did not amount to 300,000l. It appears from documents before me that, previous to this grant, he had given away, or vested for annuities, a sum not less than 50,000l.[[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 27,000l. per annum. With this addition, we may conclude he had an income of upwards of 40,000l.; 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
[104]. Lord Northington.
[105]. 23d of February, 1757.
[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."
[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."
[a]. The law.
[108]. The transfer of the title-deeds of Styche is stated in his father's letter of the 22d of July, 1756.
[109]. 22d of December, 1756.