Nathaniel Elwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathaniel Elwick
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| President of Fort St. George, Madras | |
| In office 15 October 1721 – 15 January 1725 |
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| Preceded by | Francis Hastings |
| Succeeded by | James Macrae |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1675 |
| Died | 1750 |
| Signature |  |
Nathaniel Elwick (born in February 1675, died in 1750) was a British merchant. He held an important job as the President of Fort St. George, a British trading post in India, from October 15, 1721, to January 15, 1725.
Contents
Nathaniel Elwick's Early Life
Nathaniel Elwick was born to John Elwick and Judith Crisp. He was baptized on February 13, 1675. He went to school at Merchant Taylor's School in London, where he completed his education.
Journey as an Envoy to China
Nathaniel Elwick had two brothers, Thomas and John. Both of them were important leaders, called Directors, in the East India Company. This company was a big British trading group. Because of his brothers' influence, Nathaniel was sent to China in 1713. He went as an official representative, or envoy, for the company.
Time as Governor of Madras
Nathaniel Elwick started his term as President of Fort St. George in Madras. Just two months later, the person who had the job before him, Francis Hastings, passed away.
Dealing with Financial Issues
A person named Mar Kistna, who worked closely with the previous leader, faced some problems. He was arrested on September 8, 1722. This was because of some financial issues and unpaid money. He was held in the Fort until December 11, 1722. He was only let go after he sorted out his money problems.
Rules on Trade
The Armenian community in Madras was very active in trade. They often traded with the French settlement of Puducherry. However, Elwick did not allow this trade. He believed that any trade with foreign groups was bad for the British East India Company. He wanted all trade to benefit only the British company.
Challenges from Other Powers
In June 1724, a powerful leader named Cheen Kulich Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, won a battle against the Nawab of the Carnatic. He then moved his forces towards Gingee. This made the British leaders in Madras very worried.
In the same month, a group of Afghans surrounded the city of Shiraz in Persia. This event stopped the supply of Madeira wine from reaching the British trading post in Madras.
