William Balfour

William Balfour is listed as Factor with the East India Company in 1778

William was based in Madras, and corresponded regularly with his brother Robert, notably about the capture of Jagernautporam by the Company in 1788. Much concern was expressed when prize-money was not granted to the victors.

William’s companies in Madras were Messrs Balfour & Colt and Messers Balfour, Spalding & Colt.  In 1792, he sent a draft of £1344.2,8 to Secretary of State Henry Dundas, representing the subscriptions raised in Madras for building the New College in Edinburgh (this contribution amounted to 1/30 of the total cost).

William fell ill in Madras and in 1792, he sailed to England only to die on arrival. His estate was managed by his executors, Mr Colt and Mr Day who realised £63,724 from his estate in Madras, with a further £100,000 from estate in Europe. The executors complained to each other about the avaricious nature of the Balfours.

James Balfour was another brother, who sailed for Bombay in command of the 77th Regiment in 1788, too.