88
RIDDELLS OF GRANTON, SCOTLAND.
John Riddell (1), second son of Archibald¹ (1), was a physician in
Edinburgh; married Jane Livingstone, an heiress, and had issue many
children who died young. Dr. Riddell died in 1740, leaving a widow and
two children, of whom hereafter. He was eminent in his profession.
Janet Riddell² (1), eldest daughter of Archibald¹ (1), was born in
Scotland, and went to New Jersey, United States, with her father's fam-
ily at the time of his banishment. She was married Jan. 26, 1686, to
James, son of Sir James Dundas, who was Lord Orinston, great-grand-
father of General, the Rt. Hon. Sir D. Dundas, G. C. B., of Beechwood,
late commander-in-chief. Her husband was one of the party that came
on the "Henry and Francis" from Scotland. These resided at Perth
Amboy, his household being located on Smith Street. Mr. Dundas was
selected by William Dockwra, in 1688, for one of his deputy receiver-
generals, but would not accept the office; however, on being appointed
by the Proprietaries, in January, 1694, receiver-general, he consented to
serve, and held the office till his death in 1698. Mrs. Dundas survived
her husband and administered on his estate, after which she returned to
Scotland and spent her last days with her kindred.
Sarah Riddell (1), second daughter of Archibald' (1), was born in
Scotland, and presumably went to New Jersey in America, with her
tomary to send a vessel or two of that description with all great naval armaments,
which, independent of the purposes of state and pageantry, probably first gave rise
to this equipment). He returned with his gallant admiral in October, 1707. His
diligence and indefatigable attention to duty, procured his promotion soon after his
return to England, to the "Falmouth," of fifty guns. In the year 1708, he was
ordered for New England; and, when on his voyage homeward, in 1709, with
a number of ships under his convoy, signalized himself in so distinguished a
manner on being attacked by a French ship-of-war of superior force, that we
scarcely know whether most to applaud his intrepidity and good conduct itself,
or to rejoice at the unalloyed success which attended it. He continued cap-
tain of the "Falmouth" for a considerable time after this, as in the year 1710, we
find him in the same ship, accompanying Capt. George Martin, who then com-
manded the "Dragon," on his successful expedition against the French settle-
ment of Port Royal, in Acadia, now called Nova Scotia. In the year 1712, he still
commanded the same ship, and was then stationed off the coast of Guinea, where,
in company with Capt. Mabbott, of the "Mary Galley," he had a very spirited
engagement with two French ships-of-war; the enemy were, however, so fortunate
as to make their escape. This is the last mention we find of Capt. Riddell. The
time of his death is not known.
"Admiralty Office, May 24, 1709. - Her Majesties ship 'Falmouth,' of fifty guns,
commanded by Capt. Walter Ryddell, in her passage from New England with some
ships laden with masts, and others under her convoy, was on the 18th of this month,
attacked by a French ship-of-war of fifty guns, about twenty-four leagues from
Scilly; and Capt. Ryddell, perceiving that the enemy did intend to board him,
befilled his head-sails, and laid her on board under her boltsprit directly athwart
her hawse, and raked her fore and aft with his cannon. The enemy continued in
this posture about an hour an a half, during which time he entered many men, but
they were repulsed; however, the number of men on board being much greater
than those in the 'Falmouth,' it occasioned various turns; but at length he thought
fit to retire, first cut all the lanyards of the 'Falmouth' fore and mizen shrouds, be-
lieving it might prevent her following to rescue the convoy, which the enemy stood
after, notwithstanding which Captain Ryddell did with such diligence follow him as
enabled him to preserve them and to bring them into Plymouth. In this action the
Falmouth' had thirteen men killed and fifty-six wounded; the captain himself re-
ceived a wound in his right leg and several other hurts; and the second lieutenant
and Mr. Lawrence, one of the volunteers, were shot through the body. The Fal-
mouth' had on board her 20,000 pounds of New England money at the time of the
engagement. Captain Ryddell's conduct on this occasion appears to have been
rarely equalled and never excelled."- Naval Biography.
