# Manx Primary Source Archive — Transcription

**Source image:** `20260219_141851.jpg`  
**Transcribed:** 2026-02-25 19:26  
**Method:** Automated (Claude Batch API — claude-opus-4-6)

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This produce I believe is more than most freehold Estates
in England that are called £10,000 a year;- Above £5000
of this arises from the Customs and I have strong reason
to think (the duty being now so extremely low) may be doubled
with the consent and Satisfaction of the people who are
very desirous that we should not part with the Island;
and I believe this may be done the first time we go there
which we intend doing next Summer; the places and
benefices in the Lords Gift, ecclesiastical and civil with
their Sallaries and perquisites amount to near £3000
per annum, the Island lies most centrally for four trades,
there are near 30,000 Inhabitants in it, and the
Cheapness of living makes it in my opinion one of the
properest places in the World for introducing all sorts
of Manufactures, which I have very much at heart,
and think may turn to very great account. The above
reasons and my not having it now in my power to form
a real Notion of its exact Value makes me wish to put
off the Sale of it, at least for the present. I have made a
vague Estimate of the Valuation, which tho' very inac=
curate I take the liberty to transmit to your Lordship
for your opinion; We intend being in London sometime
in October or the Beginning of November but if your
Lordship thinks my being there sooner of any Conse=
quence I shall obey your directions. – I ever am with
great Regard and Gratitude

Your Lordship's most obed^t & most hum^le Serv^t
Atholl