A letter from Daniel Mylrea (likely a revenue official or administrator in the Isle of Man) to the Duke of Atholl dated 1 August 1764, discussing the positive reception of the Duke's recent communication among Manx merchants. Mylrea reports that merchants are relieved of fears about a 'revolution' (likely political change) and indicates plans for a revenue collection at Douglas. This document is directly relevant to the period immediately preceding the 1765 Revestment negotiations.
A formal letter from officers at the Dublin Custom House (J. Ponsonby, John Bourke, and Ben Burton) addressed to the Lords of His Majesty's Treasury. The letter references passage through Parliament in the previous session and is written in respectful, formal language typical of 18th-century official correspondence.
A letter from the Duke and Duchess of Atholl to Dan Mylrea, denying rumours that they intend to sell the Isle of Man to the British government. The Duke states no application has been made by government for such a sale. This document is significant as it predates the actual Revestment by less than a year and shows the Duke's public denial of sale intentions just before negotiations began.
A letter dated 18 July 1764 from the Duke and Duchess of Atholl to Dan Mylrea, denying rumours that they intend to sell the Isle of Man to the Crown. The document explicitly states no government application has been received. This is a crucial pre-Revestment source showing the Duke's position before the 1765 parliamentary purchase.
The Duke of Atholl writes to Lord Mansfield (Lord Chief Justice) seeking legal advice on how to respond to pressure from the Treasury and Mr Grenville regarding the sale of Isle of Man sovereignty. Atholl expresses concern about recent orders stationing cutters in Manx harbours, the Treasury's demand for detailed customs accounts, and threats of Parliamentary action. He seeks Mansfield's counsel on whether to delay negotiations, withhold confidential documents from Parliament, or travel to London immediately.
The Duke of Atholl writes to Lord Mansfield (Lord Chief Justice) seeking legal and political advice on how to respond to Treasury demands for detailed accounts of Manx customs and revenues ahead of a potential parliamentary sale of the island. Atholl expresses concern about the precipitous pace of negotiations, the unprecedented stationing of revenue cutters in Manx harbours, and the implied threat of unfavourable legislation if he delays. He claims previous revenue papers were given in confidence and should not be made public.
A 16th-century diplomatic letter from G. Nicolson to Mr. Bowes (likely concerning Scottish/English border security) reporting on attempted Manx landings in Scotland and defensive preparations. The letter mentions instructions from the Earl of Argyle and references failed Manx attempts to land due to Scottish readiness. This provides historical context for early modern Isle of Man activity and Anglo-Scottish relations.
Letter from George Moore, a Manx merchant and tenant, to the Duke of Atholl concerning a disputed intack (enclosed land) near Fort Douglas and Moore's proposal to improve Peel Harbour with merchant funding. Moore defends himself against encroachment charges, criticizes the conduct of officials (particularly Deputy Searcher Lidderdale), and proposes a £1,500 harbour improvement scheme to attract shipping from Liverpool, Lancaster, Whitehaven, and Glasgow. Relevant to trade, governance, revenue, port infrastructure, and merchant-authority relations in pre-Revestment Isle of Man.
Letter from George Moore, a merchant and leaseholder in Douglas, to the Duke of Atholl detailing disputes over his intack (leased land) near Fort Douglas and outlining a proposal to improve Peel Harbour with merchant investment. The letter references administrative tensions with Governor Cochrane and other officials, complaints about searcher Captain Lidderdale's conduct, and Moore's vision for expanding trade through Liverpool, Lancaster, and Clyde merchants. Documents Moore's role in Isle of Man commerce and the Duke's proprietary interests pre-Revestment.
Letter from John Wood, Governor of the Isle of Man, to the Board of Customs acknowledging receipt of correspondence via Mr Lutwidge dated 23 May 1765. Wood expresses his readiness to execute orders but notes his constraint due to lack of formal directions from either the Crown or the Duke of Atholl regarding necessary post-Revestment measures. This is a critical document showing the transition period immediately after the Revestment Act (passed May 1765) when governance structures were being established.
Extract of a letter dated 29 July 1763 from Dutch merchant Herman van Yzendoorn to Mr Taubman (presumed intermediary to the Duke of Atholl) reporting the seizure of three vessels carrying East India goods at Liverpool and the imposition of £2600 bail. The letter discusses an English act (over 40 years old) rendering confiscable any vessel that brought East India goods to the Isle of Man, and argues that such enforcement violates the Duke's sovereignty. It references comparative treatment of Guernsey and Jersey and appeals for the Duke to intervene to protect his privileges and the island's trade.
A letter from Hugh Cosnahan in Douglas, Isle of Man, to George Farquher, discussing the appointment of Captain Small as Collector, the Duke of Atholl's presence in London to claim rights and compensation, and the visit of House of Keys deputies to solicit the King's confirmation of laws. Cosnahan requests Farquher's assistance in obtaining a position on the island. This document sheds light on post-Revestment (1765) governance, the Duke's continued interests in the island, and the House of Keys' relationship with Westminster.
A letter from Hugh Cosnahan in Douglas, Isle of Man, to George Farquher, discussing the Duke of Atholl's presence in London pursuing Parliamentary compensation and rights claims post-Revestment, and various administrative appointments on the island including the Collectors office and Comptrollership. Cosnahan seeks Farquher's patronage for future appointments.
Two letters (2 May and 31 May 1789) from Hugh Cosnahan, a Manx merchant who lost money in fish trading since 1765, seeking patronage from the Duke of Atholl through intermediary George Farquher to secure government employment on the Isle of Man. The second letter adds urgent news of Collector Richard Betham's death. Reveals post-Revestment patronage networks and economic hardship among Manx traders.
Hugh Cosnahan, a businessman who claims to have struggled since 1765 (the Revestment year), seeks patronage through George Farquher to obtain a government post on the Isle of Man, specifically the collector's position. The letter reveals post-Revestment employment structures, patronage networks linking the Duke of Atholl to the Isle of Man administration, and the economic difficulties faced by local traders. A follow-up letter (31 May 1789) notes the death of Richard Betham, the current collector, and urges immediate action.
Letter from Hugh Hamersley (likely legal advisor to the Duke of Atholl) advising against retaliation against Stephenson following disputed legal proceedings. Discusses jurisdictional issues, court costs, and advice on managing the matter discreetly. References accounts brought to Lady Day and correspondence with Mr Quayle. Reflects tensions in Manx administration and legal governance prior to Revestment.
A letter from Hugh Hamersley (legal advisor) to the Duke of Atholl discussing a dispute with Stephenson, likely relating to judicial authority and jurisdiction in the Isle of Man. The letter advises against retaliation and discusses costs, suits, and the authority of courts. Hamersley also reports on account ledgers and correspondence from Mr Quayle, indicating administrative management of Atholl's Manx holdings.
A formal letter from the people of the Isle of Man to King Edward I, dated 1290, in which they place themselves under the king's protection and promise obedience, forfeiting their lands and persons if they rebel. Presented in both English and Latin, this document illustrates the island's constitutional relationship with the English Crown and provides context for understanding later assertions of royal sovereignty culminating in the 1765 Revestment.
Treasury official J West informs the Duke of Atholl that merchants from Whitehaven have petitioned against smuggling from the Isle of Man, and that the Treasury Lords wish to renew negotiations for the Crown's purchase of the Island. This is a pivotal early signal of Crown interest in acquiring sovereignty, preceding the 1765 Revestment by eleven years.
Letter from J West at the Treasury to the Duke of Atholl transmitting a memorial from Whitehaven merchants complaining of smuggling from the Isle of Man, and signalling the Crown's desire to renew negotiations for the purchase of the Island. This is an early indication (11 years before the 1765 Revestment Act) of Parliamentary and Treasury interest in acquiring sovereignty over Man to suppress the illicit trade.
A letter from John Lewhellin (Ramsey) to the Duke of Atholl dated 24 June 1768, discussing the rental terms for a parcel of commons land (30 shillings per annum), the difficulties of enclosure due to terrain and stone availability, and confirming his acceptance of the position of game keeper. The letter reflects the Duke's continued authority over Isle of Man lands and administrative appointments prior to the 1765 Revestment purchase by Parliament.
A letter from John Lewhellin to the Duke of Atholl dated 24 June 1768, detailing negotiations for renting a parcel of Atholl's commons on the Isle of Man, describing the land's difficult topography and enclosure costs, and confirming Lewhellin's acceptance of appointment as game keeper. The letter reflects post-Revestment administrative relationships and land management on the island under Atholl's remaining holdings.
A petition letter from John Lewhellin of Ramsey to the Duke of Atholl requesting appointment as comptroller of customs following the death of Fisher Jackson. The letter also documents Lewhellin's improvements to common land granted by Atholl, including enclosure, willow planting, and forestry projects. Relevant to understanding post-Revestment administrative appointments and the Duke's residual interests in Isle of Man affairs.
A letter from John Lewhellin to the Duke of Atholl (dated 11 March 1770) petitioning for the vacant position of comptroller of customs in Ramsey following the death of Fisher Jackson. The letter also reports on land improvements on a commons grant and proposes plantation projects, offering evidence of post-Revestment economic activity and the Duke's continued landholding interests on the island.
John Quayle, Governor's Clerk on the Isle of Man, reports to the Duke of Atholl on his recent return from London, with intelligence on smuggling activity (tea ships from Copenhagen and Gothenburg), naval enforcement plans (HMS Hynde and proposed cutter stations), and local administrative matters. Dated just weeks before the Revestment Act was passed, this letter provides crucial evidence of the smuggling trade and the Crown's emerging enforcement strategy.
