[From Atholl Papers - AP 33(B)(3rd)-9]

[Letter from John Quayle to Duke of Atholl, 30 December 1771]

Balla Moore 30th Decr 1771

My Lord Duke

The great Utility which a light house on the Calf Isle would afford to the Trade of this Channel in general cannot escape the observation of any person, who has had the opportunity of taking a view from it. It has often been recommended strongly for this purpose; But as it was an affair little known, Your Grace was not troubled about it.

Mr Lutwidge, having purchased a part of Langness, has made proposals lately to the Trade in Whitehaven & Workington to have a Light house erected there, and by dropping from two pence to one penny @ Ton Light Money, and particularly as the Calf was not mentioned in Competition, many concurred to the proposals tho' it was in general declared that the Calf was the proper Situation - But at Liverpool he met with Every Discouragement, as Langness is a low embayed point of Land, & the Light thereon would be confined to a few points of the Compass; that one on the Calf from the great Height & Comand of View from the mouth of both St, George's & the North Channels & the English, Scots, Irish & Welsh Coasts would be the only place they would approve off - However it was the general opinion that these public Necessities ought not to be incumbred with a Jobb to any private person but that, if this work should be thought necessary expedient, it should be established upon the most frugal, efectual & public Spirited plan. That Trustees should be appointed by the Act, and, if the rates levyed should exceed the necessary Disbursements to vest with powers to reduce them or apply the surplus for the relief of sick & wounded Sea men &c &c as thery should find occasion.

This matter of Mr Lutwidges has been a matter of Debate & doubt for these two months; but this day I am informed that the Scheme turns intirely in favor of the Calf, And being now from home & Mr Mylrea I beg Leave in his absence to give Your Grace the Intimation, and we shall take the first opportunity of writing fully on the Subject to your Grace.

The intended proposals are said to be, That the Rent &c be referred either to the Comissioners themselves, or to Arbitrators to be chosen by your Grace & them, as your Grace shall please. The candour whereof and as this Light house would be a means of preserving many Lives & property annually, productive of great Improvement to your Graces Estate & afford the greatest Convenience to the poor Fishermen, who are often exposed to the mercy of the waves in dark nights & without a Compass or Shelter, and this free of Expence. These & many other cogent Reasons embolden me to give the earliest Intimation with certainty, and humbly to submit its success to your Graces Humanity and Consideration - I have the Honor to be with the utmost Graritude and Zeal &c

John Quayle