Atholl Papers Bundle AP_X9

AP_X9_1

-.-.1736

Warrant (draft) for-blank- to be Receiver-General.; Warrant (draft) for-blank- to be Attorney-General.

AP_X9_2

-.-.1736

Warrant (draft) for-blank- to be Water-Bailiff; Warrant (draft) for-blank- to be Collector of Customs.

AP_X9_3

-.-.1736

Warrant (draft) for-blank- to be Steward; Warrant (draft) for-blank- to be Capt. of Derby Fort.

AP_X9_4

25.2.1753

Warrant (draft) for John Quayle and D.Mylrea to be Commissioners of Revenue

AP_X9_5

Memo. by Seacome on the Derby's rights to the Island. With a note re the rent charge due to Lady Westmoreland.

AP_X9_6

26.3.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. Describing,at length,his arrival in the Island,his swearing-in,and the conditions he found. (This is an exceptionally interesting letter N.M.)

AP_X9_7

5.4.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. He has been vusy meeting and supporting those who acknowledged the Duke's right to succeed the Derbys. There are rumours from Lancashire that this is not so,and he can get no dependable news. All is quiet however,and he is treated with respect. So he is trying to take over firmly but with as little show as possible. He intends to visit the forts,where salutes should be fired - but there is no powder in any of them and he does not wish to use that in Castle Rushen as it is the property of the Derby executors to whom he does not want to become indebted. But some must be available for the Duke's reception and should be got from Liverpool. Condition of the lead mines. The accommodation available for the Duke, (rooms but no furnishings) and only two inns in the town. Seacome will be glad to arrange for things to be got from Liverpool if desired. He has had all the ladies of Douglas and Castletown all of them,all very elegant considering the place - to a supper and Ball in the Castle "I wish you had had the pleasure to see me strut and feed your female subjects with gracious compliments". (An amusing description of the Ball follows - it went on till four a.m. N.M) Speaks very highly of Bishop Wilson.

AP_X9_8

18.4.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. Letters from Lancashire say that Lord Derby, now having great power in England, will certainly get the Island,and he has no official news to contradict this,though he does not believe it. The great numbers of fugitive debtors in the Island. A visit to Douglas,where he is well entertained by Mr.Murray. Complaints about the copper coinage,

AP_X9_9

28.4.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. re. the English estates which are security for the Impropriate Tithes.

AP_X9_10

1.5.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. saying that the Duke, being so far away cannot know what is going on in the Island as do his officers on the spot, in whom he must have trust. Feeling in his favour is growing steadily, but any violent action might easily change it. Describes the difficulties attendant on opening the Treasury, a room with four locks,of which the keys are held by men who distrust each other. In this is money belonging to the Late Ld. Derby as to the disposal of which cleal orders have not yet been received. There is great need for the Duke to come and see for himself how things are. The Earl of Derby's people are laying claim to to various things,but the Bishop - who they call a rascal - says nothing must betouched until the late Earl's will has been proved. The Duke would do well to write and thank the bishop who has done him great service. Details the things which the Duke should bring with him. The best place for him to stay will be the Castle,though Gov. Horton has refused to sell any of his furniture. It is possible however that he may be persuaded to lend it. And the Duke had better bring some money with him,for there is little in hand and but poor prospects for the near future. Smugglers and how they work. Local merchants cheating the Manx revenue out of even the small duty due. Attempts have been made to bribe him to overlook this,but he has threatened to put the next man that suggests such a thing, in irons. The sword of State "might have been a fine thing in the days of yore but is now rusty and very paultry. Your Grace should order another.Let it only be glaring it is no matter what metal it is made of".

AP_X9_11

3.5.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. The brass money has been called in. In the last three years 65 pounds has been lost or gone out of the Istand. Wines (as listed) have been obtained against the Duke's coming. "We are busy cleaning out the Castle for your reception. It is soon done as there is nothing but bare walls".

AP_X9_12

5.5.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. He is being worked from morning to night and has scarsely time for meals "they are certainly the most litigious of all the human race". A seizure of brandy has been made. In such cases in the past it has been the custom not to expect the merchant to pay the full fine lest he be ruined and there be no more fines forthcoming. From Forbes "a Scotsman and wine merchant" has been ordered the best wine that can be got in the Island but there is no such thing []

AP_X9_13

16.5.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. He has been presiding at the sheading Courts where, as all the proceedings are in Manx, the Gov, "has only the pleasure of sitting eight hours daily a cypher", The fees collected are spent on entertaining the officers of the Court, but with the increased cost of living they are now not enough,and have to be augmented. Describes the duties of the Setting Quest. The work is so intricate that not more than four men in the Island can understand it. An account of Peel Castle - the old Cathedral, its roof taken lately off - the house,built by the late Earl of Derby, in which the Porter lives and which, except for furnishing, is in very good repair - the "famous vault of fornicators,- as disagreable as the Spiritual Court could wish". - "The Duke's accession celebrated in good style in the Castle grounds,Guards and cannon,healthe drunk etc. The place "a most agreable summer situation,but the town not so good as Castletown or Douglas... though by far the greatest staple for brandy" - his lodging in the Castle with the Porter. The great need for the Governor to have the help of a council to help him decide law suits,to which the people are so much addicted. A Scots ship in Douglas harbour celebrates in style. Mr. Brownill,the former Comptroller of the Island,arrives with the Earl of Derby's will and asks for papers. "For God's sake,my Lord,come over directly...I shall do my best to keep things right,but the man is a devlish subtle,cunning attorney" and hard to manage withour help,while my Comptroller is "bedfast and dying". So he has been obliged to appoint Quayle as temporary Clerk of the Rolls,he being the only man fit to match Brownill. What shall he do ? - "for God's sake my Lord,let me have positive directions". Brownill wishes to take things away which you have forbidden me to let so,but if I obey your orders I may involve you in lawsuits... Describes the Court of Gaol Delivery which sits in "the open passage between two walls on the entry into the Castle".

AP_X9_14

24.5.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. Brownill has obtained probate of the Earl of Derby's will from the Spiritual Court,but as behaving well and making no trouble. The ceremony to be observed when the Duke lands - the Sword of State is so rusty and has such a ragged scabbard that it will be a shame to produce it. You must bring with you flour for bread and oats for your horses, also some money for the rents are so much in arrears that none is available here.

AP_X9_15

28.11.1736

Gov. Murray to Duke. There being but ninety pounds in the Treasury some has been borrowed so that a remittance can be sent. Some repairs have been made at Peel Castle but "only enough to keep the house standing". Reminds the Duke that the writer's leave from the Treasury expires shortly an extension must be obtained. "Seacombe is poor, I wish he may not be neglected. If the other folk should attempt to buy him off you would be at an irrepairable loss. He has the character of an honest man, but want is a powerful tempter". This letter will be carried by "Mr. Forbes, the merchant".

AP_X9_16

-.-.1736

Disbursements as shown by the Revenue Book for 1736.

AP_X9_17

3.2.1737

Gov. Murray to Duke."I am glad to have good news of you at a time when in my lonely hours I sat a brooding dismal apprehensions by my fireside". The Keys - those obstinate ignorant people - discus the tithes. (In the previous letter he wrote they "debated or rather made a noise, for eight hours". N.M.) Mr. Brownill "no doubt by Ld.doubt By Ld. Derby's order, has writ a threatening letter to Receiver,directing himto deposit the money belonging to the late Earl in the treasury of Englend,any loss sustained by not do so to be at his peril; But despite these threats Mr. Stevenson has arrested the late Lord's effects,as have several others,even the soldiers who want their pay. He has received an extension of leave from the Treasury,but only to the 1st of March,when he hopes it will be convenient to the Duke for him to leave.

AP_X9_18

26.5.1737

Gov. Murray to Duke. (From Edinburgh)He has brought with him the Accounts 'scandalous as they are' and four hundred giineas. It has given him great joy to learn that the Duke has taken his seat in the Peers and obtained the Barony of Strange. The news from Liverpool was that the Earl of Derby hed entered his claim for the Island,and the Duke for the Barony "which he would not get".

AP_X9_19

16.5.1737

C.Moore & D.Mylrea (Acting Govs.) to Duke General, - The robbery at the Widow Thompson's at Castletown. - Mr.Sedden's suit. The Gov. intends, when he returns, to give them keys to the old Treasury in which the Derby money is to remain until the debts due by his estate in the Island are settled.

AP_X9_20

13.9.1737

D.Mylrea to Duke The case of Christian v Sedden. A new law made to force herring fishers when they find the fish to notify the other boats so that all may share. This they have not done for some time past.

AP_X9_21

7.10.1737

High Sheriff of Durham to Duke praying that Joseph Burche (or Bourgh),an escaped outlaw,may be detained .

AP_X9_22

18.12.1737

Gov. Murray to Duke. (Edinburgh ? ) Sir John Areskine to be encouraged to continue mining, but with caution.

AP_X9_23

16.5.1739

Gov. Murray to Duke. He has arrived at Ramsey from Scotland. Sailing from Whitehaven in a Revenue Cruizer, he reached Ramsey on the 13th May after a passage of 22 hours. Describes a visit he has made to the new discovered mine near Port le Meray" which promises well, but work is held up for want of timber, for which Sir John Areskines proposes to send a ship to England or the Highlands. There are several other mines,indeed 'the whole people of the Island have gone quite mad about mines'. A Mr. Robinson,brother to the Admiral and Envoy at Vienna,has come to the Island, though 'I cannot comprehend what could bring a person of his distinction to this place'.

AP_X9_24

25.1.1740

J.Makon to Duke. warning him that a Bill now before Parliament may,if it is passed,affect the estates he has obtained from the Derby Family.

AP_X9_25

3.2.1740

J.Sharpe to Duke saying that his action against Lord Ashburnham may be expected to come on shortly.

AP_X9_26

12.2.1740

J.Sharpe to Duke it has been fixed for the 25th April.

AP_X9_27

9.3.1740

J.Sharpe to DukeTrivial.

AP_X9_28

16.4.1740

Gov. Murray to Duke.

AP_X9_29

22.5.1740

J.Sharpe to Duke Trivial.

AP_X9_30

24.5.1740

J.Sharpe to Duke Trivial.

AP_X9_31

2.9.1740

Gov. Murray to Duke.(Edinburgh) General

AP_X9_32

25.9.1740

Gov. Murray to Duke.(Edinburgh) with his comments on a proposed lease of the mines to Mr.Watts.

AP_X9_33

14.10.1740

J.Seacombe to Duke. Trivial.

AP_X9_34

28.10.1740

J.Makon to Mr.Porteous re legal matters concerning the Lordship of Brotherton.

AP_X9_35

14.11.1740

The tenants of Brotherton have agreed to pay their rents to him provided he will indemnify them against claims by Lord Ashburnham.

AP_X9_36

24.2.1741

Duke to Acting Govs. (Copy) having heard of the great scarcity of corn in the Island and the laws against shipping it from Britain he has arranged for a shipload from Holland,which is to be sold in the Island at not more than cost and,if not necessary at less than cost,charging the difference to him. If more is needed he will send it.

AP_X9_37

8.4.1741

Acting Govs. to Capt. Emerton of the "Glasgow" at Ramsey. Ordering him to discharge his cargo of corn from Holland at Douglas. Guarantee by the Keys against any loss caused to the ship by discharging as ordered above.

AP_X9_38

18.4.1741

Duke to Acting Govs. (copy) saying he is happy to learn that the grain he sent has been of use as "my constant aim being that nothing in my power shall be wanting towards making them (the people) happy". Repeats his orders that the poor shall not be asked to pay more for it than they can afford.

AP_X9_39

28.4.1741

Acting Govs. to Duke with details of the trouble about the discharge of the grain ship. The Capt.complains that the people treated him in such a way that "I heartily repent that I ever came amongst them".

AP_X9_40

12.1.1741

J.Porteous to Duke Trivial.

AP_X9_41

15.6.1741

Acting Govs. to Duke. The corn position is still serious but there are hopes of an early improvement. A/c of freight and charges on the consignment ex the "Glasgow". A man having been convicted of sheep-stealing they enclose warrants for his execution,transportation or pardon as the Duke may think well to sign. Work on the mine at Glenchass has begun.

AP_X9_42

2.7.1741

Gov. Murray to Duke with an advocate's opinion on a lease of the mines.

AP_X9_43

20.7.1741

Duke to Acting Govs. a Pardon for T Corraige. (See AP_X9_41)

AP_X9_44

12.8.1741

Gov. Murray to Duke. He returned on the 26th July. Work on the mines at Glenchass,Foxdale and Bradda. The Island is in a poor way as both the harvest and the herring fishery have failed. The mine overseer and his men have left the Island without giving notice that they intended to do do. There is great fear of a war with France but Castle Rushen can be defended,

AP_X9_45

16.9.1741

Gov. Murray to Duke. The character of the mine overseer

AP_X9_46

15.1.1742

C.Stanley (Rec.-Gen. ) to the Deputy Govs. A bag with about £300 - all the contents of the treasury - has been stolen.

AP_X9_47

16.1.1742

Dep. Govs. to Duke. Reporting the above,with further details and an account of the unsuccessful steps taken to recover it. A dispute over a consignment of wine when the King's officer wishes to seize declaring it to be Spanish, but which the local people say is Madeira from St. Jean de Luz in France.

AP_X9_48

21.1.1742

J.Christian (Att.Gen.) to Duke (from Whitehaven) refers to the robbery (see above) from the Receiver's office. The writer has brought some money across. No other ship being obtainable he has had to come in a fishing boat.

AP_X9_49

29.9.1743

Commission from Gov. Murray to Dan. Mylrea to be Steward.

AP_X9_50

3.3.1740

Order in Council allowing the export from England of specified quantities of grain to the Island,despite the embargo.