[From Atholl Papers - AP X8-16]

[Report by Gov Cochrane] No 4^th March 19^th 1759

My Lord

My last was no 3^d Feb 24^th which was sent by Capt Lace who was detained att Douglas by contrary winds since that I had the honour of your Grace's letter of Feb 23^d As for the clergys buying the tyths I don't think there is any chance for that as I suspect my Lord Derby will not give a reasonable price for the annuity due to the clergy and therefore I am still of the same mind I was in in my last to begin with a small parish KK Santon and then I will be enabled to judge what can be don with the other parishes I am obliged to manage this affair with great deliberation for if the people should find out that your Grace was in a hurry to sell the tyths they would conclude they would gett them for their own price and therefore I am obliged to employ some of the Manx people that I can trust to speak to the people upon the affairs I cannot att present name the time for Major Harrison to come over but hope by the beginning of summer to be able to write fully upon the subject of the tyths and as for a power of attorney I believe there will be no occasion for that because I suspect that every purchaser will expect to have the sale signed by your Grace.

Some days ago I was insulted in the court of Chancery by one Stevenson an attorney the whole transaction I here enclose to your Grace and shall say no more but if such things are suffered your Grace with att the first I can see what the consequence will be I am affraid The fellow is supported by Mr Hammersley att London they keep a correspondence together that favour Mr Hammersley will not grant me tho' two months ago since my return to this Island I have been writing to him this three years about the affairs of the Island but never had a return so I see it is to no prupose to trouble that gentleman any more.

I shall be sure to observe your Grace's orders and send no more money till Major Harrison arrives in this Island I am with great esteem

My Lord Your Grace's Most faithfull and most obedient humble servant

Basil Cochrane