[From Atholl Papers - X14-8]

[Report by Gov Cochrane] N° 5th May 1st 1758

My Lord

My last to your Grace was No 4th and the inclosed Plan of the Harbour of Douglas being Inst came to my hand I have sent it to your Grace with the Opinion of the Officers upon it and the opinion of the Commodore appointed to inspect and carry on the works of all the Harbours in the Isle of Mann by which your Grace will see that the objections against the Bridge are only idle and triffling for it will certainly be a great advantage to the Harbour and a great advantage to Trade by opening a communication with the other side of the River by which the Merchants can build Sellars and store houses which at present there is a great want of.

By your Grace's orders the Fort of Douglas and Ramsey are both to be rebuild which would have been begun before this but Timber cannot be gott but that is dayly expected but where to gett good Cannon I cannot find out the Tower of London is the only place I am told that good ones can be gott from and I am satisfyed if application was made either to the General or Lieutenant General of the Ordnance they would be granted especially now in time of war.

I am with great esteem
My Lord Your Grace's Most faithfull and most obedient humble servant

Basil Cochrane