[From Bridge House Papers BH 4523

John Taubman to George Moore 18 April 1770

Dr Sir

No doubt you have heard ere now from some of our Brethen that his Excellency upon recollection is not by any means pleased with our last Memorial, or rather petition of grievances, he now seems to think it is too pointing agst himself. Indeed I always thought so, as he certainly had it in his power to remove & redress those matters at any time, which should have been done long ago - however he is candid enough to acknowledge, it was a matter merely of his own, seeking & motion, and done at his special instance, and so he acquitts the Keys of any intended indignity or affront to himself. But nevertheless he is very unwilling to have such a Memorial appear in our minetts and books, and says it must be erazed, which I dare say the Keys will have no great objection to, as I think he will soon remove all these complaints by holding a Tynwald Court &c &c.

As I am fully determined to go on with my Red herring Scheme, and finding there will be a want of a large parcel of Osyers to hang the herrings out, and being informed you have a large parcell fitt for that purpose. I shall be much oblige to you, as well as pay you the full price that was given by the other herring house in Douglas for the like - if you will let me have all the Osiers you have, as well those fitt for Barrell hoops, as those of a smaller size fitt for hanging the herrings - for I shall want forty thousd of both kinds, if to be had - Therefore if I can have all yours. I request you'll order your man Gilbert to have them imediately cutt, for it is rather defferred too long already, as they don't answer so well, when cutt so far on in the Spring - so pray order them to be cutt without loss of time.

The visitt of Miss Moore was realy friendly, it has such an effect on my young family, that they one & all now return the Complement - my wife joyns me in saluting Mrs Moore & your good self with our best respects, and are truly Dr Cn [dear cousin?] your most obedt & assured hble serts? John Taubman

Castletown 18th Apr 1770

Notes

George Moore was John Taubman's father in law, he was also chairman (equal to today's Speaker) of the Keys, of which Taubman is a member. There hadn't been a Tynwald since the Revestment, one significant reason being the Governor had no money to hold it and could not afford to pay the expenses himself. However there was a Tynwald held on 'Old Midsummer's day' later in 1770 which according to Governor Wood was atended by 10,000.

Notes