[From Home Office File HO 98/66 ]

Lt Gov Shaw to Lord Pelham dated Castle Rushen 3d August 1803

[note rh margin of page lost in tight binding]

My Lord

Having receiv'd a more particular account of the late disturbance in Dublin than had reach'd us when last I had the honor to write your lordship on the 30th last, and (by report I hope much exaggerated) of the further apprehended in different other parts of Irland: knowing that a number of persons from that Country had lately arrived in this Island (among them three or more romish Priests) that others were still arriving or expected, and believing it probable that among so many there might be some who flee here only to avoid the hand of justice. I have thought it my duty - recursing to measures commanded me in the last war - to issue this day an order commanding the High Bailiffs of the several Towns and Captains of Parishes to be assisted by the officers of his Majesty's Customs and all other civil and Military to take an account of all strangers in their several districts, or persons not known to be of character who have arrived within the last month, or who should now or at any future time (untill further order) arrive in this Island to report them to me and to send to Castle Rushen under a proper escort, all who could not or would not give a proper account of themselves - to be there further examined.

I trust my Lord that this measure will be approved of by your Lordship, and that I shall be honor'd with directions how to proceed with such strangers from whatever Country it may be found proper to take notice of - perhaps confine - for tis thought there are some among who have fled or absconded from England to avoid the impress for seamen and need billeting.

We have not as yet any military force to assist materially in anything, and in[deed] since the last unhappy explosion in Dublin we [are] not here free from rumours and apprehensions of [the] designs of the Irish men now among us; as yet [however] I do not believe these to be well founded, but [I] hope that in a very few days Lord Henry Murray will [as his] Corps is now nearly compleat - will be able - as [] directed to send here a detachment of it - for the security of this Castle, and of the Kings Stores (as well as any prisoners) that are or may be lodged [within] it.

Refering my Lord to the letters [I] had the honor to write your Lordship on the 30th [of the] last I shall here only beg leave to repeat my humble opinion that this Corps of Lord Henry [Murrays] is not in number sufficient to defend this land against even those predatatory attempts [that] in the want of an Invasion of Ireland or of any [other] commotion in that Country - may be - not [unreasonably] expected.

I am &c Alex Shaw

Notes