[From Home Office File HO 98/70]

James Clarke to Henry Hobhouse 22 November 1821

Lancaster 22 Novr 1821

Private

Dear Sir

I have received two letters this week from the Isle of Man, and I fear the Duke of Atholl will not adopt concilatory measures.

When I left the Island the Bishop thought that McCrone's business should go to rest for ever - The Duke however I am sorry to say is edeavouring to revive it, and has made a preemptory call upon the Acting Atty General to justify his conduct in a written statement although nearly two years have elapsed since the prosecution - This irregular call cannot I conceive be complied with. nor ought any matters to be gone into which have been concluded long before the arrival of the Governor of the Island - his deportment towards the acting Atty General, if I may judge from his letter, is marked with a degree of nastiness and severity which I could hardly have expected - My advice however to him is to be extremely circumspect, and not to be betrayed into any [wrath], declining however with proper firmness as a servant of the crown to do any thing which is irregular - As Mr Stewart was the only person present when the Duke treated Mr Cunninghame with so much severity; I have written to the Governor a mild and prudent letter, stating the absolute necessity of conciliatory measures, and which he as a Servant of the Crown is bound by the strongest ties to recommend; for this Gentleman holds two appointments under the Crown, those of Receiver General and Collector of the Customs which nothing but great indulgence could permit to be held together - Permit me to draw your attention to the inclosed suggestion. which I think ought to commence with the late forgery, where the acting Atty General was at considerable expence

yrs faithfully James Clarke

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