[From Home Office File HO 98/73]

James Clarke to Hobhouse 12th January 1824

Dear Sir

I am enabled to throw considerable light upon the document I sent you - Mr Curwen's conduct is most reprehensible in lending himself to a feeling, arising out of the dismissal of Mr Robt Cunninghame to whom he is related by marriage - The friends of Mr Cunninghame have since my arrival made a great effort to elect him a member of the House of keys but they have been outvoted, and another person is chosen - There is the greatest discussion in that body - Mr Curwen, after an absence of 20 years from the Island, has over rated his influence as a member of the Keys.

On the day prior to the delivery of his a most extraordinary speech, General Goldie, who is one of the Keys, and has succeeded to all the Taubman property in this Island and whose wife is the aunt of Cunninghame, wrote a letter stating he would not lend himself to the proceedings, which Mr Curwen had in contemplation - This Gentleman, however behind the back of the Duke and the Council, who had retired for the express and single purpose of enabling the Keys to discuss the Tythe question (and the retirement was requested upon no other ground) instantly, and I must say, surreptiously commenced an attack upon me, whose discharge of a serious duty had just preceeded his son's appointment - After attacking me, which is a matter of small importance, he proceeded in the most coarse and vulgar manner, in an open and crowded court, to asperse the Home Department and during his abuse of the Secretary of State's office, received no check by the Speaker Col Wilks, whose guest he was during his stay in the Island.

He certainly ought to have been called to order - After his inflammatory address, he produced the document I have transmitted - I am satisfied his interference in this island has been quite uncalled for, and most indiscreet

I remain &c J. Clarke

James Clarke to Hobhouse 14th January 1824

Dear Sir

From the inclosed document you will perceive how important it is to support his Majesty's Government in this Island. The Keys wish freedom of speech not only in their own house, but in the presence of the Governor.

I can only say that if this power were conceded, it would be impossible to carry on the Government of this Island.

I have strong reason to know that the best informed of the Keys are aware that these resolutions are founded in error; yet you will perceive they are signed by all the members. This is most reprehensble, and I am surprized that Gentlemen will sanction with their signatures what they know to be founded in error.

I will send you a copy of the Duke's address tomorrow to lay before Mr Peel which will speak for itself.

I have found matters far more quiet than I expected, though one walks here (excuse the expression) per sepultos cineres - It is stated that Mr Curwen will never visit this island again - that has pleased no party, and his indiscretion is the common topic of conversation - I gave excellent advice to his son upon his appointment, which he will do well to follow I reman &c J Clarke

I shall be in Liverpool on the 15th to hold my sessions.

Notes

Both written whilst Clarke was on Island.