[From Home Office File HO 98/73]

George Quirk, Water Bailiff, to James Clarke 17 March 1824

Dear Sir

Before the Waters of Strife are composed a change of dynasty or of Measures must take place. Many of the Memorials of the House of Keys have I dare say been considered abusive and intemperate - but one has lately been got up with much industry system and research in which I understand is embraced the residence of the Atty Genl and chiefly containing matter of complaint respecting the measures wch have been persued by the Govr in chief. In it also is brought under notice the question of the right of the Members of the House of Keys to sit in the Gaol Delivery as Members of that Court.

The allegations against the Duke of Atholl are I understand founded upon affidavits. The Gaol Delivery question rests upon some documents wch have been procured from the Rolls Office - and of which I have no doubt you have a perfect Knowledge. The keys usually misunderstand the matter but the truth is they are more offended with the manner of quiting them from the Court as communicated by the Duke of Atholl (and with which you have had no concern) than with the decided opinion expressed against their claim.

I have learned that Col W. [Wilks] takes with him the Petition or Meml to the Privy Council or the House of Commons, I am not sure to wch it is addressed, and sails in the Steam Packet tonight and that Mr Curwen postponed the motion at the request of the House of Keys until he was better informed. I feel satisfied that the Duke of Atholl is not unprepared to meet and explain any charge which may proceed from that house.

The Lt Gov upon a requisition from the House of Keys issued precepts for a Tynwald Court to consider the new Highroad Bill but severe indisposition prevented him holding the Court. While I sincerely regret the Cause I feel happy that an opportunity offered for postponing the Court. The Keys assembled in their own House, and resolved to continue the present high road act for three or five years. The Govr in Chief & Council are pledged to abide by certain resolutions upon the proposed Bill at variance with those of the Keys and have submitted the disputed point to the Secy of State, and the Lt Govr informed me today that he had written to the Secy of State upon that subject, and also for instructions respecting the summoning of the Keys to the Gaol Delivery pendent lite.

I have not space to extend remarks upon these two subjects - but will in my next letter. Believing that you had set out for London I did not intend to write to you this Week, and it was only at a late hour this day that I learned the contrary from my Brother, for I had forgotten the Lancaster Assizes and your indispensible presence there. Genl Cuming has resigned his situation as a Member of the House of Keys he says he is going to France - a mere pretext - he is either disgusted or offended. Robt Cunninghame & Mr J Kelly Advocate are nominated by the Keys. The Lt Govr is too unwell to consider of the election - upon all measures the Lt Govr I am sure will act independantly and consistently - I write in haste and I fear my observations are very ill digested - I hope affairs in the Island will go on very satisfactorly

Most faithfully & respectfully ... Geo Quirk

The short cover letter from Clarke to Hobhouse was marked Private and dated 20th March

I beg leave to lay before you a letter I received yesterday from Mr George Quirk, the Water Bailiff, of whom you know I entertain a good opinion.

His Letter will show you the activity wth which they sow discord in the Isle of Man

Notes