[From Home Office File HO 98/76]

James Clarke to Mark Phillips 29 May 1829

My Dear Sir

Some time since I transmitted at your desire to the Home Department a Report respecting the Charities in this Island. It conveys valuable information, and has been executed with considerable industry by the Clerk of the Rolls and the Water Bailiff of the Isle of Man. Mr Courtenay has a copy intended to be lodged in the library of the Home Department. The Gentlemen, who drew up this report, wish me to draw your attention to it in a manner of which I am persuaded Mr Secretary Peel will highly approve. They with great disinterestedness look to no pecuniary compensation; but as a Law Library is forming at Castletown for the benefit of the Island, a contribution of a few Law Books and any Parliamentary papers relative to the Law, which may increase this Library, will be deemed by these Gentlemen the most pleasing remuneration and the best testimonial they can receive of their services.

I am happy to find that the sale from the Duke of Atholl to the Crown has been confirmed by Act of Parliament, as I invariably informed Mr Hobhouse, that this measure was absolutely necessary to make the title secure and perfect.

In one of the principal charities of this Island, I think it will be necessary for the Crown to appoint two Trustees, who have hitherto been nominated by the Duke of Atholl - upon this subject I will however at a future period speak more fully.

During my stay here I have made myself acquainted with the property of the Crown, and given some assistance to the agent of the Woods & Forests.

I am happy to say that the Lt Governor is in pretty good health, though he had a very severe fall from his horse, a few days after the holding of the Gaol delivery - I was much alarmed at it, in consequence of his advanced age - I embark tomorrow and shall most cheerfully give Mr Peel every information in my power respecting this Island in its new relation to the Crown.

I remain my Dear Sir yours very fathfully James Clarke

Notes