T 1/564/213 - Cash still scarce on Island - 1781

[to John Robinson Esqr (Secretary to Lords Commissioners of the Treasury)]

Charles Street Berkley Square Feb 17 1781

Sir

As some Difficulty has been found in procuring Cash for paying the Corps of Fencibles raised in the Isle of Man, owing to the Scarcity of Coin there, I beg leave to offer to your Consideration whether His Majesty's Service in that Island would not be doubly promoted if Orders were sent to the Receiver General of the Revenue there to take proper Regimental Draughts on the Agent in London in Exchange for such Sums as he may from time to time have Occasion to remit. By this means I conceive the Difficulty above mentioned would be in a great Measure removed, and the Revenue be put in an unexceptional Channel of Remittance. As I shall set out for the Island in a few Days, allow me to request the Favour of your Assistance in that Business.

Mr Lutwidge being now in Town, let me further request the Favour of you to dispatch the necessary Warrant for the new Establishment, as also the Proper Directions to him for the Payment of my Salary.

I am &c E Smith,

Notes

This Corps of Fencibles was established in 1779 after the withdrawal of Regular Troops from the Island in 1778 - it was disbanded in 1783