[From CRES 6/150.412]

cover letter tba

James McCrone - Potential use of Castle Mona as replacement Governor's House - 24 Jan 1831

[to Alexr Milne Esq.]

Sir

In obedience to the desire of the Trustees under the late Duke of Atholls settlement communicated to me by Mr Stewart, one of their number, by letter herewith inclosed, I take the liberty to send you three Lithographic drawings of the Castle and Premises, and ground thereto belonging. All of which they are directed by these settlements to bring to an immediate Sale; and it is the intent of the trustees to give His Majesty's Government the first offer of all or any part of the property, at a fair valuation, or on such terms as may be agreed on between the parties.

It is probably not the wish of Government, to purchase any land, but it must be obvious to every person acquainted with the Island that it would be a most desirable thing to obtain the Castle, stables and offices, with some part of the grounds and shrubbery attached, for the time must soon come, when a Government house and Public Offices will be required, it being a fact that the Rolls Office is in a most disgraceful state, as a Public Record, and must soon be renewed and it is equally true, that the house now occupied by the Lieutenant Governor, is only fit for the Jailor, and should be so disposed of being attached to Castle Rushen.

The present Lieutenant Governor has lived in it for many years, and being upwards of 84 years of age, would not, I dare say, incline to make any change, but no future Governor or Lieut Governor would live in such a place, and I am sure, the time is not far distant, when all the Public business of the Isle, will centre in Douglas, where all the Courts should be held, and where all the Judicial business may be performed by one Deemster, and this Castle is in every respect completely suitable for the Governors house, for the Public Courts, Rolls Office &c. And not only so, but the stables &c would answer admirably well for Barracks, so much wanted in the Island, where from its actual situation, a depot might be kept in readiness to start for England, Ireland or Scotland whenever required.

I believe the fact is, that Mr Courtenay recommended this purchase to be made if opportunity offered, after being in the Island, and I am sure, if Government decline to treat for it, they will be sorry for it afterwards, because such premises are really wanted and they may be had comparatively for little money with reference to the first cost, but it is unnecessary to go into particulars until Government signify their desire or not, to enter into any arrangement on the subject, therefore, all that is wished for in the mean time, is the favor that your Board would take the trouble to communicate this offer, with a copy of the drawings to the Treasury and if any wish is expressed, to have any further communication on the subject, I shall get the Trustees either to make a specific offer, or to authorise me to negotiate a sale personally, whichever most agreeable to the Treasury Board.

The Trustees are about to advertise the premises for Sale, therefore, an early answer will be obliging, and I have only to add, if the Treasury should entertain the idea of purchasing this prperty, it will be easy to put Government on the plan of an internal arrangement whereby the price may soon be refunded,

I have the honor to be &c.

James McCrone Crown Agent

replies TBA

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