[From Home Office File HO 99/17]

Hobhouse to Clarke 1 Dec 1825

Sir

I return the 3 letters inclosed in your letter of the 27th Ult which Mr Peel has read.

I am sorry to see so wide a difference between the Pictures drawn by the Lieut Govr, and the Bishop. The Truth probably lies in medio.

Mr Fraser the Bishop's agent was with me yesterday & read some extracts from his Cient's Letter, in which he complains of a speech made by the Lt Govr to the Tynwald Court, of the Lt Govr's Supineness in bringing the Deliquents to Justice and of his having intrusted the Warrants to Mr Llewellin who is said to be the Advisor of the Rioters, and of him not making use of the constables he had at his command, - the Bishop's Letter was written with so little Temper that Mr Frazer did not chuse to make it an official communication; but he has informed the Bishop that, if he will make a regular complaint, it will be inquired into, and I suppose the return of Post will bring it.

It appears that his Lordship has refused to attend the council in terms which tho' very cautious imply total insufficiency in Col Smelt.

Mr Peel does not wish to send you over at this Season of the Year, but he doubts whether it will not be necessary, and sees clearly that it cannot be avoided if the Trials come on.

You may perhaps be aware that the Bishop wants that you shd be commissioned to enquire into the causes, circumstances and effects of the whole disturbances, but Mr Peel see no reason at present for imposing that Task on you

Yours &c

H Hobhouse

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