# Manx Primary Source Archive — Transcription

**Source image:** `20260219_122737.jpg`  
**Transcribed:** 2026-02-25 19:26  
**Method:** Automated (Claude Batch API — claude-opus-4-6)

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To The Hon^ble The Speaker and Members of the House of
Keys of the Island of Man.

The Humble Memorial of the Land holders, Merchants
and Inhabitants of the Isle of Man.

Respectfully
Represents,

That your Memorialists have perused a printed Case on behalf of the
Keys of Man, dated the 25^th day of March 1805 and a printed Statement of the Claim of His Grace The Duke of
Athol, for a further Compensation out of the Revenue of this Isle, dated the 10^th day of April 1805.

That your Memorialists observe, that the said Case on behalf of the Keys
goes to affect the principle of any Compensation being granted His Grace out of the Revenue of this Isle, or any other
fund; which your Memorialists humbly Conceive is going further than in the opinion of your Memorialists can be well
Justified for the following reasons.

First. Because the Question of Compensation for the Sale of the Sovereign
rights of the Lord of this Isle, as between the Contracting Parties, a Wealthy Nation; and an Individual, cannot be
appreciated by any other Standard than the Munificent Sentiments of a British Parliament, Compelling an
Individual to part with the Highest Honors and Prerogatives a Subject could enjoy; and to which indefinite Revenues
were annexed.

Secondly. That His Grace has Expressed most clearly and Unequivocally That he does
not wish, nor has any Intention to propose the encreas of a farthing on our Existing Revenues, but only to render the
Importation for the Consumption of the Island more easy and Expeditious, And that His Grace will abide by
the Act of 1703-4 (which restores and confirms to the people of this Isle their ancient Estates of Inheritance); and
offers (if required) any further act of his, or Parliament for the confirmation thereof.

Thirdly. That we cannot presume to have any Claim or Interest in the Surplus
Revenues of this Isle, Save what flows from the Benificence of the British Parliament, who from time to time (and
chiefly on the Solicitation of His Grace) have been generously pleased to appropriate even more than the clear
Revenue Surplus of this Isle, in Bountys; The Improvement of our Harbours, and in Public Buildings.

That having therefore the most convincing proofs of the benign disposition
of the British Parliament, and of the Zealous and Effectual Endeavours of His Grace in Supplying our wants and
bettering our Condition; It may appear more grateful and becoming in us, to solicit a Continuation of these favours
and to point out Such additional advantages as may reasonably be granted to this Island; rather than by taking
an unqualified Objection to the Claims of His Grace; Seem to Express a doubt of the Wisdom of Parliament, in the
appropriation of their Revenues, and that we are Insensible of the Benefits this Island has received thro' His Graces
representations.

Having therefore the highest Confidence in the British Parliament for the
application of Such proportion of the Revenue of this Isle as may be deemed necessary from time to time for the Encouragement
of our Fishery, promoting Manufactures, and other Public Purposes;

We presume Humbly to recommend; That in attending the progress of His
Grace's Bill for a further Compensation; The agents for the Isle of Man be Instructed, not to oppose any fair
Compensation His Grace may ask which on a Comparative View of the yearly Revenues of this Isle, and the present
and eventual Expenditures for its benefit, may in the Wisdom of Parliament appear to be Just, and your
Memorialists will Pray. —

MS C9707/8/112

AP 36A-13