# Manx Primary Source Archive — Transcription

**Source image:** `20260219_141919.jpg`  
**Transcribed:** 2026-02-25 19:26  
**Method:** Automated (Claude Batch API — claude-opus-4-6)

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the affair after being some months in agitation was again
dropt, It was resumed in the Duke of Newcastles Administra=
tion, and in the same manner likewise luit aside.

The Reason why neither Sir Robert Walpole M^r Pel=
ham nor the Duke of Newcastle, carried it further was thought
to be, that upon thorough Examination the object did not appear
to them of such consequence as it did at first, for supposing it
was in possession of the Government the proximity must still be the
same, many thousand Inhabitants must still have a right to their
Constitution, Laws, Administration of Justice, and interior trade
and Commerce; and it would be in the Case of Guernsey, Jerseys
Sark and Alderney, where Imports and Exports are governed by)
their own Laws as much as if they were under feudatary Lords,
and from these Islands they found that Smuggleing was carried to
a much greater Excess than from the Isle of Man, (and I am
credibly Informed that is still the case. ~)

As I have been but a few months in possession of the Isle of
Man, and never in the least turned my thoughts towards a Sale
of it, It is impossible for me uninformed as I am at present, to
fix upon what I should think an adequate price for a possession
so very considerable both for honour and profit; I can therefore at
present have no proposall to make, but will always be ready to receive
with respect any proposal which shall come to me from your Lord^s
Ships.    I am

My Lords

Your Lordships

Most obedient

& most humble Servant

Athole