# Manx Primary Source Archive — Transcription

**Source image:** `20260219_114832.jpg`  
**Transcribed:** 2026-02-25 19:26  
**Method:** Automated (Claude Batch API — claude-opus-4-6)

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Statement relative to the Expediency of
an Establish'd Military Force in the
Isle of Man.

In the Year 1765. The period of the
Revestment of the Isle of Man in the Crown;
The Government of Great Britain established a
Strong Military Force of Regular Troops, for the
general defence of the Island, The Support of
the civil power, and for the Assisting the
Revenue department in the prevention of
illicit practices, which were then carried on
with the Neighbouring coasts of Great Britain
and Ireland, to the Extent of from 3. to
400,000 £ annually as appear'd by a Report
of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise
of Great Britain and Ireland to the House
of Commons.

Under a conviction of the necessity of
a Strong and controllable force being kept up
during the periods of Great Britain being
engaged in War, when the Troops of the Line
were required for Foreign Service, a
Fencible Regiment in the nature of
Militia has been resorted to and constantly
kept on foot.

The force during the late War
consisted of Battalion of 600 privates.