# Manx Primary Source Archive — Transcription

**Source image:** `20260219_114348.jpg`  
**Transcribed:** 2026-02-25 19:26  
**Method:** Automated (Claude Batch API — claude-opus-4-6)

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8)

The Third and Last Branch of the Scheme comes now to be considered —
It is with the utmost Gratitude we acknowledge his Majestys Goodness in the Encouragement
already granted to the Herring Fishery & Linen Manufacture of this Island. The latter however
tho' it hath made some progress, must inevitably decline unless feather supported. And the former
tho' in certain Seasons it proves very considerable, is not prosecuted to the Extent it is capable of,
for want of a ready market for our Salted Fish. To obtain this is the principal object of the
first Article of this Branch. As by the Extension of the Act here mention'd to this Island, the Liberty
of Importing Salted fish from hence into England on the Same terms they are Imported from Scotland,
would follow, with other inferior Advantages, particularly the convenience of using Foreign Salt in
curing Fish, to be Delivered free of Duty under the Same Securities as in Britain. —

The Second Article regards the Encouragement of our Linen Manufacture on which head we are obliged
to Speak in General Terms, being imperfectly informed with respect to the Nature of the Benefits sollicited.
Only we are told a fund arising from the Duties on Russia Linen is appropriated in some shape for the
advancement of this Manufacture in Britain w^ch if extended to this Island would be a lasting monument
of his Majestys paternal Goodness & humanity to his distressed Subjects here. —

We have now run over the Different Branches of the preceeding Scheme, the several Articles of which we
have endeavoured to explain & support upon principles of publick Utility. But lest a latent Prejudice
against this Island, as being formerly the Seat of illicit Trade, should create a Suspicion that whatever
Immunities are granted they will be perverted & abused, We beg leave, before we conclude, to offer
such considerations as we Gladly hope will be sufficient to remove all Suspicions & obviate any
objections that may arise on this Head. And first we beg leave to observe that the Revenue
Establishment of this Island does not consist of a few petty Officers who may be easily influenced
or intimidated to connive at Frauds. But as in the Ports of Britain is an Arrangement of
Superior & inferior Officers, under the Direction of the Lords of his Majestys Treasury, & the
immediate Superintendance of a Gentleman of long experience in the Customs, and Distinguished
for his Zeal & Ability to promote the Interests of his Majestys Revenue. Moreover this Establishment
is supported with all the Weight Vigilance & Activity of the Civil Government of the Island now vested in his
Majesty . . . . . . Further, all penal Statutes for the prevention of Frauds & the protection of
his Majestys Officers are now extended to this Island. And Offences against those Statutes
are cognizable before his Majestys Courts in Britain. There is not the least Shadow of
Reason therefore to suppose Smuggling more practicable in this Island than elsewhere.
On the Contrary it is well known, since the late Purchase thereof by the Crown, no Part of
his Majestys Dominions hath been less liable to reproach on that Head. —

With respect to the Scheme now offered to consideration We are conscious it is not plann'd
with the least View to Fraudulent Trade, & we sincerely hope it will be productive of no
such consequences. Nevertheless it would be assuming a degree of foresight more than
human to assert positively, that no abuse could possibly happen in any instance. —
All we beg is that we may not be precluded from the Relief sollicited, or the Benefits
proposed by the mere apprehension or possibility of Frauds being committed. —
For it is contrary to Reason that the Publick should suffer for the possible Crimes of
Individuals.

51

[Note: At the bottom of the page, there appears to be inverted text that reads:]
Manx Scheme of
Manufacture &c
[illegible]