Name

The Dexter Affair: Treasury correspondence and affidavits regarding an informer's treatment on the Isle of Man

Description

A collection of Treasury documents (T 1/439/156-160) concerning John Dexter, who attempted to inform on smuggling operations on the Isle of Man but had his letters intercepted by smugglers. The file includes a covering letter from the Customs Commissioners, affidavits from two witnesses (Margaret Quirke and Mary Cain) defending the treatment of Dexter's wife during her confinement, and Dexter's own petition seeking employment in the Customs service as recompense for his loss and service to the Crown. The affair illustrates the dangers faced by informers, the dominance of smuggling interests on the island, and the vulnerability of Crown officials.

Date

30 July 1765

Place

Whitehaven

Douglas

Castletown

Castle Rushen

Bridge House

Isle of Man

Ireland

Dublin

Related To

Paul Bridson

Charles Lutwidge

John Quayle

Collection

The Last Years of the Lordship

Crown Administration

Type

Administrative Correspondence

Date Created

1765-07-30

Creator

Commissioners of the Customs (J. Freemantle)

Audience

Charles Lowndes Esq, Treasury

Identifier

T 1/439/156-160; T 1/446/182

Language

English