Items

Petition regarding flour cargo landed at Ramsey without customs entry
Petition regarding flour cargo landed at Ramsey without customs entry
A petition from three merchants (George Strachan, William Calcot, and Ann Cowle) of Ramsey to the Deputy Governor DAN Mylrea, explaining their receipt of flour consigned from Liverpool. The petitioners describe how they were forced to land cargo at Ramsey without proper customs entry due to an unavailable customs officer and perishable goods at risk from weather.
Petition regarding Governor's claims and hostile treatment of petitioners
Petition regarding Governor's claims and hostile treatment of petitioners
This is page 3 of a petition addressing the Crown, detailing grievances against the Governor (referred to as 'his Grace') regarding historical claims on the insular revenue, his appointment in 1793, and his exercise of patronage over civil, fiscal, military, and ecclesiastical offices. The petitioners document his 1805 attempt to impose a perpetual rent-charge and allege that he has since harbored hostile feelings toward them.
Petition regarding grievances and calls for restoration of 1765 principles of government
Petition regarding grievances and calls for restoration of 1765 principles of government
This is a page from a formal petition addressing grievances related to public service without remuneration and perceived invasions of rights. The petitioners appeal to an honorable house (likely the House of Keys) for redress, expressing preference for restoration of the 1765 constitutional principles and warning of preference for complete abolition of the current system over continued encroachments.
Petition regarding hereditary rights and revenue in relation to Isle of Man trade legislation
Petition regarding hereditary rights and revenue in relation to Isle of Man trade legislation
This is an excerpt from a petition to Parliament submitted by petitioners from the Isle of Man. The petitioners appeal to the Crown and Parliament regarding the resumption of their ancient hereditary rights and revenues, and express concern about pending legislation to prevent illicit trade between Great Britain, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.
Petition regarding hereditary rights and revenues threatened by proposed bill on Isle of Man trade
Petition regarding hereditary rights and revenues threatened by proposed bill on Isle of Man trade
Fragment of a petition (page 5) from Manx petitioners expressing submission to Crown authority while defending their ancient hereditary rights and revenues. The petitioners invoke Parliament's attention to civil rights and property, and express concern about a pending bill to prevent illicit trade to and from the Isle of Man, which they fear will diminish their valuable privileges and advantages.
Petition regarding House of Keys electoral reform and representation
Petition regarding House of Keys electoral reform and representation
A petition to reform the electoral system of the House of Keys on the Isle of Man, proposing that representation be based on parishes and principal towns rather than the current system. The petitioners note that some assembly members have resigned in protest over matters they deemed injurious to the people's rights and interests.
Petition regarding illegal seizure of boat and claims for damages
Petition regarding illegal seizure of boat and claims for damages
A fragmentary petition to an authority (addressed as 'your Excellency') concerning the illegal seizure of a boat belonging to the petitioners. The document requests recovery of the vessel and compensation for costs, damages, and detriments incurred. A marginal note indicates performance on 23 March of an illegible year in the 1760s.
Petition regarding illegal seizure of seas, filed November 1765
Petition regarding illegal seizure of seas, filed November 1765
A petition fragment addressing an authority (likely the Lieutenant Governor) regarding an illegal seizure of sea rights or territory. The petitioners request that their claim be admitted to record for future legal proceedings. The document appears to be the concluding portion of a longer petition.
Petition regarding illegal seizure of tea by customs officers in Peel
Petition regarding illegal seizure of tea by customs officers in Peel
A petition describing the illegal seizure of tea by Philip Barnes, an officer acting under His Majesty in the Port of Peel, and armed men who entered the houses of Thomas Woods and Philip Cottier. The petitioners sought return of the goods but received no satisfactory answer from the officers and intend to claim their property rights in court.
Petition regarding illicit commerce, assault on revenue officers, and breweries/tanneries on Isle of Man
Petition regarding illicit commerce, assault on revenue officers, and breweries/tanneries on Isle of Man
A petition (memorialists' submission) to an unnamed authority describing criminal assault and deforcement of revenue officers on the Isle of Man, and detailing concerns about unregulated interior commerce, particularly the brewing industry which has grown to substantial heights. The petitioners argue breweries gain unfair advantage through import bounties and exemption from malt duty.
Petition regarding insurance of prohibited goods and smuggling obstructions at Isle of Man
Petition regarding insurance of prohibited goods and smuggling obstructions at Isle of Man
A legal document addressing fraudulent insurances on prohibited goods shipped to the Isle of Man and the obstruction of revenue officers by islanders and smugglers. The document references the 4th and 5th of William and Mary Cap. 15 Sec. 14 and discusses the need for legislative provisions to prevent such activities.
Petition regarding judicial tenure and the petitioners' role in criminal trials
Petition regarding judicial tenure and the petitioners' role in criminal trials
This is a petition from an unidentified group (referred to as 'your Petitioners') addressed to the House of Keys concerning their role in criminal justice proceedings. The petitioners express concerns about judicial tenure, the security of office for judges, and their own position as participants in the criminal court. They reference their service since 1765 and express grievances about perceived wrongs and insults to their authority.
Petition regarding judicial tenure and the role of petitioners in criminal trials
Petition regarding judicial tenure and the role of petitioners in criminal trials
This is an excerpt from a petition submitted to the House of Keys addressing concerns about judicial independence and the petitioners' role in criminal proceedings. The petitioners argue for secure tenure for criminal judges and express their willingness to resign their judicial duties if such safeguards are implemented, while protesting what they view as studied insult and public wrong.
Petition regarding Keys' authority in criminal sentencing and judicial discretion
Petition regarding Keys' authority in criminal sentencing and judicial discretion
A petition from members of the House of Keys asserting their historical right to participate in tempering justice and modifying sentences in criminal cases. The petition references a 1817 criminal law reform and disputes the interpretation of the Court of Gaol-delivery's composition following questions posed by the Duke of Athol in December 1821.
Petition regarding maintenance of public buildings and infrastructure on the Isle of Man
Petition regarding maintenance of public buildings and infrastructure on the Isle of Man
This is an excerpt from a petition (page 13) concerning the state of public buildings on the Isle of Man. The memorialists argue that an Act of Parliament failed to provide adequate provisions for maintaining necessary public buildings, which have fallen into disrepair. They lament the Island's lack of representation in London and request consideration for alterations and improvements needed for proper civil government.
Petition regarding opposition to a fiscal act and the Duke's property assessment
Petition regarding opposition to a fiscal act and the Duke's property assessment
This is an excerpt from a petition addressing opposition to a taxation or revenue act affecting the Isle of Man. The document argues that opposition to the act is unconstitutional and harmful to the King's government and the inhabitants' rights. It discusses the Duke's landed property within the island and its assessment under the act.
Petition regarding penny post taxation dispute and legal persecution
Petition regarding penny post taxation dispute and legal persecution
A petition from W. Nicholson, Postmaster, to the Lords requesting protection from legal prosecution regarding penny post letter taxation between Douglas and Castletown. Nicholson argues he is being oppressed through lawsuits in a court where the Governor serves as both judge and plaintiff, despite his actions being authorized by Act of Parliament and Postmaster instructions.
Petition regarding reserved rights and manorial claims under the Act of 1765
Petition regarding reserved rights and manorial claims under the Act of 1765
A petition to Parliament regarding the resolution of reserved rights, particularly manorial claims, under the Act of 1765. The petitioners argue that these claims have caused forty-five years of trouble, expense, dissension, and annoyance to both the inhabitants and His Majesty's Government, and urge Parliament to consider the purchase and revestment of such rights in the Crown.
Petition regarding rights of free debate in the Court of Tynwald
Petition regarding rights of free debate in the Court of Tynwald
A petition submitted to the House of Keys (or similar authority) regarding the suppression of free speech rights in the Court of Tynwald. The petitioners describe how the Lieutenant-Governor has recently restricted debate privileges that were historically exercised by all members, while permitting speech to his Council and the petitioners' speaker alone.
Petition regarding smuggling from the Isle of Man and revenue losses to the Crown
Petition regarding smuggling from the Isle of Man and revenue losses to the Crown
A petition (or memorial) addressing the Crown regarding extensive smuggling operations conducted from the Isle of Man. The document argues that the quantity of smuggled goods is so considerable that they would produce approximately £350,000 annually if properly duty-paid in Great Britain, representing a substantial loss to His Majesty's Revenues. It details the geographical and operational advantages that make the island an ideal smuggling base.
Petition regarding smuggling operations and revenue enforcement difficulties on Isle of Man's west coast
Petition regarding smuggling operations and revenue enforcement difficulties on Isle of Man's west coast
This document is an excerpt from a petition (memorialists' petition) describing smuggling activities on the Isle of Man, particularly on the west coast. It details the organizational sophistication of smugglers, their ability to rapidly unload cargo and disperse through mountainous terrain on horseback, and incidents of armed resistance to revenue officers. The petitioners argue for stronger enforcement measures.
Petition regarding smuggling operations in Isle of Man and revenue enforcement
Petition regarding smuggling operations in Isle of Man and revenue enforcement
A petition to a noble authority (referred to as 'Your Lordships') regarding smuggling activities in the Isle of Man. The memorialists discuss seizure proportions, the role of local courts in debt recovery for smuggled goods, and propose legal measures to prevent debt enforcement for smuggling contracts. The document indicates significant smuggling trade and suggests interventions.
Petition regarding smuggling practices and enforcement powers in Isle of Man
Petition regarding smuggling practices and enforcement powers in Isle of Man
A petition excerpt concerning illicit trade and smuggling in the Isle of Man, discussing how smugglers exploit the island as a convenient landing point. The document references the Act of George I (Cap. 21, Sec. 9) prohibiting importation of India goods into the Isle of Man and requests extension of Exchequer court powers in Scotland to match those in England and Ireland for seizure proceedings.
Petition regarding smuggling prevention measures and impressment of Isle of Man inhabitants
Petition regarding smuggling prevention measures and impressment of Isle of Man inhabitants
A petition addressing smuggling operations involving the Isle of Man and requesting legislative measures to prevent inhabitants from offending against revenue laws. It discusses the use of false bills of lading and clearances by smuggling vessels, and proposes a clause similar to the 18th Section of the 9th year of George II's Act to deter smuggling and intimidate those assisting in running goods.
Petition regarding smuggling suppression and export regulation from Isle of Man
Petition regarding smuggling suppression and export regulation from Isle of Man
A formal petition submitted to the Lords addressing smuggling concerns, particularly regarding raw hides exportation to the Isle of Man and wine smuggling into Scotland. The memorialists request suppression of certain exports and report their assessment of smuggling activity.