[From Atholl Papers - AP 33B-19]

[Letter from Dan Mylrea + John Quayle to Duke of Atholl, 25 July 1765]

May it please Your Grace

As Mr John Taubman lived in this Town, and was always ready to pay his Duties: they were generally kept in reserve, to answer bills, Sallaries and other Exigencies; Wherefore he was not called upon till lately - And to our great Surprize, instead of Cash, We this Afternoon received an Answer in Writing. A Copy Whereof and of the Statute Laws and Ordinance therein mentioned, we have transmitted herewith, and humbly refer the same to Your Grace's Consideration and Directions.

We beg Leave to observe to Your Grace, that the Collectors credit their Fees (which is nine pence for each Liquor, And Six pence for each of the other Entrys) in like manner as they do the Dutys - and we have, as usuall, added them to Each Item of the Account So that there is four Shillings and Six pence of Mr Taubmans Account due for Fees.

We have the Honor to be Your Grace's most faithful and most obedient humble Servants

Dan Mylrea
John Quayle

Mr John Taubman

Sir The above is a Copy of your Account against me for Dutys on the Importation of certain Goods & Merchandize, In answer to which I am realy sorry to be under the disagreeable necessity of telling you, that I think it extremely hard, that I shod be charged with the said Dutys, for the following and other good reasons.
You are no Strangers to the manner, in which the tradeing people of this Place were treated, who instead of having an Intimation or advice of what was proposed or intended, in respect to this Island, were amused and even assured by You Mr Quayle in a publick manner, that their Excellencys, the late Lord & Lady of this Isle had not the least Intention or design to part with or dispose of said Isle: tho' it now appears, that it was actually then in Treaty.

Sum of Money not exceeding £500 upon the Credit of the said Harbour Acts and the funds arising there from.

That in Consequence of said Ordinance & Order I was prevailed on and induced to advance and lend to Richd Quirk & Robt Quayle the Supervisors of Castletown &c the Sum of £300 as by their Bonds dated respectively the 1st Sepr 1763 and 26th May 1764 appears, which Money has been expended and laid out on the said Harbours and stands justly due & owing me, with some Arrears of Intrest.
Now as the late Lord and Lady of this Isle have sold and disposed of the said ports & Harbours & all Customs & Dues ariseing therefrom, to the Ministry of England, which said Customs & Dues were by the said Stattes previously and specically granted and appropriated to the repairs of said Harbours, and charged with the Loans & Moneys borrowed and advanced theron, I must beg Leave to say, that the said £300 with the Intrest thereof so advanced by me on the faith & Creditt of sd Securitys & reasonable Charge on their said Excellencys the Duke & Dutchess of Athol, who in all reason & Justice ought to account for the same.
That notwithstanding the Hardships of my being charged with Dutys for the reasons aforesaid, yet rather than have a Dispute with their Excellencys, if it be insisted on, I will even condescend & submit to account for the same, provided the said Debt of £300 & intrest is deducted & creditted me thereout, Otherwise, I must beg leave to rescind this proposal & endeavour to do myself & family all the Justice in my power.
Who am Gentlemen Your most obedt Servt John Taubman
Castletown 22d July 1765

Recd 25th July 3 o'Clock in the afternoon D.M. [Daniel Mylrea]

Castletown July 25 1765