Photocopy of letter from Captain John Quilliam, London to John McHutchin of Castletown
Date(s): 2 June 1824
Scope & Content: Quilliam reports on the results of his agent, Mr King's investigations at the Admiralty in the matter of the pension entitlement of the widow of a Captain Kelly and requests that a further certificate and copy of a previous medical certificate be forwarded for his attention. He offers assurances of his intention of informing McHutchin of any developments. Quilliam's closing paragraph reads, 'I see by the Rising Sun that the distribution of the Ancient Constitution of poor Mona commenced at Castletown on the 21st of May 1824 by which a door has been opened to the most frightful oppression and injustice - very soon Algiers will be a Paradise in comparison to my native Island'.
Administration / Biographical History: Quilliam's closing comment alludes to extensive reporting in the 25 May 1924 issue of the Rising Sun or Mona's Herald of a Court of General Gaol Delivery at Castle Rushen on 21 May at which not all Members of the House of Keys were present. Both counsel for the first defendant and the House of Keys protested, the former arging that without the full House of Keys present the prisoner ought not to be compelled to answer the indictment, and the Speaker of the House of Keys reacting strongly to the fact that summonses were not served on several MHKs to attend this session 'as hath been immemorially and without one single exception the practice since the institution of the said Court'. The Lieutenant Governor noted that he would forward both protests 'to the proper authorities' and the trial proceeded. The prisoner, Thomas Christian, on trial for forgery, was found guilty but only after the jury was sent back, having been told that concerns about the illegality of the court were, in effect, not its business.
Language: English
Extent: 1 sheet (2 pages)
Physical description: photocopy
Item name: letter
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: FONDS
ID number: MS 11770
Record class: Private
Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im