The Duke of Atholl writes to Lord Mansfield (Lord Chief Justice) seeking legal advice on how to respond to pressure from the Treasury and Mr Grenville regarding the sale of Isle of Man sovereignty. Atholl expresses concern about recent orders stationing cutters in Manx harbours, the Treasury's demand for detailed customs accounts, and threats of Parliamentary action. He seeks Mansfield's counsel on whether to delay negotiations, withhold confidential documents from Parliament, or travel to London immediately.