A draft letter from the Duke of Atholl responding to the Treasury's initial offer to purchase sovereignty over the Isle of Man under the Act of the 12th of George I. The Duke expresses reluctance to sell an ancient family possession but acknowledges willingness to negotiate if the sale serves the Crown's interest. He references previous failed negotiation attempts under Walpole, Pelham, and Newcastle, and argues that possession by Government would not substantially reduce smuggling given the precedent of the Channel Islands.