Draft letter from the Duke of Atholl responding to the Treasury's formal offer to purchase the Isle of Man under the authority of the 12 George I Act. Atholl asserts the ancient and honourable nature of the lordship, outlines his predecessor's principled position, and notes the long history of failed purchase attempts by Walpole, Pelham, and Newcastle. He argues that even with government ownership, smuggling would persist as it does in the Channel Islands, and claims his revenues derive from legitimate duties. Atholl declines to propose a price but remains open to receiving offers.