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Copy of a letter from the Catholic inhabitants of the Isle of Man to Rev Dr Briggs, Roman Catholic Lord Bishop of the Diocese of the Northern District of England expressing their thanks for the care and interest the Bishop has shown for their well being. Requests more help from the Bishop. Remarks '…they cannot…refrain from expressing their sentiments upon…the future well being of the mission in this island where they regret to say such undesirable bigotry exists together with calumny hatred and abuse of the most virulent description is daily and yearly preached and propagated against their religion…they believe it the only means…of upholding successfully the Catholic Religion in this small island would be to appoint to the Mission and to its management here an able experienced clergyman…'

Parties:
Rev. Dr.Thomas Penswick, Liverpool, Rev. John Briggs, Chester and Rev. Matthew Gahan SJ.

Property:
Parcel/plot of ground with the chapel and other buildings in the Parish of Bradden, Isle of Man

Terms & Conditions:
Fixed annual/chief rent

From Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, writing from Tullabeg, to James O'Shaughnessy. Replies to the latter’s enquiry in relation to Fr Gahan’s will, and also with regard to the agreement to Bishop Briggs to give £800 to the Society in compensation for their property on the Isle of Man.

Letter from Dr Briggs, Glasgow to Dr Youens regarding the granting of faculties to Peter McGrath to administer to the Catholic population on the Isle of Man. Includes a letter from Dr Yovens to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the communication.

Letter from Bishop Briggs, writing from Ushaw College, Durham to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ in the Isle of Man. Writes in relation to the admission to the Sacraments of members of various societies, and advises Gahan in relation to those to exclude (e.g., members of the Knights of St. Patrick), and those not to exclude (e.g., members of the Freemasons).

From Bishop Briggs in York to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Thanks him for informing him that the new chapel at Douglas had been used for Mass. Refers to Fr Aylmer’s presence on the island, and undertakes to relieve him as soon as possible. Asks Fr Bracken to forward him a statement in relation to property due to the Society.

From Bishop Briggs in York to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Refers to the latter’s two previous letters, of 14 April and 12 March. Reports that Fr Aylmer and Dr Youens have corresponded on the subject of the property and debts of the Mission. Also reports that he has been attempting to secure someone to relieve Fr Aylmer on the island.

From Bishop Briggs to [ ]. Thanks the latter for his letter detailing his visit to the Isle of Man, and gives permission for the new chapel at Douglas to be used for divine service, on certain conditions. Wishes also to have a written assurance from ‘Dr. Kenny’ to the effect that the conditions would be complied with.

Copies of a letter from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Douglas to Dr Briggs concerning the property of the Isle of Man mission which he bequeaths to the Bishop.

Letter from Fr John Curtis SJ to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, Sends his condolences on the death of Br Patrick Byrne SJ. Also refers to the Society’s funds and property, including their past interests on the Isle of Man.

From Fr Matthew Gahan SJ in the Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ in Tullabeg. Declares that he would not think he should cross the Channel (back to Ireland) in his current state of health, and furthermore that he would only leave if the person who was to supply for him had been there for a time. Refers to the debts owed by him to various people. States that he would rather ‘die in a ditch’ before yielding to ‘a Judas like trick on the part of Dr Briggs [Bishop of the Northern District]’.

[Copy of letter] from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ to Bishop Briggs, in reply to the latter’s letter of 27 February 1837. Refers to the issue of the opening of the new Chapel, and agrees with the Bishop that it was probably ‘an error of judgment’. Refers to the death of Fr Gahan, and refers to his ill-health and the circumstances which led up to this demise. Praises the dedication and hard work of Fr Gahan, and his service to the Catholic population of the island. Informs the Bishop that it has been decided to place whatever property Fr Gahan possessed at his disposal. Refers to the debts owed now, and the value of the property, and also to Fr Gahan’s last will, which he suggests should be proved, and a legal transfer made. Encloses a copy of a written statement by Fr Gahan in relation to the property (not included).

Letter from Fr Robert Haly SJ, Clongowes Wood, Kildare to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning Fr Gahan's will. Remarks that as one of the legatees named in the will he agrees to assign any property he is entitled to, to Dr. Briggs.

Letter from James O'Shaughnessy to Fr Robert St Leger SJ (Vice-Provincial), Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning Fr Gahan's will. Remarks that he has only found a copy of the will and remarks 'I look upon the case a quite a hopeless one.' Continues 'The original will and whatever title deeds were in existence, I conclude from these letters, went into the possession of Father Aylmer - what became of them since there is nothing to inform us.' Concludes 'Should you think it necessary to write to this gentleman now in the Isle of Man to Dr Briggs or to any other of the inheritors, I take the liberty of telling you not to do so, till you previously allow me to wait on you…'

A file of letters from Bishop John Briggs to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Catholic Chapel House, Douglas, Isle of Man concerning the chapel property in Douglas and the wish of the Bishop, Dr Penswick, that the property should be '…vested in Trustees of whom the Bishop should name one.' (22 December 1835, 3pp). Remarks that Fr Gahan is not correct in stating that the Bishop agreed that the chapel would be put in Fr Gahan's name alone. Remarks '…I believe Mr. Gahan is mistaken. For I was present when Dr Penswick refused his assent to this proposal made personally by Mr. Gahan.' (22 December 1835, 3pp).

A file of letters from Dr Thomas Youens to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the mission on the Isle of Man. Dr Yovens was appointed by Dr Briggs to visit the Isle of Man and assess matters following the death of Fr Gahan and to arrange the opening of the new chapel in Douglas. Includes a letter informing Fr Aylmer that he has full permission from the Bishop (Dr Briggs) to bless the new chapel in Douglas and perform divine service in it (28 February 1837, 1p). Includes a letter expressing the Bishop's wish that the mission of the Isle of Man pass into his own hands. Remarks that he does not know who the Bishop has in mind to take over the mission (27 April 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter relating to the sum of money paid by Dr Briggs to the Society of Jesus in respect of the Isle of Man. (16 May 1840, 1p).

A file of letters from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ (Vice-Provincial) concerning Fr Gahan's death. Includes a letter discussing the value of the two chapels and the residence and school in Douglas and an inventory of the objects in the chapels (24 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning Dr Youens proposed visit to the island '…for the purpose of making an arrangement respecting the affairs of this mission.' Asks for Fr Bracken's instructions telling him how he should discuss matters with Dr Youens. (14 April 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter informing Fr Bracken that Dr Youens arrival has been delayed. Remarks 'The disappointment of his not being able to come this week is a great annoyance to me as I promised the creditors and the tenants of the old chapel house and here in Douglas that matters would be settled with them.' (25 April 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter describing his discussions with Dr Youens. Remarks that the Bishop did not empower him to make any final decisions. Remarks 'After all our conferences Doctor Yovens has awarded to the Society as compensation the sum of eight hundred pounds to be paid to you by Dr Briggs - and considers this sum less than the Society is entitled to…He means to prove to the Bishop…that a considerable sacrifice has been made of property to his Lordship and to this mission by the Society…' (12 May 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning the appointment of Fr McGrath to the Isle of Man. Remarks that he has only recently been ordained '…and is more like a boy from school… not perhaps quite calculated for such a place as this…' (19 June 1837, 3pp).

A file of letters from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Peter Kenney SJ concerning the Isle of Man mission. Includes a letter discussing the finances of the mission and how much money is required to run the mission (24 November 1835, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning some opposition to the opening of the chapel in Douglas. Remarks that if Dr Youens visits the island he will explain the full matter to him and if he does not visit the island he will visit the Bishop himself. Remarks '…it comes exactly to this: that we either succeed or give up the whole and throw the responsibility on the Bishop and the English. Since last Sunday I have received for the new chapel subscriptions and donations…and except Captain Haggeston, not one of the rich have given one shilling - the Duffs and some others amongst whom I am sorry to name John Kelly…have combined and written against the new chapel thro' dislike to poor Fr Gahan and because they cannot do everything as they please - these withhold their subscriptions in the expectation that the opening of the chapel will be prevented by the Bishop.' (7 December 1835, 4pp). Includes a letter remarking that the Bishop (Dr Penswick) has given his permission for the new chapel to be opened as long as three conditions are complied with. Lists the three conditions (18 December 1835, 2pp). Includes a letter referring to the three conditions laid down by Dr Penswick. Refers to the ownership of the chapel property. Remarks '…Mr. Gahan has actually paid £295 (for converting and fitting out the chapel buildings) - one penny of which he never got from any person in the Isle of Man - and consequently he fairly claims that sum as his property.' Continues 'The delay in opening the new chapel is I feel very unpleasant and causes great feeling and disappointment even amongst liberal Protestants and gives a kind of triumph to the bigoted party and to the few Catholics who are adverse to Fr Gahan and wish to have power.' (26 January 1836, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning Fr Gahan's will and medical and funeral expenses. Refers to Fr Gahan's debts. Remarks '…are we to take all this responsibility on ourselves, to discharge all these debts and then to be dismissed at Doctor Briggs' pleasure. If he is to have the whole without any remuneration to the Society or to its benefactors let him take it and become responsible for it with all its encumbrances…' (3 March 1837, 3pp).

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ (Vice-Provincial) to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the administration of the Isle of Man mission following the illness and death of Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr Gahan. Refers to an article in a newspaper concerning his death. Remarks '…it is stated that Fr Gahan had died from the effects of the religious persecution which he suffered. This will be understood as persecution on the part of the Bishop and will I fear make a bad impression on the English and Irish clergy, for many will attribute the article directly or indirectly to us.' Asks Fr Aylmer to send a detailed statement of Fr Gahan's debts and rents and a valuation of the property on the Isle of Man (9 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr General's instructions to give up the property to Bishop Briggs on the Isle of Man. Remarks 'I have no doubt that he will award us some compensation; but the amount will depend on his own generosity…what the Society has in property I trust she will gain in reputation, at least in the eyes of the inhabitants of the island.' (18 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the problems with Fr Gahan's will (10 July 1837, 4pp).