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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.

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 Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, writing from Douglas, Isle of Man, to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Refers to books being shipped to and from the island. Reports that he has settled all accounts, including money owed to Mrs Wilson and Dr Youens, and has prepared the way for the new incumbent. Refers to taking out administration to the will and the transfer of the Society’s property, on which two points he awaits instructions. Mentions the Catholics on the island, and their attendance at Mass. Adds that there are rumours that the privileges of the Isle of Man are to be withdrawn, and that it will be united to one of the English Northern Counties.

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).

Letters from Richard Thompson, Vicar General to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning Fr Aylmer's offer to give temporary assistance to the Catholic community on the Isle of Man due to Fr Gahan's illness. Includes a postscript remarking that the Bishop has appointed Dr Yovens to visit the Isle of Man on his behalf.