Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

[Confidential.]

Laird Brothers to S. Price Edwards, esq., collector of H. M. customs, Liverpool.

Birkenhead Iron Works, Birkenhead, September 8, 1863.

Sir: Referring to our letter to you of the 4th instant, we think it right to inform you that it is our intention to take one of the iron-clads, the El Tousson, from our graving dock for a trial trip on Monday next, within the usual limits of such trial trips; and you may rely on our bringing the vessel into the Birkenhead float when the trial is finished, it being our intention to complete the vessel in the Birkenhead float.

This trial is necessary to test the machinery and other parts, but will not alter the time previously stated for the completion of the vessel.

We are, sir, your obedient servants,

LAIRD BROTHERS.

S. Price Edwards, Esq.