13,1329/9.
Her Majesty’s Treasury to Laird Brothers.
Gentlemen: I am desired by my lords commissioners of her Majesty’s treasury to acquaint you that their lordships have felt it their duty to issue orders to the commissioners of customs that the two iron-clad steamers now in the course of completion in your dock at Birkenhead are not to be permitted to leave the Mersey until satisfactory evidence can be given of their destination, or at least until the inquiries which are now being prosecuted with a view to obtain such evidence shall have been brought to a conclusion. I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
Messrs. Laird & Co., Birkenhead.