S. Price Edwards, esq., collector of H. M. customs, Liverpool, to Laird Brothers.
Gentlemen: With reference to the wish expressed by you, that one of the iron-clad vessels in your yard may be permitted to make a trial trip, I am directed to inform you that the lords commissioners of her Majesty’s treasury will allow the trial trip to be made by the vessel referred to in your letter of the 8th instant, relying upon the honorable engagement which has been given by you that the ship shall, after the usual trial trip, be brought back again to Liverpool, and shall not leave that port without a week’s notice to her Majesty’s government of the intention to send her away.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
Messrs. Laird Brothers, Birkenhead.