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

14,4649/10.

Her Majesty’s Treasury to Laird Brothers.

Treasury Chambers, October 9, 1863.

Gentlemen: I am commanded by the lords commissioners of her Majesty’s treasury to inform you that, in consequence of information that has been received by her Majesty’s government as to the probability of a forcible abduction of one or both of the iron-clad vessels in course of completion in the float at Birkenhead, their lordships have felt it their duty to order the seizure of both these vessels, and have issued the necessary directions to the commissioners of customs accordingly.

I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

GEO. A. HAMILTON.

Messrs. Laird, Birkenhead.