Her Majesty’s Foreign Office to Laird Brothers.
Foreign Office,
October 30, 1863.
Gentlemen: I am directed by Earl Russell to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th instant, containing copy of a telegraphic message which you addressed to his lordship on that day, protesting against the removal into the Mersey of the two iron-clad vessels now under seizure by the crown, and I am to state to you that the matter has been referred to the lords commissioners of her Majesty’s treasury.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
E. HAMMOND.
Messrs. Laird, Birkenhead.