Her Majesty’s Foreign Office to Laird Brothers.
Foreign Office,
November 2, 1863.
Gentlemen: I am directed by Earl Russell to acknowledge the receipt of your telegraphic message of the 31st ultimo, renewing your protest against the removal from the docks 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 obedient servant,
E. HAMMOND.
Messrs. Laird, Birkenhead.