Correspondence between officers of her Majesty’s customs and Captain Inglefield, R. N., and Messrs. Laird Brothers, respecting the iron-clad vessels building at Birkenhead.
Assistant collector of her Majesty’s customs, Liverpool, to Laird Brothers.
Gentlemen: Pursuant to the instructions I have received, I beg to transmit you the enclosed letter from the lords commissioners of her Majesty’s treasury, and to inform you that I have been directed to place a customs officer on board the iron-clad vessel, now nearest completion, in the great float, Birkenhead, and that he has directions to seize her in case any attempt be made to remove her from where she is at present.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
Messrs. Laird & Co., Birkenhead.