[Private.]

Assistant collector of her Majesty’s customs, Liverpool, to Laird Brothers.

Gentlemen: I have received your private note of yesterday, and regret that you should have the trouble of writing on the subject.

In speaking of the place where the iron-clad is at present, I meant merely to speak of the dock or float where she is at present, and which I used as synonymous with these terms.

I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

W. G. STEWART, Assistant Collector.

Messrs. Laird Brothers.