Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, May 23, 1863

Mr. Adams to Lord Russell.

My Lord: I have the honor to transmit the copy of another deposition relating to the case of the steamer Phantom.

At the same time, I seize the opportunity to mention that, from information received by the consul of the United States at Liverpool, I am led to the belief that preparations are actively in progress for the expediting of the Sumter from that port.

I pray your lordship, &c.,

Deposition of John De Costa

I, John De Costa, of Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, shipping agent and steam-tug owner, make oath and say as follows:

1. On Tuesday last, about 12 o’clock at noon, I was on the river wall, near the Sandon basin, seeing a crew I had shipped on-board the Calhoun, and as the Calhoun got into the river, I saw a screw steamer, which has been built by Messrs. W. C. Miller & Sons, of this town, and called the Phantom, coming down the river, and came alongside the river wall close to where I was standing; and subsequently she went into the Sandon dock. She appeared as if she had been on a trial trip.

2. I saw on board the Phantom Mr. Mann, of the firm of Fawcett, Preston & Co., who supplied and fitted the engines on board the Phantom; Mr. Thomas Miller, one of the firm of W. C. Miller & Sons, who built her; they were on the forecastle giving orders; and Captain Tessier, who is employed by Messrs. Fraser, Trenholm & Co., and a pilot, were on the bridge, the former being in command of the vessel and giving orders; there were also several men on hand in blue uniforms with gilt buttons.

JOHN DE COSTA.