George A. Hamilton to Messrs. Laird Brothers, Birkenhead, December 18, 1863

Her Majesty’s Treasury to Laird Brothers.

Gentlemen: With further reference to your letter of the 7th instant, respecting the present condition of the two steam vessels, El Tousson and El Monnassir, I am desired by the lords commissioners of her Majesty’s treasury to acquaint you that it is the intention of her Majesty’s government that the existing insurances on these vessels should be kept up or renewed, ad interim, at the cost of the public, and in the name of some person on her Majesty’s behalf, who, if you will agree to repay the cost of such insurance, in the event of the property in the vessels being hereafter adjudged to you, may be constituted a trustee of the policies for her Majesty, or for such person or persons as may hereafter be adjudged to be the owner or owners of the vessels, according to the result of the proceedings which may be taken for the purpose of deciding on the validity of the seizures.

As regards the precautions to be taken for preserving the vessels from injury by weather, my lords are satisfied that every possible precaution has been already taken, and will continue to be taken, by the naval officer in command at Liverpool, and that no deterioration of any kind need be anticipated.

I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,