John Russell, 1st Earl Russell to Charles Francis Adams, February 26, 1862

Earl Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: With reference to my letter of the 19th instant, on the subject of the steamer Oreto, which was believed from reports you had received to be fitting out at Liverpool with a view to acting hostilely against the people of the United States, I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a copy of a letter from the commissioners of customs to the lords commissioners of her Majesty’s treasury, reporting the result of the investigations which they have caused to be instituted with regard to the vessel in question.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient servant,

Report of British Commissioners of Customs.

Your lordships having referred to us the annexed letter from Mr. Hammond, transmitting, by desire of Earl Russell, copy of a letter from Mr. Adams, enclosing an extract of a communication from the United States consul at Liverpool, in which he calls attention to a steam vessel called the Oreto, reported to be fitting out at Liverpool as a southern privateer, and requesting that immediate inquiries may be made respecting this vessel, we report:

That on the receipt of your lordship’s reference we forthwith instructed our collector at Liverpool to make inquiries in regard to the vessel Oreto, and it appears from his report that she has been built by Messrs. Miller & Sons for Messrs. Fawcett, Preston & Co., engineers, of Liverpool, and is intended for the use of Messrs. Thomas Brothers, of Palermo, one of that firm having frequently visited the vessel during the process of building.

The Oreto is pierced for four guns, [6 ?] but she has yet taken nothing on board but coals and ballast. She is not at present fitted for the reception of guns, nor are the builders aware that she is to be supplied with guns whilst she remains in this country. The expense of her construction has been paid, and she has been handed over to Messrs. Fawcett & Preston. Messrs. Miller & Sons state their belief that her destination is Palermo, as they have been requested to recommend a master to take her to that port, and our collector at Liverpool states that he has every reason to believe that the vessel is for the Italian government.

We beg further to add that special directions have been given to the officers at Liverpool to watch the movements of the vessel, and that we will not fail to report forthwith any circumstances which may occur worthy of your lordship’s cognizance.