Right Hon. Earl Russell to Charles Francis Adams, May 30, 1863

Lord Russell to Mr. Adams.

Sir: With reference to my letter of the 27th instant, respecting the steamer Phantom, I have now the honor further to state to you, as regards the deposition of Mr. De Costa, which was enclosed in your letter of the 23d instant, that her Majesty’s government learn from a report of the surveyor at Liverpool that it is true that that vessel was in the Mersey on the 19th instant, removing from the Toxteth to the London graving dock, with Mr. Mann, her owner, Mr. Thomas Miller, the son of her builder, but not one of the firm, a pilot, and Mr. Tessier, on board, but that it is not correct that there were several men on board in blue uniform with gilt buttons, the fact being that there was no one on board so attired.

The surveyor further observes, that it is difficult for any one at all familiar with the construction and fittings of vessels intended for warlike purposes to account for the supposition that the Phantom is destined for such a service, her hull being of the most fragile character that can be conceived for a sea-going vessel, her steel plates being but a quarter of an inch thick, and her iron frame of the same proportion.

With reference to the Gibraltar or Sumter, which you say you are informed is being prepared for sea, I have the honor to state to you that the report from the surveyor as to that vessel agrees with the information which has reached you, so far as relates to her being preparing for sea. He, however, adds that all fittings for warlike purposes have been removed from her since she obtained her British registry, and that he has private information that it is not intended to refit her as a vessel-of-war.

I have the honor, &c.,