Right Honorable the Earl of Clarendon to P. S.—Since writing the above, I have been informed by the admiralty that they have sold three of the vessels, namely, the China, Pekin, and Tientsin, to the Egyptian government, for the sum of thirty thousand one hundred pounds, (£30,100.), December 30, 1865
The Earl of Clarendon to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 28th instant, and its enclosures, respecting the disposition of the vessels known as the Osborne flotilla, and the course pursued by Sir Frederick Bruce in the matter.
Her Majesty’s government learn with great satisfaction that the steps taken by Sir Frederick Bruce in that matter, as also his relations with the government at Washington, are acceptable to the government.
Her Majesty’s government have also received from her Majesty’s chargé d’affaires at Peking a copy of a note, dated the 26th of xiugust last, in which his highness Prince Kung expresses himself grateful to Sir Frederick Bruce for his conduct in regard to these vessels. Her Majesty’s government are using their utmost endeavors to wind up the affair in a manner which shall be satisfactory to all parties; and I may state that I have lately been informed by the board of admiralty that they are in treaty with the Egyptian government for the purchase by that government of the vessels, of the squadron now in this country, and that the commodore commanding in India has been directed to take the necessary steps for disposing of them at Bombay.
I have the honor, &c., &c.
P. S.—Since writing the above, I have been informed by the admiralty that they have sold three of the vessels, namely, the China, Pekin, and Tientsin, to the Egyptian government, for the sum of thirty thousand one hundred pounds, (£30,100.)
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.