HC Deb 22 June 1863 vol 171 cc1251-2
MR. FERRAND

said, he rose to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he has received from the magistrates or police of Leeds a Report stating that agents of the Federal Government of America were recruiting in that town, and that the men were sent to the American Consul at Liverpool; if so, whether he will place it and his reply upon the table of the House?

SIR GEORGE GREY

replied, that he received not long ago a letter from one of the magistrates of Leeds, enclosing a communication made to him by the chief constable of that town with reference to persons said to be engaged in recruiting there for the Federal Government. That letter was submitted to the Solicitor of the Treasury, with directions that papers should be aid before the Law Officers of the Crown, in order that they might advise whether the evidence was sufficient to require the institution of any proceedings with regard to it. The papers were still under consideration, and it would be highly improper to make any further statement as yet to the House upon the subject.