§ MR. CAIRDsaid, he rose to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether information has been laid 968 before the Government regarding the preparation in this Country of any ships intended, like the Alabama, for the service of the Confederate States; and, if so, what course they intend to adopt in regard to such ships?
§ MR. LAYARDSir, the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to more than one vessel which was supposed to be fitting out for the service of the Confederate States, as the Alabama was fitted out; but up to this moment no evidence has been furnished which would enable Her Majesty's Government to act according to law. I can assure my hon. Friend that strict orders have been given that any vessels suspected of being fitted out in that manner are to be closely watched.