HC Deb 26 February 1864 vol 173 c1185
MR. PEACOCKE

said, the noble Lord at the head of the Government told him the previous evening, that a set of instructions were sent out from this country to the Cape of Good Hope applying to a former supposed state of circumstances in connection with the Tuscaloosa, which orders were afterwards recalled and others substituted. He now wished to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, What were the other circumstances under which instructions were sent out to the Cape of Good Hope, and in consequence of which the Tuscaloosa was seized; and whether the Government will lay upon the table of the House the Papers relating to the subject?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

Perhaps my answer to the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question will save the House the trouble of listening to a rather complicated answer to the first part of the question. We have no objection to produce the papers, and these will explain the circumstances under which the first order was given for the seizure of the vessel, and the subsequent order for her release.