§ CAPTAIN COLOMB (, &c.) Tower Hamlets, Bowasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether the statement, that the Russian Squadron in the Pacific consists of one iron-clad and five cruisers, is founded upon authoritative information; from what source such information was obtained; and, what are the names, armaments, and speed of the vessels composing that Squadron?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)The statement I made with regard to the strength of the Russian Squadron in the Pacific is correct in every detail. It is not desirable to communicate the sources from which such information was received. The Squadron in question is composed of one belted frigate, two corvettes, three clippers of small tonnage, and seven gun vessels, of which four are practically condemned. I am not prepared to give, on the authority of the Admiralty, the further particulars asked for.