This was prompt action on unofficial information, for Davis' proclamation bore date of April 17, and Lyons' despatch containing copies of it, sent on April 22, was not received by Russell until May 10[153].

Ordinary news from the United States required ten days to get into print in London[154], but official messages might be sent more rapidly by way of telegraph to Halifax, thence by steamer to Liverpool and by telegraph again to London.

In case the telegram to Halifax coincided with the departure of a fast vessel the time was occasionally reduced to seven days, but never less.

At the best the exact information as to the contents of the Davis and Lincoln proclamations of April 17 and 19 respectively, could have been received only a few days before the order was issued to reinforce the British fleet.
[Illustration: _Photo: F.Hollyer_.SIR WILLIAM GREGORY, K.C.M.G.

(_From Lady Gregory's "Sir William Gregory, K.C.M.G.: An Autobiography," by kind permission_)] The next day, May 2, Ewart, in the Commons, asked "if Privateers sailing under the flag of an unrecognized Power will be dealt with as Pirates," thus showing the immediate parliamentary concern at the Davis and Lincoln proclamations.