With Anglo-American relations at a dangerous point due to the continued construction of ships in Britain for the Confederate Navy, Prime Minister Russell ordered that the two latest completed vessels, built at Birkenhead, be detained in the Mersey off Liverpool.  This defused the situation somewhat and Russell finally had the two ironclads purchased for the Royal Navy the following May.  (By John Osborne) 

Irish-born John Hughes of New York had been installed in December 1842 as Bishop of New York and became the first Archbishop when the archdiocise was formed in 1850.  Presiding over the massive growth of Catholics in the city in the period, he had become an influential figure.  He had died in office four days before and was buried with great ceremony in the morning at the old St. Patrick's Cathedral in the city.  (By John Osborne)  

John Hughes of New York had been installed in December 1842 as Bishop of New York and became the first Archbishop when the archdiocise was formed in 1850.  Born and raised in Ireland, he had emigrated to Pennsylvania with his family, where he attended Mt. St. Mary's College.  Presiding over the massive growth of Catholics in the city in the period, he had become an influential figure.  He died in New York City, aged sixty-six, and was buried in the old St. Patrick's Cathedral.  (By John Osborne)