Judah P. Benjamin to Consul Moore, June 5, 1863

Mr. Benjamin to Consul Moore.

Sir: The president of the Confederate States has been informed that, in consequence of your assuming to act in behalf of the government of her Britannic Majesty on matters occurring in the State of Mississippi, you were requested to submit to this department your consular commission, as well as any other authority held by you to act in behalf of her Majesty’s government, before further correspondence could be held with you as British consul for the port of Richmond. He has further been informed that you have not acceded to this request, and that in disregard of the legitimate authority of this government you have again lately corresponded as her Majesty’s consul for this port with the secretary of war of the Confederate States. The president considers it as inconsistent with the respect which it is his office to enforce towards this government that you should any longer be permitted to exercise the functions or enjoy the privileges of a consul in these Confederate States. He has consequently thought proper, by the letters patent of which I enclose you a copy, to revoke the exequatur heretofore granted to you, and to make public these letters patent.

I have, &c.,