Cridland to Richard Lyons, 1st Viscount Lyons, June 13, 1863

Acting Consul Cridland to Lord Lyons.

My Lord: I have the honor to place before your lordship the copy of a letter dated 8th instant, addressed to me by Mr. Benjamin, secretary of state of the so-called Confederate States, and which was delivered to me this morning open, by order of General Maury, military commandant of this department, informing me that I cannot be permitted to exercise consular functions at Mobile, and further requesting me to remove from this State.

In my despatch to your lordship dated June 8 I reported all that had taken place on my being introduced by M. Portz to the authorities, and of what had occurred up to the date of that despatch.

I have also the honor to enclose herewith a copy of my reply to Mr. Benjamin’s communication dated to-day, and have only further to state that at the unofficial interview with that gentleman on the 18th of May, he remarked to me, after what I stated to him, and which I have recapitulated in my reply to his letter, that he was perfectly aware that as acting consul to Mobile I did not require a commission, and consequently could have no exequatur, all of which he seems to have since forgotten, and desires to convey the idea that he was not aware of my appointment as acting consul. I felt that I had no authority to show him your lordship’s letter to M. Portz.

I have addressed a private note to Mr. Benjamin, requesting permission to remain here till I can hear from your lordship in regard to the disposal of the seals and archives of the consulate, and now await his reply, which I will also place before your lordship.

I have, &c.,