Lyons to John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, October 17, 1863

Acting Consul Fullarton to Earl Russell.—(Received November 27.)

My Lord: I have the honor to enclose copies of my letters to Mr. Benjamin on behalf of British subjects forcibly enlisted, and the reply of that gentleman, conveying to me the president’s order to depart promptly from the confederacy, and in the mean time to cease the exercise of any consular functions within its limits.

In his proclamation calling for volunteers for State defence, the governor of Georgia informed the people that the force so raised was to be used solely for the purpose of repelling raids or incursions by the federalists against their homes and property; that it was not contemplated to interrupt their ordinary avocations unless in case of such sudden emergency, and then only until the emergency was over, and that in no case would they be required to meet the regular army of the United States.

The pressing necessity for recruiting armies wasted by the ravages of war, the presence of a large federal army upon the borders of the State, and information received by myself, led me to suspect that just so soon as this force should be organized and transferred from the State to confederate control, Governor Brown’s promises or pledges would not be fulfilled.

Events proved the correctness of my anticipations. From all the upper and middle portions of the State these troops were ordered to report at Atlanta, the headquarters of General Bragg, for no other purpose than that of re-enforcing the confederate army under that officer; and I beg your lordship to notice that Mr. Benjamin does not attempt to controvert the statement. Accordingly, when Governor Brown refused my application, I deemed it to be my duty, under the instructions embodied in your lordship’s despatch of the 11th October, 1862, and in those of Lord Lyons of the 12th November, 1861, and 14th March, 1862, to give British subjects the advice to which exception has been taken, and on which the action of President Davis is based.

From the enclosed general order of General Cobb, your lordship will observe the purpose of the government to require from these troops a service different from that which, by Governor Brown’s proclamation, they were led to expect.

I have, &c.,

[For enclosure 3 in No. 10, Mr. Benjamin to Acting Consul Fullarton, October 8, 1863, see enclosure 2 in No. 8.]