Stephen R. Mallory to James H. North, C. S. N., London, England, July 12, 1862

S. H. Mallory to James E. North.

Sir: Your letter of the 29th of March last reached me this morning.

The department notified you, on the 11th of January last, that you would receive orders to command the second vessel then being built in England, but for reasons satisfactory to the department you were subsequently assigned to the command of the first vessel, the Florida, (Oreto,) now at Nassau; and any just ground for “the surprise and astonishment” in this respect at the department’s action is not perceived.

A commission as commander for the war was sent you on the 5th of May, and your failure to follow the Oreto, which left England about the 21st of March, and to take command of her as was contemplated, and as you were apprised by Captain Bullock, on the 26th of March, is not understood, and has been productive of some embarrassment.

Captain Bullock was nominated by the executive for his position in the navy under existing law, and was duly confirmed by the Senate, and your protest to this department against the action of these co-ordinate branches of your government is out of place.

Upon the receipt of this letter you will turn over to Lieutenant G. F. Sinclair the instructions which you may have received, together with any public funds in your hands, and return to the confederate States in such manner as your judgment may direct.

Should you not be provided with funds for this purpose, Commander Bullock will, upon your application, supply them.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,