Mr. Benjamin to Monsieur Tabouelle, October 17, 1862

Mr. Benjamin to Monsieur Tabouelle.

Sir: The honorable Mr. Oldham, senator from the
State of Texas, having communicated to the president the substance of a
conversation held with you on the 13th instant, in the course of which
you sought to impress on that senator the conviction that it would be
for the interest of the State of Texas to separate herself from this
confederacy, I am instructed by the president to inform you that your
presence within the confederacy can no longer be permitted, your conduct
being considered hostile to this government and people.

You are therefore required to depart from the confederacy, and not to
return without the previous permission of this government. You will
prepare to leave by the flag-of-truce boat, which will depart on the
18th instant.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,