P. S.—I also enclose copy of my answer to Mr. Benjamin to Consul Moore, February 20, 1863

Mr. Benjamin to Consul Moore.

Sir: Your letter of 16th instant, in relation to certain enactments and military orders in the State of Mississippi, has been received. In that letter you also make reference to the complaint of a British subject, alleging ill treatment at the hands of officers enforcing the conscript law in Mississippi.

Before replying to the subject-matter of your letter, it is deemed necessary to inquire into the extent of the authority vested in you, by her Majesty’s commission, as her consul in Richmond. The exequatur granted on that commission, by the government of the United States, was conferred at a date when that government had the right to act in such matters as the agent of the States that have since formed the confederacy, and the exequatur has therefore not been questioned. It was supposed to have reference solely to consular functions in Richmond, or, at furthest, in the State of Virginia.

As your letter, however, initiates a diplomatic correspondence with this department on the subject of the laws and regulations of the State of Mississippi, it becomes necessary to request that your consular commission, as well as any other authority you may have received, to act in behalf of the government of her Britannic Majesty be officially submitted to this department, in order that the precise nature and extent of your functions may be ascertained before further correspondence can be held with you as her Majesty’s consul at the port of Richmond.

I am, &c.,