Letter from British Consulate George Coppell to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; February 26, 1862

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Letter from British Consulate George Coppell to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; February 26, 1862

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People

Coppell, George Moore, Thomas Overton, 1804-1876 Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867

Organizations

Mississippi--Legislature

Places

Great Britain Louisiana--Orleans Parish. New Orleans

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British Consulate,
New Orleans, Feby. 26. 1862.

Sir,

I have received letters from, and have been applied to by, many British Subjects residing in the State of Mississippi who inform me that, by a recent Law of the Legislature of that State, they are not only compelled to perform—

Military

His Excellency
John J. Pettus
Governor & Commander in Chief—
&^c. &^c. Mississippi &^c.

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Military duty, but, under certain circumstances, they can be drafted into the Service of a foreign Govern-ment.—

I feel convinced that I need not inform Your Excellency that such a Law is contrary to all Amity and cannot be—supported by any Treaties or by International Law.—

Under the new Militia Law of this State, His Excellency the

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the Governor, upon the representations of the Consuls of Seven European Powers, has granted certain privileges and immunities to foreigners residing in this State, in the enjoyment of which they will be of service to the State, and, its Laws considered, their nationality will not be violated.—

I beg to enclose herewith a copy of the correspondence between Governor Moore of this State, and the Consuls

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Consuls referred to above; and I trust that Your Excellency will place British Subjects, who may be residing in the State of Mississippi, in the same—position, and not allow them to be forced into a Service in which they would not be entitled, by reason of their nationality, to any protection either from the State they serve, the enemy of such State, or their own Government.—

At Your Excellency's Earliest

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Earliest convenience, I hope to be favoured with your views and intentions on the subject of this Communication.—

In the meantime,
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Obedient humble Servant,
George Coppell.
H. B. M. Actg Consul.