Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, in consequence of the dismissal of Mr. James Magee from the office of acting British consul at Mobile, the charge of her Majesty’s consulate at that place will be placed, temporarily, in the hands of Monsieur Portz, vice-consul of France.
I am about to request the commander-in-chief of her Majesty’s naval forces in these seas to send one of her Majesty’s ships to Mobile to convey instructions from me to Mr. Magee to transfer the charge of her Majesty’s consulate to Mr. Portz, and instructions from the minister of the Emperor of the French to Mr. Portz to take charge of the consulate.
I propose to suggest to the commander-in-chief that the captain of the ship sent with these instructions be authorized to bring Mr. Magee away from Mobile, and be, at the same time, enjoined to be careful not to take any article on board which is not bona fide a part of Mr. Magee’s own personal effects.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.