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,
Monsieur Taboulle, Vice-Consul of France, Richmond.