Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) to Queen Victoria
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01546 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 23 September 1861 Pagination: 1 p. ; 41 x 27 cm. Order a Copy
Presenting James M. Mason as the "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary" from the Confederate States of America to Great Britain. Mason and John Slidell were captured by Union ships during their voyage to Europe, beginning the Trent Affair.
James M. Mason served as the Confederate Foreign Minister to Great Britain and France, also a United States Senator from Virginia.
Jefferson Davis
President of the Confederate States of America,
To
Her Majesty Victoria
Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
etc., etc ., etc ., etc.
Great and Good Friend:
Animated by a sincere desire to cultivate the friendly relations so happily subsisting between the Confederate States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, I have selected the Honorable James M. Mason, one of our most intelligent, discreet, esteemed and worthy citizens, to represent the Government of the Confederate States as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary near the Government of Your Majesty. He is well acquainted with the wishes and interests of the Government of the Confederate States, and Your Majesty will be pleased to receive with full faith and credence whatever representations he may make on its behalf.
May God preserve your Majesty in His Safe and holy keeping.
Your good friend,
Jefferson Davis
Richmond,
September 23, 1861.
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