3rd Maryland Cavalry CMSR's reported him as writing a letter to the British Parliament and George Richards' issues commanded the attention of both Secretary of State Seward and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. The following is his letter to the British Parliament Lord Lyons. "Close Confinement, Fort McHenry, Maryland, January 1, 1864. My Lord, In the year 1859 I arrived in the Port of New York from Bristol. On my arrival there I sought employment as a miner, that being my occupation. I was employed by the Mecklenburg mining and exploring company and was sent to Mecklenburg, North Carolina to explore for copper and gold and was under their employ at the time of the breaking out of the Rebellion and continued under them till the year 1862 when their property was confiscated by the Confederate Government. I was thrown out of employment there and immediately made preparations to leave North Carolina for the United States but all communications being cut off with the United States I found it impossible to get through the lines. I then sought other employment and continued in it till the year 1863. In January 1863 a Confederate officer informed me I was conscripted into their service. I was immediately thrown in the 36 regiment, North Carolina troops. (Note: he was with the 26th Regiment, North Carolina Infantry) Not wishing to serve in their army I determined to desert at the first opportunity. Never having an opportunity of deserting till the battle of Gettysburg, while the battle was raging, I gave myself up to the United States forces and was immediately sent to Fort Delaware as a Confederate prisoner. On my arrival at Fort Delaware I informed the Camp officer that I was a British subject and claimed H.B.M's (Her British Majesty's) protection and wished to be released on those grounds. The commanding officer informed me that he would send me South again if I did not join their army. Not having any way to communicate with Y.L. (Your Lord) there, I was forced into their service and was thrown into the 3rd Maryland Cavalry and immediately sent to the city of Baltimore. On my arrival at this place I refused to do duty on the grounds of my being a British subject and claiming protection. I was immediately thrown into Fort McHenry to be tried by a court martial. Since my arrival in this country I have never taken the oath to support either of the Governments. I was born in Cornwall Parish of Illogan, my parents were born and raised there, and are still there at this present time. As a subject of England, I claim protection and appeal to you My Lord for protection. Hoping you will have justice done and that I may return to my native place or to some of H.B.M's (Her British Majesty's) providences, an early answer from Y.L. (Your Lord) will be thankfully received. I am My Lord your most obedient servant. (signed) George Richards."