Arago: Blockade-Run Covers

This envelope, addressed to Hinck's father, is docketed “#115” and dated March 7, 1865. It was most likely entrusted to Col. Hatch, C.S.A. Agent for Exchange, and given to a blockade runner to be taken to Cuba. From there, it was placed aboard a regular steamer headed for occupied New Orleans. (However, it is also possible that Hatch handed the letter over to his federal counterpart at Hilton Head, who, as a favor, could have sent it on to Port Royal to be put aboard a New Orleans-bound supply ship.) Upon arrival in New Orleans, it was placed into the regular incoming U.S. mail and marked 'collect' ten cents as incoming ship mail.