Arago: Blockade-Run Covers

This envelope is addressed to their father and is docketed “#84” and dated November 26, 1864. 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.