Arago: Blockade-Run Covers

This envelope, addressed to Hinck's father, and is docketed “#108” and dated January 10, 1865. It was most likely entrusted to Col. Hatch, C.S.A. Agent for Exchange, who gave it 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.