As blockade running had become a very profitable private business by 1864, the Confederate government in Richmond made a rule that 1/3 of the cargo of each blockade runner ship contained equipment and supplies for the Confederate government.  This letter from the President of the Bank of the State of South Carolina is written to South Carolina Governor Bonham in Columbia asking him the current status of discussions with Richmond as to the loading of  “state” cotton and the required 1/3 “government” cotton. 

The letter is on brown Confederate paper, has some age related staining and minor edge roughness but is written in nice dark ink and a wonderful piece for display since it is one page.  A fine addition to the collector of blockade running or Confederate finance material!

#CG146 - Price $650




            Transcription:   
                                                                                                                                                          “Bank of the State of South Carolina
                                                                                                                                                                                   Charleston 20 Jany 1864
                        Dear Sir

            When last in Columbia I called at your office to communicate the purport of a
conversation I had with Mr. Bee the President of the Exporting & Importing Company. 
It was his opinion that it would be necessary to obtain from the Confederate Gov. a
renunciation of the claim they now make to put on board of each Boat one third of the
Cargo before such an arrangement as is contemplated on the part of the State, could be
entered into.  There was a meeting of the Company on the 15th Inst. and a resolution
was adopted giving full authority to the Board to act at their discretion.  Mr. Bee has
been sick for some days, so that I have had no communication with him since the meeting. 
It is however important to come to an understanding with the Company at an early day. 
Two cargoes have already gone forward within a short period in which it would have
been important to have had an interest.  I would be pleased to learn whether any
arrangement has yet been effected with the Gov. at Richmond.