This legal size document with the heading, “Circular, No. 2” at the top was issued by the U.S. Flag Ship Niagara on November 25th, 1861.  The Circular reads as follows:

Description of Steamer Fingal

Believed to have sailed from Greenock (U.K.)

October 8th loaded with arms and ammunition

for the Confederate Government

A fast screw steamer, long black hall,

no ports, 2 masted, however masts height Seraped:

main masthead and main topmast black.

One black funnel amidships, an oak

colored lookout house on the bridge

immediately forward of the funnel.  Figure

head, a bear headed man, two-thirds life size

(like a Druid) painted white, gilt work on

head rails and named Fingal in gilt letters,

ditto on Stern, net work painted white round

quarter deck rail.  Outside beading of gun wales

brass covered.  She carries on davits 4 black

boats, also having brass or gilt beadings.

Tonnage about 400 tons.  She is square rigged forward.

A bright lookout must be kept for the Fingal.

The Department will be much chagrined should she

be permitted to enter a Confederate Port. 

U. S. Flag Ship “Niagara”

November 25th, 1861

Written along the side in a different hand – by the recipient of this Circular is the following:

“The same day I recd. this Dec. 4th recd. also a New Orleans

paper of the 20th of Nov. by the Connecticut containing a

notice of the arrival of this Steamer at Savannah on the 19th –

having met with none of the Blockading Squad. 

                                                                                              D. N. E.

Also written lengthways is the note:

“Capt. E. C. Andersen arrived 2-12 s.  32-24   21 days passage.”

For the collector of Blockade running documents, this piece provides a goldmine of information and is truly fascinating!  The Captain E. C. Andersen that is referred to was Major Edward Clifford Andersen, who along with Caleb Huse played an important role in the formation of early supply contracts between England and the Confederate states.  In the excellent book, Entrepot: Government Imports into the Confederate States, by C. L, Webster III, the Fingal is mentioned on 9 pages!  It was a very significant Blockade runner!  Frame this great descriptive Circular up with a picture of a blockade runner and it will make a wonderful display!

#A90 - Price $425

Top half of Circular: