In this important letter, Mr. C. M. Furman, President of the Bank of South Carolina, informs the Governor of South Carolina about the arrangements that are being made between the states of Virginia and North Carolina.  Blockade-runner ships that are mentioned include the Alice, Petersburg and Hansa.  The letter is written on imported blue-gray stationary and is in fine condition.  Letters regarding the blockade are rare and this one laying down the Government regulations are of great historical significance! 

#CG76 – Price $795

                         Transcription:

           Wilmington      7 March 1864

The Secretary of War has taken the same position that he did on
occasion of the former voyage of the Alice.  The cotton marked for the
State of So. Ca. will go on Board, but the owners of the Boat will make
the arrangements with the Agent of the Navy Department that if a
contrary arrangement is not concluded at Richmond, the cotton will
be considered as on account of the Gov.  I think that I will be of no
advantage to us to lose the voyage and to occasion the Company to
lose it as it would materially interfere with arrangements with the
Company.  The Boat of the Virginia Company has never been interfered
with by either the Navy or War Departments.  The No. Ca. boats have
not been interfered with as yet but orders have been recd. to claim the
right to sell by the No. Ca. boats.  In these both the States I advice are
interested.  But in the Virginia Boat is only chartered by the State and
from information received here I have no doubt that she is now on joint
account between the States and the Stock holders.  I shall endeavor to
ascertain upon what precise footing this Boat Stands, and it will be
there for us to consider the propriety of taking the same position. 
That is all not fairly dealt with as respects the other States can be
made manifest I believe.  The three Boats, The Alice, The Hansa, & the
City of Petersburg are now here.  The Navy Depart. Claim on the two
former but so far as I can obtain authoritive information, no claim is
made on the latter, which is claimed by the State of Virginia under
charter party.  It may be attempted to be said in excuse that the Gov.
has not sufficient cotton here to load her but when I enquire whether
if one of the Bee boats shd. Come in and Gov. has no cotton if she can
be filled by other parties I am informed that the orders of the Gov. on
that ground & that resort much be had to impressments.  I shall
proceed this evening to Richmond to lay this whole matter before the
President.  As at present advised, I am not deposed to submit the
matter to the Secretary of War.  I have received a telegram from Maj.
Bayne to effect that henceforth the Gov. will claim one half of all
outgoing cargoes on private vessels.  This may breakup this trade,
unless the rate of freight are greatly increased.

                With respects,

        Your most obedient s.,

        C. M. Furman

His Excellency

                        Gov. Bonham

                                                Columbia

                       

The above letter should have been mailed from
Wilmington but this was accidently omitted.  I
have arrived in Richmond but have not yet seen
any of the authorities.  I understand that Maj.
Bayne’s authority to answer the letter he sent
me is disavowed.

                                                                           Yours,

                                                                                      C.M.F.