Civil War–date letter referencing blockade running, two pages, 8" x 10" when open, Middle Haddam, Connecticut, April 7, 1863. Written by S. P. Hove to Mr. Woods, the letter discusses ongoing correspondence with Hove in Savannah and the precarious means of communication through blockade runners operating via Nassau, Bahamas. Hove notes that he has “done a fine business since his return to Savannah,” but regretted having to leave, and suggests his correspondent could meet him by “going to Nassau as vessels were going back and forth every week.” He also reports awaiting Hove’s arrival “by the next steamer from Nassau,” and concludes with the hopeful note, “We must hope for the best in these trying times.”
An evocative Civil War letter illustrating the perilous lifeline maintained by the Confederacy through blockade runners and the critical role of Nassau as a communications and trade hub. Light toning and folds, otherwise fine condition.
Transcription (full):
Middle Haddam (Conn), April 7th, 1863
Mr. Woods,
Your letter under date of April 7th has just been received. I am much surprised to learn that you have received but one letter from me. I wrote you immediately after hearing from Mr. Hove the first time after his arrival in Savannah. The first three letters he wrote I did not receive but the fourth came safely through and was dated July 8th. Since then I have heard from him as often as twice a month until within two months. The last I received was dated Jan 18th. He was then in Florida and thought some of coming home if he could get to Nassau. There was a vessel loading for that port but he thought it would be some weeks before it could be ready for sea.
He writes that he has done a fine business since his return to Savannah and in some of his letters he mentioned you and regretted that he was obliged to leave you, but thought you could get there by going to Nassau as vessels were going back and forth every week.
I shall expect Mr. Hove by the next steamer from Nassau. If he comes you will probably see him before I do. If he does not arrive, I shall feel sure that the vessel has not been able to put out. We must hope for the best in these trying times.
Respectfully Yours,
S. P. Hove
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