Incoming blockade-run cover bearing CSA 12, 10¢ dark blue bottom sheet margin with large to huge margins, tied by CHARLESTON S.C. AUG 3 186- circular datestamp on cover most likely originating in England, addressed to A. A. Bell Esq., Liberty Va. with ship-name endorsement "per Genl. Whiting" with matching "Triplicate" at lower left, accompanied by photocopy of letter to the mayor of Charleston from Major General Samuel Jones expressing concern about yellow fever that might have been carried on the General Whiting on this trip. Extremely Fine, RARE BLOCKADE-RUN COVER WITH SHIP'S NAME AND CONFEDERATE STAMP FOR INTERNAL POSTAGE. Special Routes census no. BI-Ch-60. Ex Karras. $2,500.
The blockade-runner General Whiting carried this cover from Nassau, arriving in Charleston August 3, 1864. An earlier and nearly identical cover from the Walske collection sold in Siegel sale 988, lot 325 for $4,000 plus buyer premium. That cover was carried on the Lucy from Nassau to Wilmington N.C. and handled by a forwarder. This cover was almost certainly handled the same way.