Confederacy, 1861 (May 21) Charleston S.C. to Longport, England, cover with original letter endorsed "To introduce, Thomas M. Horsey Esq.", this Charleston merchant hand-carried most likely on Bremen Bark Gause departing Charleston May 24th to Amsterdam, likely not stopped because she was flying a foreign flag and left within the 15-day grace period for foreign ships to clear blockaded ports, Very Fine, a scarce use during the "Paper Blockade" period. Estimate  $400 - 600. A week after Fort Sumter was fired upon President Lincoln proclaimed a blockade of southern ports. This was a "Paper Blockade" as the U.S. Navy had few assets to enforce it. The first U.S. ship did not arrive off Charleston until May 11th, and it could not cover the four harbor entrances. However, over time their numbers increased and passage became more difficult. Another letter datelined May 21st 1861 to Holland was also carried by Thomas M. Horsey. $0 (Image)