Subject: Blockade Running

A lengthy anti-Semitic article published in *The World* (New York City) on March 18, 1864. The article focuses on the perceived role of Jews in the Confederacy during the American Civil War, accusing them of engaging in blockade-running, contraband trade, evading conscription and taxes, and placing excessive trust in Judah P. Benjamin. The article occupies two full columns of the newspaper.

One-page autograph letter signed "J.M. Seixas" dated November 21, 1861, addressed to General Daniel Ruggles. The letter discusses the writer's inability to deliver an enclosed letter from General Gladden in person and mentions the St. Charles Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. J.M. Seixas, a Charleston Jew, was sent to Wilmington, N.C. by the Confederate War Department to find blockade runners to keep the Southern supply line moving. He was later appointed a War Department Agent at Wilmington, North Carolina.

A check dated July 5, 1864, from Augusta, Georgia, drawn on the Union Bank. It orders the cashier to pay L. Z. Stirnheimer the sum of thirty-five thousand one hundred and seventy-five dollars ($35,175). The check is signed by L. Cohn and includes a note stating the amount is “to be debited to Mr. Stirnheimer, on presentation of a draft.” The document features elegant handwritten script, characteristic of the mid-19th century. 3.

A letter dated July 6, 1852, from John Wagner to Mordecai & Co. in Charleston, South Carolina. The letter, which is a broadside with a cover from the M.C. Mordecai Co., discusses coal for their steamship Isabel bound for Cuba. The broadside also lists the signatures of agents of Mordecai & Co., including Moses Cohen Mordecai, J.R. Mordecai, Isaac Eger Hertz, and J.A. Enslow.

A letter written under "Flag of Truce" from Richmond, Virginia to New York City, postmarked "Old Point Comfort," circa September 1, 1863. Ruby Hutzler writes to her brother, Moses, sharing family news, hopes for peace, and details about the blockade. The letter mentions Major Joe Stern, and family members Charley and Uncle Moses.

Newspaper clipping from the *Richmond Whig*, March 24, 1864, featuring a letter from S. M. Isaacs to General Butler protesting the arrest of five Jews accused of running the blockade during the American Civil War. Reprinted from the *Jewish Messenger* published in New York City. The clipping notes that Isaacs was the son of Rabbi Isaacs, founder of the BDAI.

Bound volume of *The New York Mirror*, 1833-34, containing a manuscript journal written by J. Solis-Cohen, Acting Assistant Surgeon, during the Union blockade of Savannah, Georgia, following the Battle of Port Royal (November 7, 1861). The journal includes details of prize vessels captured by the USS Florida, lists of officers, medical recipes, and sketches. The journal entries detail life aboard the USS Florida during the blockade. The book shows signs of wear consistent with its use during wartime, including some leather loss on the spine, loose leaves, and foxing. Measures 14.5" x 11".

A handwritten manuscript sight draft issued by L. Cohen, instructing payment of $193,487.05 to Octavus Cohen. The payment is for cargo received by J. H. Taylor, likely acquired through blockade-running activities during the Civil War in Wilmington, NC. The draft is dated November 12, 1863. The verso of the document contains an endorsement by Octavus Cohen to the order of David Gabrel. The item features ornate cursive script throughout.

This trade card advertises Joseph Cohen & Son as "Sensali Marittimi" (maritime brokers/agents) with offices in Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, GA. The card indicates the business was "Casa Stabilita dal 1844" (Established since 1844). It features a colored depiction of the Kingdom of Italy flag, along with ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business name and locations. The card also notes a telegraphic address "'COHENSON'" and identifies Capt. ANT. CASTELLANO as the Director of the Italian and Austrian Department.