Civil War-dated LS signed “S. P. Chase,” one page, 8 x 10, January 8, 1862. Letter to Charles Almy, the Port Collector of Fall River, Massachusetts, in full: "I have received your letter of the 27th ulto. inquiring if clearances shall be granted to vessels for Port Royal and adjacent places in possession of the U.S. forces. In each case, special application must be made directly to the War or Navy Department, and on the certificate of the Secretary of either being made to this Department that the article which it is proposed to ship are necessary for supplying the U.S. forces at certain points, accompanied with a request that permission be given for their transportation thither a clearance will be granted, under proper restrictions.” In fine condition, with tiny binding holes along the left edge.
Charles Almy (1819-1886) was born in Rhode Island and began teaching school at age 17. He later opened a country store but soon moved to Boston, where he became an auction and commission merchant. He participated in the business of whaling in New Bedford, Massachusetts, until the Civil War. He served as Collector of Customs at Fall River, Massachusetts, from 1861 to 1865. He joined the insurance business in 1864 and continued in that work until his death. Originally a Democrat, he became a Free Soiler in 1848 and then a Republican. In 1880, 1881, and 1882, he was the Prohibition Party candidate for governor.
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