May 4, 1863 – Rules In Regard To Letters To Go Beyond The Lines

In order to secure the transmission of letters across the lines, the following rules, established by an order of General Dix, must be complied with:

1. No letters must exceed one page of a letter sheet, or relate to any other than purely domestic matters.
2. Every letter must be signed with the writer’s name in full.
3. All letters must be sent with five cents postage enclosed, if to go to Richmond, and ten cents if beyond.
4. All letters must be enclosed to the Commanding General of the Department of Virginia, to Fortress Monroe. No letter sent to any other address will forwarded.

All letters sent to Fortress Monroe without a strict compliance with these rules, except for prisoners of war, will be transmitted to the dead Letter Office.

Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria, VA