Running the blockade. During the American Civil War of 1861-5; the Northern blockade of the Southern ports offered profitable opportunities for many adventurous European sailors. As the blockade got more efficient it became a difficult and dangerous job to slip through it; but there was never any lack of adventurers willing to try. Finally a special type of blockade runner was evolved in which speed; lightness and seaworthiness were combined. At this time many ideas were tried; which were hailed as wonderful inventions when generally adopted many years later. Illustration for one of a set of 50 cigarette cards on the subject of Sea Adventure; issued by Hignett Brothers in 1939.