, 1863-05-12
LIFE IN RICHMOND.
Of the Recent Bread Riot.

A lady Of foreign birth, who has resided in
Richmond for several years, has just arrived
in Washington. Her statements, which the
Republican, pronounce5 perfectly Trustworthy
are very interesting. She says there is de-
cided Union sentiment in the rebel capital,
and this sentiment is spreading in spite Of the
pressure directed against it. Outward DEM
onstrations are prevented, but there is large
community who know each other, and whose
feeling for the Union cannot be crushed out
Provisions are so eca1ce in Virginia, accor:
ding to her statements, that the enemy will
sustain themselves. She predicts thatas soon
as the roads are in good condition, rebel raids
will be the order Of the day. The bread riot
in Richmond was . more serious affair than
we have been led to suppose by any accounts
that have hitherto reached Us. Several hun
character, assembled, and, after arning them.
selves with hatchets, divided themselves into
three parties, and marched through the three
principal streets, which run parallel through
the city. While on their way they halted At
fhe principal stores and seized whatever pro-
visions aud groceries they could find Teams
passing through the streets were impressed,
and the articles were sent, as Etst as captured,
under the care Of persons detailed for that
duty, to the quarters inhabited by the poor
| people and distributed. After passing through
! these streets the whole body concentrated IN
| and traders, and proceeded to open the retail
| establishments and help themselves. The
| p}underIng had by this time become rather
promiscuous, and various high tnnctionarics
were 1ainly endeayoring to anell the riot.
Gen. Ninder 1nterposed without effect.
Governor Letcher attempted to harangue the
| crowd, but they would not listen. Finally,
| JET. Davis himself came to the rescue in q
barouehc, but even the conspirator-1n.chief
| could make no impression for some time.
| He made several attempts to speak, but
his voice WAS drowned in the cries Of the excl
| ted mob.
At length the police succeeded in arrestins
a fen Of the ringleade1s and locking them up
in the central guard house, after which silence
was so Tar restored that JEFF. Davis was able
to make himself heard. BE promised them
relief, and the Confederate Treasurer appear
ing at the same time, distributing Coufeder
ate scrip to rioters, the excitement abated and
the crowd dispersed.
They reassembled subsequently, however,
in front of the guard house, and demanded the
release Of those who had been arrested aud
who were to be tried for rioting. Gen. Win
der military governor sent secret orders fol
their release, alleging that the Virginia troop;
| would lay down their arms II the excitement
among their families at home WAS not allayed
Since that time the government has lss9ee
| to the poor of the city. small rations, bat thi
cannot last long, for the army is On short n
tioue. and the government supplies are falling
It should have been stated that the women
| before commencing their raid, reported to tn
Governor's mansion and asked for food. H
replied that 1t was out Of his power to aifor
them any reliet, as the government demande
all the provisions 1t Was possible to get for th
army.
There arc deep mutterings among tho pee
, | pfe already, aud sYmptomS Of UucpQtsQllahl