The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-05-20
LIFE RGCssaf0ND.
PARTICULARS OF THE RECENT BREAD RIOT.

4 lady of foreign birth, who has resid
ed in Richmond for several years, has
just arrived ia Washiugt,n Her state
ments, which the Republican proDouuce>
perfectly trustworthy, are very interest,
ing She says there is a decided Union
sentiment in the rebel capitol, and this
sentiment is spreading IN spite OF the
pressure directed against it, Outward
demonstrations are prevented. but there
is large community who know each 9th
er, and whose feelings for the union can
not be crushed out.
Provisions are so scarce IN Virginia,
according to her statements, thai the eu-
emy will be compelled to capture some
of our stores to sustain themselves. She
predicts that as soon as the roads are in
good condition rebel raids will be the or
der of the day. The bread riot of Rich
m0nd was more serious affair than we
have been led to suppose by any accounts
that have hitherto reached US. Several
hundred females, led by woman OF Ge-
termined character, assembled, and after
arming themselves with hatchets, divided
themselves into three parties and marched
through the three principal streets, which
ru0 parallel through the city While on
their waV they halted at the principal
stores and seized Whatever provisions aud
groceries they could fnd Teaus passing
through the streets were impressed, aud
the articles were sent, as fast as captured,
under the care of persons detailed for
that duty, to the quarters inhabited by
the poor people md distributed. After
passing through these streets the whole
body concentrated in quarter-occupied
chiefly by Jew spectators and traders,
and Poceeded to open The retail establish
ments and help themselves. The plum
derirg had By this time become rather
promiscuous, aud various gh function
aries were vainly epdeavoribg to queil
the riot.
Geueral Winder iDterposed without eff.
feet. Governor Letcher attempted 10
harrangue the crowd, but they would not
listen Finally jeff Davis himself came
to the rescue in bareuchs, but even the
consplratOr-in- -chiei could make no im-
preston for some time. He made several
attempts to speak, but his voice was
drowned in the cries of the excited mob
At length the police succeeded in ar
resting few of the ring leaders and lock
ing them up in the central guard house,
after which silence was so far restored
that Jeff. Davis was able to make hin-
self heard He promised them relief,
and the Confederate Treasurer appearing
at the same time, distributing Con-
federate scrip to rioters, the excitement
abated and the crowd dispersed.
They reassembIed subsequently, how
ever, in frent Of the guardhuuse, and de-
nqnded the release OF those who bad been
arrested ana were to be tried for riotng
General Winder, military governor: sent
secret orders for their release alleging
that the Virginia troeps would lay down
their arms if the excitement among their
families at home Was not allayed.
Since that time the government has is
sued to the poor of the city small rations,
and the government supplies are failing
even at that.
Ii should have besn stated that the
before com uencing their raid, re
ported to the Governors mansion and
asked for food lie replied that it was
out of bis power TO afford them any relief,
As the government demanded all the pro.
Visions it was possible to get for the
army.
There vas deep nutterings among the |
people already. and symptoms of uDeyD-
trVilaDle disaffection are plainly exhibited
A few are making immense fortunes out
Of the war, but the many suffer severe
prlvatlons, which they cannot endure
much longer. Some boldly declare. in
moments otexcitemeDt, that il is 10 vain !
10 contend longer with tne Yankees, for
they must be beaten at last During the
bread riot an individual noted for his &C.
,entricitles was in the crowd shouting
It's Of no use We misht as we'll give
1 up. We are whipped &c.
1t was noticed, at the time Of this
grand smute, that the most potent infu
suce in quel!ing the mob was the free dis
of money to the people, and 1t
was the general opinion that blood would
nave flowed freely if this remedy had not
been applied.
The great men of the earth are the