Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1864-10-21
From the Philadelphia Ledger and Transcripts Sep
temler 2Sth

From the Philadelphia Ledger and Transcript, Sep
temler 2Sth.
A Refugee from acknowledgement
ants Advised TO Leave the CHy-Dcstitu-
tion of the People.
On Monday evening, we had an interview
with a lady who had just left Richmond, and
who was able to communicate the latest nfor-
nation from the rebel capital. The lady has
resided in Richmond for number Of years, and
her circle of friends and acquantances gave her
facilities for knowing what was transpirng in
and around the city. About a year ago her
husband came North, and she remained behind
until the present time, when she rejoins him in
Philadelphia. She started from Richmond with
$4,000 in rebel money and the fare and hotel
charges for sell and child left her with but S.
of the same money when she reached here The
day before she left Richmond rumors had
reached there of Early's defeat at Winchester
but it was not believed. Still The people were
much depressed at the gloomy prospects for the
winter, an this depression was increased 10y an
order from the authorities advising all females
and non ,combatants TO leave the city as soon
as possible. The people have no fear that
Richmond can be taken by assault They be-
lieve it to be well defended by earthworks and
men, and their present view of the situation is,
that Grant dare not attack Lee and Lee dare
not attack Grant But they are apprehensve
lest Grants army shall he reinforced sufficient
ly TO enable him to take possession of the re-
naming railroads, and thus reluce the city TO
the condition of a siege. and to starvc them in
to a surrender Ii is freely admitted by all that
the loss of Richmond is the end of the rebell-
ion, but they are determined to hold out to the
last, and only fear Grants starving process
Lees army is believed to be large enough for
the defense of the city against assault, but they
also recognize the fact that the more men they
have when Grant surrounds the city, only in
sures his success in the effort to starve them
into a surrender. Hence the hesitation in
bringing reinforcements from the Southwest,
and the order to all non n.combatants to leave
the city at once. The city is one vast military
camp. Every male between the ages of ~ and
20 is in uniform. These Young and old men
are enrolled in the militia, and must hold them
selves in readiness to answer the summons to
arms. They are compelled to attend drills at
stated periods, and nothing is discussed but The
prospect of being called into active service.
The condition Of the finances in the Conied-
eracy may be judged from the fact that the lady
when she reached Philadel phia, wore the dress
which any servant here would have thrown
aside with disdain, and yet ii cost her Sl75 A
pair of shoes. of poor material cost her : %,
and pair for her child cost her Sl05. Wages
do not bear any comparison with these exorbi-
tant prices. Few mechanics receive more than
! So per day. This is not sufficient to supply
their actual wants. The rebel government is
endeavoring to remedy this by a system of sup
plies to the people. When beef is selling in
the markets for 81 so pound, the government
will issue it TO those who make application for
81 pound. In this way the people have been
kept quiet, as they are told that the government
| is doing all in its power to assist them. The