The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-01-23
ORR PETERSBURG LETTER.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch
Markets-Remarks and Quotations.
PETERSBURG, January %, Is

fETERSBURGJ JdHuulJ ~, 4ooo'
The fine weather for the last two days
has given some impetus to business,
which, indeed, had undergone some I'M
movement during last week. Among our
chief staples, cotton is beginning to come
in more freely again, but the receipts still
fall considerably short of what they were
before Christmas. This is to be account
ed for, in part at least, by the bad condi-
ton of the roads throughout the country,
rendering it extremely difficult to haul the
cotton from the plantations to the railroad
dep5ts. :.
Another reason, though less operative, is
that in consequence Of the depression in
the market for several weeks past, such
planters as can afford to hold on to their
crops, prefer to wait for the chance of bet
ter prices. This class may not, and in
deedsdoes not, embrace large number
relatively; but probably they have in their
possession, in all the cotton region trading
with Petersburg, several thousand bales IN
the aggregate.
In the uncertainty which rests on the
future, it may be worth while to inquire
on what basis the hopes of the planters
are founded justifying the expectation OF
an advance in cotton. In the case OF no
other staple are the statistics so carefully
collected as in regard to this. Estimates
of the crop of 1867 have already deter
mined it's extent with good degree of &C
curacy. Manufactures in England are at
the same time said to be experiencing q
revival, insomuch that the consumption OF
their factories is reported to have reached,
for several weeks past, as much as from
10000 to $4,000 bales weekly. Such are
the advices that have been received from
well-informed sources. The prospect OF
rise. therefore, is very hattering.
1t is thought by intelligent merchants
here that during the spring it may possibly
reach cents. Nobody seems to LOOK
for more, and perhaps it is only the more
sanpuine who expect as much as that. How.
ever this may be, it is generally agreed thai
the price will materially improve by the
planting season. And planters seem dis
posed to wait till that time before they
come to any conclusion about pitching their
crops. They feel the necessity Of going tt
work more cautiously than they did year
ago: for, while cotton is the great money
crop of the South, and planters are, from
the force of habit, obliged to cultivate more
or less, they will hardly stake their all
upon it, as they did last year.
The receipts of tobacco continue very
light, averaging but little more than fifty
hogsheads per week. Nearly all the loose
within convenient transportation OF the
city has doubtless been brought in, and it
is too soon yet for that in hogsheads to
come forward. It is now thought the crop
will be light one, and that the estimate
of 10000 hogsheads will hardly be real
lied. Very little is offered for sale, and
the breaks at the warehouses are almost
discontinued for the present.
The grain and -four market is quiet, with
little or no change in prices.
The following quotations are believed to
be as nearly accurate as can be obtained ::
Cotton.-For several days the market
has been very active. Yesterday good
lots sold for l6c., but towards the close Of
the day the market was easier and to-day
the same grades would not command more
than 1870. There has, however, been q
steady but gradual advance since the be-
ginning of the month, and though there
has been some fuctuation from time to
time, an advance of &c. has been pretty
we'll sustained.
Tobacco.-The offerings quite small.
Loose Tugs may be quoted at $3.50 to 1915,
and leaf at IS to SIG.
Whect.-Very little coming in. Fair to
choice white, s24O to $3.50 red, 50 to
1928.
Four.-Superfne, sl2 to $3.50; extra,
slS to $l4; family, Sl5 to SIG. Market
steady.
Bacon.-With good supply prices have
somewhat declined. Virginia hog round,
l6 TO l7c.; hams and sides, Is to 22c.
western shoulders, IS to 1876; sides, IA
to 16c.
Corn.-Stock light, and worth from 81 .05
to Sl.l0. S.