The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-04-01
Reported for the Richmond Dis patch.

PETERSBURG, March 81 1859.
Business for some days has been very quiet,
not to say dull, which IS believed 10 be mafafby
owing 10 the near approach OF the close Of the
quarter, when merchants, according to usage,
are expected to square up their bank accounts.
1t must be admitted, nevertheless, that the
mum Der Of country merchants has been smaller
up 10 this time than we are accustomed 10 see
at this season. We can only account for their
non arrival from the fact that money is as
scarce in the country as it is in town. Should
the pressure be only temporary, we may hope
to see them here at an early day laying in
their supplies of spring goods, of which our
merchants have select though not heavy
stocks.
The cotton market has been very quiet du-
ring the past week, showing less f1uctuation
than usual for many days. Yesterday and
to day greater degree of firmness is percepti-
BILE, but with no actual advance in price.
Transactions are limited, most holders reserv-
ing their stocks under instructions, and the
competition among buyers being narrowed
down to single class-namely, the spinners.
From the best estimate of the cotton crop
we have been able to obtain the aggregate
will be about two and a third millions OF
bales; not quite as much as that of 1867, and
half a million above that Of 1866. The results
of three consecutive seasons would seem 10
show that the maximum product OF the coun-
try has been reached, and that the culture
cannot be further extended in the present
state OF affairs.
Neither has there been any change in to-
bacco during the last week. The offerings are
n
part of what is offered taken in on account of
unsatisfactory bids. a small proportion only,
however, is of the kinds most wanting by
manufacturers. Good dark tobacco, suitable
for black wrappers and twist, is much sought
after, and would bring good prices 1t is be-
lieyed that a great improvement in the mar
ket will take place as soon as the French and
continental agents begin to purchase. This is
expected TO be soon after the 18th of April, at
which date the contracts are 10 be awarded.
In view Of this fact, it behooVes plan tiers TO
be diligent in getting their crops in 4 mer-
| charitable condition in order TO have the full
| benefit Of the market.
Both flour and corn have kept up steadily
| at our quotations during the last week. The
latter has been very active.
Peanuts have shown tendency to decline,
with no prospect that the market will be as
active again for some time as it has been.
| Their place has been in q measure supplied In
| the northern markets by the recent large arri-
walls OF West India fruits Still the prices are,
in comparison, fully equal to those Of any
other agricultural product, if not better; and
| great preparations are making in all the lower
| counties for planting heavy crop.
We give the following list of quotations as
the result of our inquiries to-day
Cotton-Market quiet but firm at 81 to 27hc.,
running lots. Selections 27s. 10 2sc
Tobacco.-Market without change for week
| or more past. Lugs, common 10 fair, $40 10
| IS; good to fine, $3.50 to&5. 80. Leaf-common
to fair IS. so 10 81; good, 81 so to S. so; fine,
| IS. so 70 &I4. Good dark tobacco, suitable foI
| black wrappers and twist Is worth from 81
to al4 a strictly fancy wrapper would bring
| from $40 to $50, and is much wanted.
| Whsat.-No receipts.
Corn.-Active at soc.
Flour.-Fine, IS 90 70 81; superflne, ESQ tc
90; extra, $40. @; high grade Valley extra, 81
01ts.-eo to CSC, as 10 quality.
Rye-sI.s5 TO sI.4o.
Psanuts.-Market nearly bare, though tht
crop has not yet been delivered. We quote
| prime, nominal, $500; seed, 1925 TO $50.
Beans-Prime, 81. 90 10 81, IS.
Pea.-Black- eye, ST. 10 $50; stock, Fl.
Fnrseed. So. 90 to s2.25.
| Medl-sl.
Bacon has slightly declined; we quote sides,
IKE; shoulders. l6hc.; Southwestern Viz
/ GINA hog-roupd, Is 10 &c.,; Southampton
| 2oc. hams. &c.
Lqrd.-In barrels, zoe. /; kegs, q TO &c. Tir
ginia, 81 to &c.
Fish.-North Carolina trimmed herring
(oldI $40; gross, S.. 50 TO 81; Nor tn Carolin;
| roe, gu ; half barrels do , %. Eastern gross
| So 20; eastern trimmed. $3.50 TO 81. No.
| gibbed, o.; No. split, 90 rs to 81. No. mes
| shad, Sl2; No 2, 90 TO $3.50.
Butter.-Good country, SO 10 35c.; roll, SEC.
Potatoes.-s4 to $50. Sweet potato plant
/ tngs in demand At sl.75 per bushel.
| Dried Prut.-None in market.
Bssstc11.-3S TO 40c.
/ E92s.-2oc.
| FO.ols.-45c.
Couer Ssed.--Scarcs, SI.
| Gidss -(Sreen. loo. dry, 2lC, y.