We were shocked when the gentlemen returned, to hear of the
riot which occurred in Richmond today. A mob, principally of women, appeared in
the streets, attacking the stores. Their object seemed to be to get any thing
they could; dry-goods, shoes, brooms, meat, glassware, jewelry, were caught up
by them. The military was called out—the Governor dispersed them from one part
of the town, telling them that unless they disappeared in five minutes, the
soldiers should fire among them. This he said, holding his watch in his hand.
Mr. Munford, the President of the Young Men's Christian Association, quieted
them on another street by inviting them to come to the rooms of the
Association, and their wants should be supplied; many followed him — I suppose
those who were really in want. Others there were, of the very worst class of
women, and a great many who were not in want at all, which they proved by only
supplying themselves with jewelry and other finery. The President was out
speaking to them, and trying to secure order. The Mayor made them a speech, and
seemed to influence them, but I dare say that the bayonets of the soldiers
produced the most decided effect. It is the first time that such a thing has
ever darkened the annals of Richmond. God grant it may be the last. I fear that
the poor suffer very much; meal was selling to-day at $16 per bushel. It has
been bought up by speculators. Oh that these hard-hearted creatures could be
made to suffer! Strange that men with human hearts can, in these dreadful
times, thus grind the poor.
SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 202-3
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