The Daily Dispatch: January 13, 1864., [Electronic resource]

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Scarcity of Market supplies.

--We have never known the markets of Richmond to be so destitute of good fresh meats and vegetables as they have been for the past week or two. In the Second Market yesterday indifferent fresh beef was retailing at from $2 to $2.25. while lamb, shoat, &c. went at much higher figures. Out of between thirty two or thirty-three stalls, twenty-one were entirely closed, and it is uncertain how much longer any of them will be able to offer anything for sale. Now, while there is doubtless some difficulty in the way of procuring supplies of fresh meats for market, yet we do not consider that the scarcity can in any degree warrant the very exorbitant prices which are asked for what is on sale. In times like these deserter should be satisfied with reasonable profits for the necessaries of life, and should not take advantage of their monopoly to oppress those who have to buy on moderate incomes.

Vegetables are very little better either in quality or quantity; neither do the venders show any more liberal spirit in what is asked for them. Sweet potatoes are not worth $7 a peck, and while they can be done without we recommend to housekeepers not to purchase them at that price. A short abstinence from yielding to these heavy charges will compel the holders to lower their demands. Try it.