From the Richmond Dispatch, 8/1/1864, p.1, c 5

The Markets. – Saturday morning ushered in the advent of Col. D. T. Ingram’s plan for supplying the citizens of Richmond with beef at reduced prices. Protection from impressment has been granted him by the Secretary of War, and he apprehends no difficulty for some time to come in obtaining any number of fine cattle which may be needed to supply the demand. The stalls in the Second Market formerly occupied by John P. Sledd and G. Alberger, tendered Col. I by vote of the City Council, were well supplied with a good article of beef, which as dispensed to purchasers at prices ranging from $2 to $3.50 per pound, according to quality. The advantages which are likely to accrue from the action of the city and Confederate authorities in permitting the Colonel to operate as he does, are by no means slight, for it has already developed an increased spirit of enterprise among the butchers, and a disposition to sell at more reasonable prices. At any of their stalls the different varieties of fresh meat could be had on Saturday for from $3 to $4 per pound, which the display in quantity and quality afforded a favorable contrast to the limited supply which had been exhibited for the past five or six months. Let the good work go on, and we will soon find that much of the distress among the poor of our city who have been unable to purchase at the high prices which have prevailed, will disappear, and cheerfulness and comfort will take the place of gloominess and want.

In the vegetable market there was an unusually good supply, and prices were still on the decline. Fine tomatoes and *** were sold at from $1.50 to *** per dozen; cabbages (headed) at $1 to *** per head’ Irish potatoes $2.50 to $3 per quart; beets and onions at 50 cents to $1 per bunch; cornfield peas (this season) $3 to $4 per quart, and other vegetables at corresponding figures. There was also a large supply or whortleberries, blackberries, apples, &c., which were held at figures placing it within the range of the poor man’s purse to purchase, and judging from the quantity sold, very few of those who visited the markets failed to lay in a supply. Besides the articles above enumerated, there was a plenty of great country butter, and instead of its selling at $10 and $12 as heretofore, the highest price asked for it was $9, while a very fine article was sold at $8.

It is encouraging to witness these healthy evidence of returning reasons and liberality on the part of parties who produce for public consumption, and we doubt not that further reduction would still yield them handsome profits and ensure easier consciences.

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