From the Richmond Dispatch, 2/25/1863, p. 1, c. 5

The City Gas. – The very poor quality of the city gas has been remarked for some time past, and, in order that no blame should attach to those having charge of the works, it is proper that the reason therefor should be stated. The coal used in generating the light has generally proved, on trial, to be half slate and hard coal, with very little gas in it. The colliers have no place to stow coal, and the consequence is that that furnished the city has been very wet. More coal is carbonized now at the works than ever before, and yet less gas and coke is produced than at any time heretofore. Hardly enough coke can be obtained to keep the furnaces going.

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