From the Richmond Sentinel, 4/10/1863, p. 1, c. 2
Sale of the St. Charles. – The St. Charles Hotel, of this city, a well known public house, occupying the site of the old Bell Tavern, was sold at auction yesterday by Messrs. Goddin and Apperson. The sale attracted a pretty large crowd, and the bidding was quite spirited. It was finally purchased by Mr. John H. Williams, of the firm of Harvey, Armistead & Williams, for the sum of $79,600. The building has been occupied as a Government Hospital, since the battles around Richmond, but may soon be put in good order and condition, should any man of enterprise desire to "keep a hotel." The result of this sale is regarded as relatively better than that of the Exchange, which sold some months ago for something over $100,000.