April 3rd 1863

Yesterday a crowd of women assembled on the public square and marching thence down Main sacked several shoe, grocery and other stores. Their pretence was bread; but their motive was really license. Few of them have really felt want. The president went down amongst them and said a few words to them telling them that the course they were pursuing was the one most likely to bring scarcity of food on the city. They soon seperated and some food was distributed. It was a real women's riot, but as yet there is really little cause for one- there is scarcity, but little want.

Josiah Gorgas Richmond, Virginia