April 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
It will be recollected by our readers that, some months ago, when Charleston was threatened and a long siege anticipated, the City Council appointed a Subsistence Committee for the purpose of purchasing a stock of rice and corn for the use of the citizens generally should a protracted siege ever take place. The Committee did purchase a large quantity of these necessaries, which are now stored, subject to their order. At a meeting of Council last evening it was resolved that the Subsistence Committee report at the next regular meeting the quantity of rice and corn on hand, with the view of offering them to the citizens in small quantities at cost prices. The resolution was objected to by one of the Aldermen, on the ground that the policy proposed would interfere with the business of merchants engaged in the provision trade, but this objection was responded to eloquently by several other members, and, after a debate of some length, the resolution was carried by a very large majority. This action of Council will have a tendency to further reduce the prices of provisions.