June 13, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.
RICHMOND, Tuesday, June 9.
Perhaps it is all the better for the public sanity that no more telegrams come from Jackson. We are in the dark, too, in regard to LEE’S army. It is thought that EWELL, LONGSTREET and STUART have crossed the Rappahannock, probably in Culpeper, leaving A. P. HILL at Fredericksburg. On Friday evening, when the enemy crossed at Deep Run, we had only a brigade in that vicinity; but by one o’clock the first day 25,000 men and General Lee in person were in readiness to meet Fighting Joe. That the forward movement has not been frustrated by this demonstration of the enemy, may be inferred from the fact that a division left a point below Fredericksburg yesterday morning and took up its line of march in the direction of Gordonsville. A battery of long range guns and some infantry left here later in the day, but their destination was unknown.
Of course, there are a thousand speculations as to Lee designs. The publicity given to his movements would indicate either something very deep laid, or a determination to beat the enemy, after fair warning, wherever met. The secret, if there be one, is well kept. Remembering the issue of last year advance, we do not permit ourselves to be sanguine.
Prices have gone up and down. Gold from $5 to $7.50; wool hats, from $20 to $40 or $50; chickens, from $6 to $2, and butter the same. Meal is very scarce again. The taxes (State, Confederate and city) on whisky amount to $3 50 a gallon, and some dealers are closing up.
We have queer weather of late – cool mornings, warm noons, and every afternoon a cold storm, threatening rain, but ending in wind.
Col. Rhett, of THE MERCURY, is in the city.
HERMES.