April 24, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The information we have through letters and persons of observation, from Abbeville, Edgefield, and Barnwell Districts, give very encouraging prospects for the growing wheat, and the stand of much corn is good for the season. A letter from Abbeville District, dated the 21st instant, says: ‘I trust there will be 75,000 to 100,000 bushels wheat for sale from this District. In Edgefield it is equally promising.’ We hope the holders of corn and flour in the country will not allow the weevil to feast, when our soldiers and their families are needing the staff of life. So far as the extortioners and speculators may be hurt by the abundant prospect of the grain, ere long to ripen, they may have sour and bitter bread for their daily rations.