July 2, 1863, Daily Citizen (Vicksburg, Mississippi)
If aught would appeal to the heart of stone of the extortioner with success, the present necessities of our citizens would do so. If is needless to attempt to disguise from the enemy or our own people that our wants are great, but still we can conscientiously assert our belief that there is plenty within our lines, by an exercise of prudence, to last until long after succor reaches us. We are satisfied there are numerous persons within our city who have breadstuffs secreted, and are doling it out, at the most exorbitant figures, to those who had not the foresight or means at their command to provide for the exigency now upon us. A rumor has reached us that parties in our city have been, and are now, selling flour at five dollars per pound! molasses at ten dollars per gallon, and corn at ten dollars per bushel! We have not as yet proved the fact upon the parties accused, but this allusion to the subject may induce some of our citizens to ascertain whether such prices have been paid, and to whom; and if so, let a brand not only be placed upon their brow, but let it be seared into their very brain, that humanity may spurn and […..] as they would the portals of hell itself.