April 8, 1863, The New York Herald
IMPORTANT NEWS.
Three Thousand Armed Women Attack the Government and Private Stores.
BALTIMORE, April 7, 1863.
Col. Stewart, of the Second Indiana regiment, one of the fourteen United States officers just released by the rebels, and who has just arrived here, makes the following statement: –
On Thursday last he saw from his prison window to Richmond a great bread riot, composed of about three thousand women, who were armed with clubs and guns and stones.
They broke open the government and private stores, and took bread, clothing and whatever else they wanted.
The militia were ordered out to check the riot, but failed to do so.
Jeff. Davis and other high officials made speeches to the infuriated women, and told them they should have whatever they needed.
They then became calm, and order was once more restored.
All the other released Union officers confirm this statement.