City Jail
Information on the City Jail in Richmond, VA during the Civil War.

Written Accounts

1863-05-09, Richmond Sentinel; more riot cases - Thomas Palmer discharged
1863-05-12, Richmond Dispatch; 17 new prisoners at Libby. Harrison Co. hostage at Castle Thunder for guiding Federals. Also a spy & a man helping deserters escape – all named
1863-05-19, Richmond Dispatch; Excellent details on 2 escape attempts at Castle Thunder & one at City Jail
1863-05-19, Richmond Dispatch; Patrick Devlin, soldier, in trouble for fight on 17th street
1863-07-08, Richmond Dispatch; woman arrested trying to force her way into Libby Prison.
1863-11-26, Richmond Dispatch; paroled Yankee prisoner stabbed and killed at Ann Thomas’ house on Cary Street
1864-02-02, Richmond Dispatch; Forde is convicted of second-degree murder, and sentenced to the penitentiary for 18 years. Taken to the city jail to await transfer to the penitentiary
1864-02-02, Richmond Dispatch; Forde is convicted of second-degree murder, and sentenced to the penitentiary for 18 years. Taken to the city jail to await transfer to the penitentiary.
1864-02-02, Richmond Examiner; Robert S. Forde found guilty of the murder of Robert Dixon after a seven-day trial – detailed account of the scene in the court room
1864-02-23, Richmond Whig; another jailbreak from the prison opposite Castle Thunder - 22 escape, 16 recaptured. Says several hundred deserters are held there, and gives a great physical description

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