From the Richmond Dispatch, 2/2/1863, p. 1, c. 6

Brutal Attempt to Murder. – A most brutal attempt to murder Mr. A F? Pitts, the manager on the plantation of Messrs P H & W R Aylett, in the county of King William, was made on Friday night last, by a negro named Richard. Mr. Pitts left his house for a few moments to reprimand the negro in question for not obeying his order, and as he did not return as soon as he was expected, Mrs Pitts left the house to look for him. She found her husband lying senseless in the yard with his head horribly mangled, and the unfortunate gentleman unable to speak. Physicians were at once sent for, and although every care has been bestowed upon him, but little hope is entertained of his recovery. Mr Pitts was the manager at “Malvern Hill” when the great battle was fought at that place. A reward is advertised in this paper for the arrest of the assassin.

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