From the Richmond Dispatch, 9/5/1864, p.3, c. 2 and 3
Mayor’s Court, Saturday – Recorder Caskie presiding. – James Willis and John Miller were charged with being deserters and obtaining by false pretenses a box of vegetables belonging to one of the Confederate hospitals. The evidence was insufficient to convict them either of willful desertion or an intention to steal, and the Recorder therefore dismissed the charges, and turned them over to the Provost-Marshall to be forwarded to their commands. Another straggling soldier, named James Toombs, was also remanded to the custody of the military authorities for the same treatment.
Richard Hodges, a free negro, and Ann, slave to some person unknown, were charged with stealing sixty-four dishes, four dozen forks, three dozen tablespoons and twenty-four tin plates, the property of the Stuart Hospital. The evidence sustained the accusation of theft against Dick, and he was ordered thirty-nine lashes; but Ann was discharged, she having been the recipient of some of the articles, unconscious that they had been dishonestly obtained.
The continued case of William S. Isaacs, member of the Fourth Texas cavalry, charged with stealing a horse belonging to Lieutenant William H. Parker, of the Confederate States navy, was again taken up. For the defense no evidence was given. The Commonwealth’s testimony was the same as that given on a former occasion, and which has already been published. Lieutenant Parker rode his horse to Rocketts, tied him and went off to attend to some business. When he returned his horse was gone, and he subsequently learned that the accused rode him away. A witness, in whose possession the horse was afterwards found, proved that he traded with Isaacs for him. The Recorder sent him on before the Hustings Court for examination.
Joseph, a negro in the employ of the Confederate States Government, arrested with an improper pass, and having in his possession a large revolving pistol and a burglar’s augur, was ordered to receive thirty-nine lashes.