From the Richmond Dispatch, 10/7/1862, p. 2, c. 2

Murder of a Soldier.—About 12 o'clock yesterday two members of Capt. Whitingham's artillery battery, encamped in the vicinity of the Central Fair Grounds, named Patrick Fagan and James Morrissey, while slightly under the influence of liquor, began a dispute, which ended in Fagan, who is a strong and hearty man, striking Morrissey, who was a feeble old man, a violent blow on the side of the neck with his fist. Morrissey instantly fell dead. This astounding result of a single blow with the fist seemed to overcome Fagan with horror, who stood in stupefied amazement until taken into custody by some of his comrades, who conveyed him to Castle Thunder, where he is now a prisoner.

Go to top