From the Richmond Dispatch, 3/19/1863, p. 1, c. 5

Sundries. – A somewhat singular occurrence took place yesterday on the Yankee flag of truce boat at City Point. One of the paroled Confederate prisoners, named Jno. McCutchin, a Missourian, who had been in prison for over a year, expressed his joy at once more putting his foot on Southern soil. This was overheard by one of the guard, who abused and cursed McCutchin at a great rate, and ended the scene by spitting in his face. McCutchin thereupon drew a knife and thrust it into the body of the guard repeatedly, the last cut taking effect in the mouth, and making a cut across the face past the ear. While an alarm was being raised, McCutchin ran off the boat and took to the woods, where he was apprehended by our pickets. The Yankee Captain demanded his surrender, but Mr. Ould, Commissioner for the Exchange of Prisoners, sent McCutchin to Richmond, to the military prison, for safe-keeping.

The following were sent to Castle Thunder yesterday: Marcus Bahn, comp’y K, 18th Louisiana, for persuading men to desert to the enemy; two deserters from the Abolition army, and John Fitzpatrick, of company A, 10th Virginia cavalry, condemned to wear a ball and chain for six months for desertion.

Three hundred and eighteen Yankees, civilians and soldiers, were sent off yesterday morning from this city via flag of truce to City Point.

[remainder of article, detailing a boiler explosion in Louisa county, was not transcribed – MDG]

 

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