From the Richmond Dispatch, 12/3/1862, p. 1, c. 4

Worthy of Yankeedom. - We are informed by Capt. R. M. Booker, Assistant Provost Marshal, of the following piece of rascality perpetrated by four men on another, which as it has often had its counterpart, may deserve relating: The parties alluded to, named A. S. Hazzle, H Hurdle, and Jas. A. Minor, of North Carolina, and P J Corbin, residing near Danville, Va., persuaded a soft headed member of the 6th North Carolina, named James P. Hopkins, to desert and sell himself as a substitute in Captain Barksdale's company, connected with Wise's brigade. They gave him $300, part of the $1,500 they had obtained, and promised $500 more; making an appointment to meet him on Saturday night last at the Columbian tavern, to pay him the balance of the money. A part of the programme was for him to join his old regiment after be deserted from Captain Barksdale's company. On Saturday night Hopkins left Barksdale's men and made his way towards Richmond, according to appointment with the parties who had persuaded him to his disreputable course of conduct. On the outskirts of the city, however, he was met by three or four men who demanded his money, and falling to deliver it quick enough, was beaten within "an inch of his life" All the parties named in connection with the matter having, at one time or another, been inmates of the military station of the Western District, Capt. Booker was enabled to trace out the whole affair, so as to leave no reasonable doubt but that Hassle and his three comrades were the authors of the robbery, as well as the murderous assault upon Hopkins, to get the small sum they had given him. They were yesterday, including Hopkins, all in the military prison, corner of 6th and Cary streets, awaiting trial for their offences before the Court Martial now in session here. One of the party, James A. Minor, was arrested by the city police Monday evening on the charge of forgery, and was yesterday morning turned ever to Capt. Booker by Recorder Caskie, to be dealt with by military law The whole system of substituting in the army has been no less a cheat on the individual spending his money for one than the Government they swear to serve, and desert. Our notice gives only one of the many phases assumed by the substitute agents.

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