From the Richmond Dispatch, 7/16/1864, p.1, c.6

Mayor's Court —The following cases were before the Major yesterday:

Joseph Gussen and H.L. Wigand were again called up for hearing—the former charged with stealing four thousand dollars' worth of furniture from Smith & Harwood, and the latter charged with receiving the same, knowing it to have been improperly obtained. No other testimony was adduced, but Mr. J. L. C. Dinus(?), counsel for Gussen, desired to make a statement with regard to hit client. He said that about a week before the furniture was taken from Smith & Harwood’s store, Gussen told him that by arrangement he had undertaken to conduct the cabinet making business for Messrs. Smith & Harwood, he (G) to receive a portion of the profits in consideration of his practical knowledge of the business, and his name to be placed over the door. Mr. Robert Werner(?) also a partner, and clerk in the store, had been in the habit of making sales and never accounting to him for his share of the profits. He had received no money for some time and was actually in want. Upon hearing these facts, Mr. Dinus(?) said that he had advised Gussen to close up the store and not to permit it to be opened till the business had been settled up. He also informed him that he would be perfectly justified in selling as much of the furniture as he thought was due him from the concern, and it was on account of this advice that G sold to Mr. Wigland the furniture which he is charged with stealing. The case was further continued till Monday, in order that the Mayor can ascertain to what extent the law mitigates an offense committed by a man under advice from his counsel, and the parties were thereupon admitted to bail for their appearance in the sum of $5,000.

James Dunn, a youth, charged with stealing lumber from the Confederate States, was committed to jail for want of security to be of better behavior.

Alfred Moss(?) was remanded for a future hearing on the charge of stealing thread from the C.S. Clothing Bureau.

Sarah Anderson, a free negro, charged with having in her possession one gold bracelet supposed to have been stolen, was, for want of evidence to convict her, discharged.

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