From the Richmond Whig, 4/4/1864, p. 1, c. 2

NOVEL ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE FROM JAIL. - A man named Pendergrast, confined in the city jail awaiting trial for robbing Mr. P. A. Haxall, having brought an eruption on his skin by rubbing himself with croton oil, succeeded in convincing the physician of the jail that he had small pox, and was removed to the Howard's Grove Hospital to be treated for that disease, it being his expectation that he would find his escape easy from the hospital. Shortly after reaching the hospital, however, his trick was discovered by the surgeon in charge, who informed the City Sergeant of the fact. Pendergrast, finding his trick detected, became so unruly that he had to be securely tied before he could be carried back to jail.

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