From the Richmond Commercial Bulletin, 10/30/1865, p. 3, c. 1

ROCK BATTLES. – From time immemorial Richmond has been renowned as the arena of fierce combats waged between the youths of the different quartiers with rocks and sling, the stony hills of the Capital furnishing the combatants with ammunition in abundance. Marshaled on the sloping battle-grounds conflicts dire have ensued between the embattled hosts who rallying to the war cries of their clans, “Butcher-town Cats to the rescue,” “Charge, Shockoe, charge,” “Hurrah for Screamersville,” “Valley Cats show them you claws,” which have reverberated along the steep hill sides and far adown the glen.

Occasionally a brave was borne off senseless from the field, but “who cares,” n’importe, “on with the fight.”

On account, however, of the complaints made by some absurd and unreasonable parents who objected to the possibility of some of their “numerous and interesting offspring” losing life or limb, an eye, or a set of grinders in these rough recontres, the Chief of Police on Saturday issued an edict and mustered his forces to quell these juvenile rioters. His efforts were crowned with partial success, and near the Penitentiary four prisoners were captured who gave their names and ages as follows: Lewis Coleman, 9; Chas. Quarles, 8; Littleton Pettiford, 8; Lewis Pettiford, 7. The first two belonged to the light infantry, the last to the colored brigade. They were confined for a time and released on parole. – We presume a temporary truce will be proclaimed by the contending parties.

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