The Daily Dispatch: August 21, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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Stealing time.

--Dan. Murphy and James Hampton were arraigned for the second time before the Mayor yesterday morning for unlawfully possessing themselves of two silver watches belonging to Adam, slave of John E. Wadsworth. The circumstances connected with the affair were not developed, the witnesses not being present. The parties were sent to jail.

On Monday the Reporter received a note, reading as follows:

‘ "As there are no less than four persons of the name of Daniel Murphy in the city of Richmond, please do the others justice by stating which one of the four was charged the other day with stealing watches from a negro. The piece published being designed for the disgrace of the party and the information of the public, will you be kind enough to accomplish that end by giving some description of the person further than the mere name?

"one of the four."

’ In reply, it may be stated that the person alluded to is a boy about fourteen years of age, by representation and appearance; not specially well grown, save in the matter of petty mischief. James Hampton is also a boy, smaller than his companion. If the city had a work-house, it would not doubt be the very place for then. It is hardly possible that either of the lads will be improved by a sojourn in jail among the malefactors to be found there.