From the Richmond Whig, 6/24/1864, p. 1, c. 3

MAYOR’S COURT. - There was a light docket for the consideration of his Honor yesterday morning. The most prominent criminal was a dried-herring looking German, named John Straylor, who was charged with stealing nails from the Tredegar Iron Works. It appeared that Straylor was an operative in the works. - Several months ago he was caught stealing nails, and on that occasion the Superintendent kindly let him off on his promising to amend. Recently, nails, in small quantities were daily missed, and a watch was set upon Straylor, which resulted in his being caught, on Wednesday, filling his dinner bucket with nails from a keg. He was arrested by Captain Carter of the night watch, to whom he confessed the theft, but declared that he had never stolen any before. The Mayor sent him on to the Hustings Court to be tried for petty larceny.

A white boy, named John Berry, was fined $5 and required to give security in $200, for provoking and engaging in a rock battle on Gamble’s Hill. The Mayor is determined to break up this practice of the boys of throwing stones about the streets, and the police are charged to be on the alert and arrest all offenders. If this boy is caught throwing stones again his parents will have to pay the $200.