From the Richmond Whig, 7/28/1864, p. 1, c. 5

GONE TO THE YANKEES. - J. Newton Vanlew, for many years a hardware merchant of this city, has gone to the Yankees, and is said to have been taken by Beast Butler as a special detective. Vanlew, notwithstanding an incurable disease, which rendered him unfit for anything, we should think, being conscribed about the time Grant made his flank movement to the Southside, one evening rode out in his buggy in the direction of Malvern Hill, and has not been seen since. If he displays any brains in his new character of detective, it will be for the first time in his life.