From the Richmond Whig, 8/27/1864, p. 2, c. 5

ATTEMPTED TO ESCAPE FROM BELLE ISLE. - During the storm of Thursday night, two Yankee prisoners attempted to escape from Belle Isle by plunging into the river. As they were swimming off they were discovered and fired upon by several of the guard. One was killed instantly, and the other severely wounded in the right arm.

Later in the night three other prisoners attempted to escape by the same method. They were also fired on by the guard and one killed and two wounded. Pretty good shooting for a dark night.