July 2, 1863, Daily Citizen (Vicksburg, Mississippi)
We learned of an instance wherein a “knight of the quill” and a “disciple of the black art,” with malice in their hearts and vengeance in their eyes, ruthlessly put a period to the existence of a venerable feline that has for time, not within the recollection of the “oldest inhabitant,” faithfully discharged the duties to be expected of him to the horror of sundry vermin in his neighborhood. Poor defunct Thomas was then prepared, not for the grave, but the pot, and several friends invited to partake of a nice rabbit. As a matter of course, no one would wound the feelings of another, especially in these times, by refusing a cordial invitation to dinner, and the guests assisted in consuming the poor animal with a relish that did honor to their epicurean taste. The “sold” assured us the meat was delicious, and that pussy must look out for her safety.