letter to Miss Bowen. It contains important matter of a public nature,
which will again have to be referred to in the subsequent comments
which are to follow. Let it be carefully read:
APRIL 12, 1859.
_Miss J. P. Bowen, Ocean Springs, Miss._:
Excuse me, an entire stranger to you, for the liberty and freedom I
take in addressing you. Although, personally, we are unacquainted yet
my sympathies are with you and your unfortunate intended. I formed his
acquaintance in Augusta, Miss., while he was engaged in writing the
confessions of Copeland—the cause of his present unjust imprisonment.
Although he is in prison, and redeeming an unjust sentence, his
friends have not deserted him, as is too often the case, but visit him
regularly and inquire after his welfare with the greatest anxiety,
and endeavor to administer to his every want and comfort. His friends,
though numerous previous to his trial, have greatly increased in number
since. We have made an effort to limit his imprisonment through the
pardoning power of Governor Moore, by an article addressed to him in
the shape of a petition, with about six hundred signatures of the most
responsible citizens of Mobile; but in this we have failed, and, to my
deepest regret, he will have to serve his time out.
We first drew up a petition to Judge McKinstry, signed by a respectable
number of the jury, but hearing of his negative declarations on the
street, we declined honoring him with the request.
Although we have failed in these efforts, the conduct of all the
opposing clique strongly indicate to my mind that the principal
stringent ruling is to gratify, and sustain, and retain political
influence. The opposing party have by no means sustained itself to
the world, notwithstanding the obtaining of a forced verdict and fine
in the pitiful sum of fifty dollars, which the jurors are determined
shall not come out of Colonel Pitts’ pocket. The Colonel has the
sympathy of the principal citizens of Mobile; and, among that number,
almost, if not quite, the entire portion of the gentler sex; and as
long as he has those amiable creatures advocating his cause he is
free from all censure and harm. He was extremely unfortunate in not
being able to prove certain facts on his trial that have since almost
revealed themselves. I think myself they have seriously regretted the
past and present daily expositions. Colonel Pitts is as comfortably
situated as possible under the circumstances. He has the entire liberty
of the prison bounds, with no restraint whatever on his person or
actions—sharing freely the hospitality of our inestimable Sheriff
and family. He has an excellent little parlor, well fitted up for
convenience and comfort.
I was one of the unfortunate jurors who tried the case, and from my
observations prior to, and during the progress of the trial, in my
humble opinion he met with strenuous ruling and injustice. Yet he
bore all with that fortitude and patience that ever characterizes a
truly good man; and, since his confinement, appears to be composed and
resigned to his fate. This has had a tendency to influence a favorable
impression in his behalf among the citizens of Mobile. His friends in
Mississippi, who are very numerous, are very much incensed against the
Court, and manifested their indignation by public declarations in their
public newspapers. His greatest grief and mortification are in your
behalf. He suffers more on your account than he does on his own. He has
daily the fullest assurance and confirmation of the kindest feelings
of our best people. And what more could he want? It is looked on as
one of those misfortunes incident in life that sometimes cannot be
avoided honorably, and the only chance is to brave the storm fearlessly
until a more congenial sun will burst forth to his advantage, which
will be better appreciated and enjoyed had he never been in prison.
I do hope you have firmness and decision enough to fast adhere in
adversity—spurning the advice of those who would attempt to prejudice
you against him. Sympathizing with him under the clouds of misfortune,
rejoicing with him in prosperity, and yet be happy together; and
may you both live, not to exult, but witness the repentance of your
enemies, is the desire of your well wisher.
Very respectfully, yours,
JOHN A. BEVELL.
Miss Bowen availed herself of the very earliest opportunity to
acknowledge and to reply to this valuable communication, in which will
be found some statements well worthy of record.
MISS BOWEN’S REPLY TO DR. BEVELL’S LETTER.
OCEAN SPRINGS, MISS., APRIL 16, 1859.
_Dr. John A. Bevell, Mobile, Ala._:
SIR:—I am in receipt of yours, bearing date 12th inst., and sensibly
feel the loss of suitable language for a correct expression of what is
due for your inestimable favor. It has been read with intense interest.
It came at the opportune moment when most needed, and contains matter
which to me is of the highest earthly treasure, and for which the
ordinary returns of gratitude are but a faint expression of the true
estimation entertained in my own mind.
To learn from one so competent to furnish correct information of the
easy and comfortable situation of my much esteemed friend, Mr. P., is
gratifying in the extreme. At first, imagination had drawn pictures too
darkly of him being immured in solitary confinement where the cheering
rays of solid friendship could not penetrate. How agreeably I have
been disappointed. Your communication has completely dispelled for the
future all such illusory apprehensions. Friends numerous, and sympathy
not confined to narrow limits, with an abundant plenty of everything
else calculated to alleviate the misfortunes of a temporary exile.
But allow me to confess to you that the recent trial, with its
apparently sad results, has with me in no wise made the slightest
change deleterious to the future interest and happiness of my friend.
Previous to this memorable event in his life, with him I had pledged
for an early approach to the hymeneal altar, and was fully satisfied
then that he was, in every respect, worthy of such a pledge of
confidence; and if his merit were deserving the same in that day, they
are certainly, in my opinion, more so to day.
As yet I have not heard a single word uttered that does not fully
justify Mr. P’s action in giving publicity to the history of Copeland.
The public good of his country demanded such action from him.
Bearing in mind such circumstances, I could not, with any degree of
consistency, suffer myself for a moment to be biased or influenced by
out-siders, and, more especially, by those who are violently antagonist
against the author for doing that which ought to be received by the
public generally as a great blessing to society.
You will please do me the kindness at your earliest convenience to
inform Mr. P. not to suffer himself to be in the least troubled on my
account, nor to entertain any doubt of my unswerving constancy. In this
respect, perhaps I am endowed with as much stability as any, and as
much as he can desire.
Although heretofore strangers, nevertheless, I hold to be much indebted
for the warm interest you have taken in behalf of my friend, and indeed
mutually so of both.
Very respectfully, etc.,
J. P. BOWEN.
From every creditable source, profuse attentions had entered through
all avenues of the prison wall; and now the defendant’s time for
which he had been sentenced was about to expire, preparations were
immediately made to honor him with a “reception committee” to greet
him from the narrow limits to the realms of liberty, where dwells the
broad expanse of earth and sky. Confinement had not corroded the soul’s
finer parts; and to show how devoid his mind was of every semblance of
prejudice or malignity, a brief extract from his address delivered on
that occasion when emerging from his sentence bounds, will be read with
some degree of interest.
AN EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH OF THE DEFENDANT BEFORE THE COMMITTEE.
“Gentlemen, at this proud moment, the breath of liberty is refreshing.
From an incarceration so unjust, you welcome me back to freedom with as
much joy as I can possibly experience myself at this instant of time.
Rather as a very much persecuted individual than a criminal do you this
day consider me. For this demonstration of your kindly sentiments, as
well as on all other occasions, my gratitude is tendered in profusion.
What is it that can not be endured while being surrounded with friends
so devoted and sincere? The reception you have seen proper to give me,
removes all doubts as to the manner I will be met by other circles
of my fellow beings. Well do I know how hastily judgment is often
pronounced without sufficiently discriminating betwixt guilt and
innocence. This morning I leave the precincts of prison unconscious of
any wrong by me committed, but, on the contrary, am strongly impressed
with the convictions that I have materially served my country by giving
publicity to the career of a band of men who, for years, held whole
States in absolute terror. For this I have suffered, but do not repine,
because _time_, the great friend of truth, must eventually triumph.
From prison I come not forth burning with vindictive or revengeful
feelings against any. Notwithstanding the wrongs endured, I have passed
in my own heart an act of amnesty so far as private considerations
are concerned, and whatever course may be marked out for the future,
only the public good will, in this respect, afford me any interest for
subsequent pursuit. To you, and to other large bodies of respectable
citizens of Mobile, for petitioning the Governor for pardon, although a
failure, yet equally do I return thanks for the best of intentions as
though they had been perfectly successful.”
Immediately after his release, letters of condolence and
congratulations, from distant parts, and almost from every direction
poured in. One in particular from a friend in Gonzales, Texas, will
also be read with more than ordinary interest. Its spirit and intention
were to impel him forward to higher achievements of fame and utility.
A LETTER FROM A FRIEND IN TEXAS AFTER DEFENDANT’S RELEASE.
GONZALES, TEXAS, DEC. 30, 1859.
_Dr. J. R. S. Pitts, Medical College, Ala._:
“DEAR SIR:—In the sunshine of prosperity, friends will crowd around
like bees on the honey-comb, but when the lowering clouds of adversity
appear, there are but few who will not be found among the ranks of
deserters, your case, however, forms an exception to the general rule.
You have been favored by the benign and exhilarating influences of
fortune; and you have also experienced the dark and bitter reverses
with which humanity is so often saturated. At one time, she has thrown
around you a joyous halo of felicity—at another time she has forsaken
you with a treacherous inconstancy; but amid all her various phases
of change which you have endured, the sympathy and good-will of every
honest heart has beat high in your behalf. Your vile prosecutors
succeeded by miserable subterfuges of law, which involved you in
serious pecuniary embarrassments, and consigned you within the dreary
walls of confinement, but time is now doing justice both to you and to
them. You are mounting up into a brighter—a purer atmosphere of public
estimation, while they are descending as rapidly into the dark abodes
of eternal execration.
No one can feel more elated, or more disposed to congratulate you
on anything pertaining to your interest, happiness, and success
than myself; and certainly none more willing to contribute at every
opportunity all within the power of one individual to your permanent
gratification: how could it be otherwise? I have known you long; a
chain of unbroken friendship has ever continued betwixt us; and more
than all, I am proud in the contemplation that I have had some share in
your early education.
Your attention is now directed towards the medical profession; and here
I can express a few words of encouragement without acting derogatory to
the principles of rectitude or sincerity; for if thinking otherwise,
most certainly would I prefer the task of assisting at the risk of
displeasing you.
The medical profession affords a fine scope for the developement of
every faculty belonging to the human soul. Man, “the image of God,” is
the most wonderful and complicated machine in the universe. Here is the
noblest of all subjects—vast, boundless, and inexhaustible. Here is
a theme on which the finest geniuses of the world have been engaged:
a theme in connection with which the accumulation of intellectual
wealth and constant progression have been marching onward with giant
strides from the commencement of man’s mundane existence; yet but
little hope—but little prospect of ever reaching perfection; hence the
encouragement for onward acquisition for further triumphs of science.
Knowledge is valuable only in proportion to its applicability for
preventing or alleviating the sufferings of humanity; then where is the
avocation more adapted to better accord with this sentiment than the
medical profession? Of course, I exclude all consideration in reference
to the many quacks, empirics and murderers, who assume the medical garb
without the least sign of internal qualification.
There is nothing in all the wide diversified forms of creation that
can give you such lofty conceptions of the attributes of the Deity as
the study of man: Life’s warm stream which ramifies and circulates
in processes so wonderful; the numerous heterogeneous fluids which
are secreted from it to answer all the astounding purposes of
systematical economy with the nicest of all exactness; and all this
by a “vital principle” which none can define, but which serves very
well to represent our ignorance; the almost countless numbers of
self-acting—self-propelling powers, with multitudes of valves, hinges,
joints, all working in the grandest of earthly harmony; these are
mechanical operations which belong to the Deity, and mock the proudest
of all efforts in vain imitation. But what are these in comparison to
the human mind—this noble prerogative of man? It is this which makes
him the “lord of creation,” and draws the broad line of distinction
betwixt himself and the lower order of creation. It is to this we
are indebted for the manifold wheels, springs and levers which carry
society along; in short the moral transactions of this revolving globe
owe their origin and continuance to its agency. The science of medicine
comprises a considerable knowledge of the whole. To understand any one
business well, we must have much information on the relation of many.
The study of causes and effects of physical phenomena, as well as the
faculties, sentiments, and propensities of the human soul, are all
within your province. But without enlarging, enough has been written to
urge and animate you on in the work you have so well begun.”
The most remarkable action of any executive was that of the Governor
of Mississippi in giving assistance to the “clan” in its expiring
throes, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is not material
now to enquire. From this action alone, but few are incapable of
understanding, to some extent, the influence which wealth and
distinction can exercise in cases, no matter how depraved they may
be. This is only one instance from incalculable numbers which might
be adduced where even the highest departments of State can be made
subservient to vitiated purposes.
A LETTER TAKEN FROM THE “TRUE DEMOCRAT.”
The following was published in the _True Democrat_, from the pen of one
of the ablest Judges in the eastern part of Mississippi, shortly after
the liberation of the defendant:
MR. EDITOR—We heartily sympathize with J. R. S. Pitts, Sheriff of Perry
county, and are deeply mortified at the yielding course of our Governor
in rendering him up a prisoner in obedience to a requisition from the
State of Alabama. We look on this whole affair as being preposterous
in the extreme. To have the Sheriff of one of our counties forced to
vacate his office, temporarily, and to be taken like a common felon,
and carried to another State, and there be tried as a malefactor,
and for what? Why, for simply writing and publishing the confessions
of a notorious “land pirate,” one of a gang of banditti that has
till recently been a terror to the whole country for a great many
years. Such a course betrays a feebleness of nerve on the part of his
Excellency perfectly unpardonable in the Executive.
The “Wages and Copeland Clan” have become as notorious in portions
of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas, as was the pirate and
robber, John A. Murrell, and his clan. It is well for Mr. Pitts that
his friends volunteered to guard him and protect him until he reached
the city of Mobile in safety.
Talk about rendering him up on a requisition that claimed him as a
“fugitive from justice,” when the offence, if any, was committed in
this State, when he was a citizen of Perry county, and Sheriff of the
county at the time, and quietly at home discharging the duties of his
office. “Oh! shame, where is thy blush?”
But we rejoice to learn that his prosecutors have failed to hurt him.
They may have forced him to draw heavily on his purse to fee lawyers,
pay tavern expenses, etc., but they have not hurt his character. He
stands to-day proudly vindicated as a bold and efficient officer before
an impartial and unprejudiced public. Mr. Pitts is too well known
in Mississippi for the tongue of slander or the hand of the bitter
persecutor to injure him seriously. He is a native of Georgia—“to the
manner born.” He was reared and principally educated in Mississippi.
And right in the county where he was principally raised, he was
selected by a large majority of the citizens of the county to serve
them and the State in the high and responsible office of Sheriff of
the county; and that too when he had barely reached his majority of
years. The intelligent citizens of Perry county elected him by their
spontaneous suffrage solely on account of his great moral worth and his
superior business qualifications.
The most amusing circumstance in the whole affair is, the report
industriously circulated that Mr. Pitts did not write the book—that he
is not scholar enough to write such a book. The report refutes itself
by its own palpable absurdity. Everybody who is acquainted with Mr.
Pitts knows that he is a fair English scholar, and a very good writer.
The book is a valuable book; and it has done, and will do more to rid
the country of the clan it exposes than even the killing and hanging
has done.
Mr. Pitts may congratulate himself as having done more with his pen as
an author than he did with the rope and gallows as Sheriff. Much more
might be said in vindication of this persecuted gentleman, but this
is deemed sufficient. Mr. Pitts is a young man, and will, if he lives
many years, work out a character in high social position, and official
position, too, if he seeks it. From his beginning, I predict for him a
brilliant career in the future.
Very respectfully,
VINDEX.
THE CHARACTER OF THE PROSECUTOR.
The vile character of the prosecution is not yet sufficiently
understood. There is yet more to be developed. Enough has already
been brought to light to give some idea of Shoemake, one of the main
witnesses in the struggle to crush truth. Earth was never trod by a
more dangerous and despicable wretch than this. He was the embodiment
of all that was mean, cruel, bloody and horrible. How much superior the
other agent and intended witness, Bentonville Taylor is, the reader
will judge for himself from the following authentic testimony.
The statement will be remembered in the commencing part of the
proceedings of the trial that no ordinary amount of astonishment was
experienced by the defendant when Bentonville Taylor was called into
court as one of the principal witnesses for the prosecution. The
defendant well knowing the character of this man, he lost no time
for getting the most substantial of testimony touching his notorious
reputation. This testimony has been held in reserve up to the present
period for reasons which will be given presently.
In Shoemake’s evidence, the prosecution sustained such an overwhelming
defeat that it refrained from calling up another of the same type
for that time. As before stated, Bentonville Taylor was brought from
Williamsburg, Covington county, Miss. The nature of his testimony,
intended to be given in court, was immediately learned afterward by
his card published in one of the Mobile newspapers. The substance of
this card was to the effect that the names given in the confessions
were forged by the defendant, and that Copeland himself was insane at
the time he made the confessions, and the same entirely unworthy of
any credit whatever either in public or private. It was thought at the
time that Bentonville Taylor was to be used in the other two cases of
Moulton and Cleaveland against the defendant to be afterward tried.
This is one reason why the documents pertaining to Bentonville Taylor
have so long been withheld. Another is, it is always painful, in the
absence of imperative necessity, to make public such considerations as,
under other circumstances, might be better enveloped in silence; but
when charges of forgery have been made, and that the whole confessions
are entirely unworthy of credit, then it becomes an absolute necessity
to know something of the man who has had the audacity to make such
charges.
First will be given some extracts from a letter which was intended for
publication at the time, but on more mature thought was decided to be
suppressed for the same reasons as just given. This letter is now in
the hands of the defendant, the severer parts of which will still be
suppressed for humanity’s sake:
“Who is this Bentonville Taylor, where did he come from, and what his
character as established by himself? It seems he came to Ellisville,
Jones county, Miss., about the time or shortly after Copeland was
brought from the Alabama penitentiary to Mississippi to be tried for
the murder of Harvey—pretending then to be a Yankee school master
seeking employment—having with him a woman whom he introduced to
that community as his sister and assistant teacher. They obtained a
school; he and his sister took board in a respectable family located in
Ellisville, Mr. Parker’s. They had not been there long before reports
got out in this family of such a nature that is perhaps improper to
publish. However, Mr. Parker ordered them to leave his house. The
trustees of the school forthwith called a meeting, which resulted in
the discharge of both. They were promptly paid off; the woman left for
parts unknown, while he has been loitering around in the adjoining
counties in a way anything but satisfactory, ever since. He got out a
license to plead law, defended Copeland in his last trial, and then was
brought from Williamsburg, Covington county, by the Mobile prosecutors,
to there serve their purposes, in the most reduced of external
condition and centless, but returned in the finest suit of attire, with
plenty of money in his pocket—the rewards of his services in Mobile for
falsehood and attempted deception. And this is the respectable lawyer
from Mississippi, as represented by one of the prosecutors. A cheaper
and more degraded instrument could not have been found in all Eastern
Mississippi. A poor subterfuge to resort to such a man to lie men out
of deserving censure. How readily it seems the prosecution knew where
to place its fingers to subserve the purpose. A few more such licks
will nail the truth of Copeland’s confessions to the cross forever.”
But read the documents now in possession, from the best and most
respectable citizens of Jones county, about this man:
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, }
PERRY COUNTY. }