The subject of crime opens an almost inexhaustible expanse for expatiation. An elaborate treatise on its causes and remedies is too prolix for a work of this nature—only a few passing observations on this theme will be found interspersed, which are relevant and have a direct bearing on the main topics discussed.
And now, in closing this introductory part, the author wishes the public to understand that he has no personal animosity against those who so wrongfully deprived him of his liberty, ruined him with expenses, and encompassed his life in so many intricate ways. He has not indulged in any revengeful passions, but has endeavored to strictly confine himself to the unprejudiced and impartial province of the historian and biographer—according merit where due, and with propriety denouncing crimes, corruptions and unhealthy conspiracies whenever they come in the way. And, if in so doing, he is to endure a repetition of persecutions and prosecutions, with fresh dangers added, he will try to bear them with all the fortitude he can command, with the hope that the peaceably and honestly disposed parts of the community will rally for the pulling down the edifices of vice, and for establishing a better, a purer and a healthier condition of society.
PREFACE.
The number of years during which the Copeland and Wages Gang of Land Pirates pursued a successful career of robbery, incendiarism and murder in the United States; their final dismemberment, disgrace and violent end at the hand of retributive justice; and the stern moral lesson taught by their history and fate, have induced the undersigned to publish the confession of one of the leaders of the gang, as made by himself, in anticipation of his death at the hands of the hangman. Its accuracy may be relied on; and indeed it is hardly possible to doubt the truth of its statements, so minutely, consecutively and clearly are they related, and so consonant are they with the various localities and the characters of the men.
This confession was given to me, principally by the aid of copious memoranda which Copeland had kept for years in his diary, and which materially refreshed his memory.
James Copeland, the subject of this memoir, was born near Pascagoula river, in Jackson county, Miss., on the 18th day of January, 1823. He was the son of Isham Copeland and Rebecca Copeland, his wife—formerly Rebecca Wells. The parents had resided for many years near Pascagoula river.
Isham Copeland was a farmer in easy circumstances, with a good farm, several negroes, plenty of horses and mules and other live stock; and, in fact, he might be said to have everything about him that a family in moderate circumstances could require to enable him to live comfortably. He was the father of several sons; but, alas! this, which is by most men deemed a blessing, proved to him a curse; and after encountering many trials in youth and manhood, just when he thought to enjoy the peace and repose of old age, his son’s misconduct drew on him many severe reverses of fortune, and finally drove him to the grave broken hearted.
J. R. S. PITTS.