Sheriff John Copelands Battle for Prisoners

Dudley's transfer of prisoners being held in Fort Stanton, Dudley turns them over to Sheriff Copeland.

May 4, 1878

Having them examined according to law,

I am sir very Respectfully

John N. Copeland

Sheriff Lincoln County, NM

Fort Stanton, NM

May 4, 1878, 3 o’clock pm

I certify that I have this date and hour received of Lieut Col N. A. M. Dudle 9th Calvary commanding Fort Stanton, NM the following named Prisoners John Hurley Reuben Kelly G. W. Pepin

William Mathews Charles Martin Doc Scurlock

Jack Long Wallace Olinger John Galvin

R. W. Beckwith A. A. McSween Tom Green

Joseph Nash Isaac Ellis Tom Cocran

J. Carkinson William Ellis Charles Kreling

Lewis Paxton John Scroggins Sam Perry

Buck Powell George Washington

Robert Ollinger Ignacio Gonzales

W. A. Johnson Samuel Corbitt

(signed) John N. Copeland

Sheriff of Lincoln County

Witness: G. W. Smith, 2nd Lieut 9th Calvary

May 5, 1878 Sheriff Copeland gives receipt to Dudley for the return of Doc's possessions. I find it interesting that so much effort was taken on Dudleys part to keep Doc in his custody, and his personal effects. This does not sound like someone who is non bias, considering at this time, Brewer has been murdered and Doc is considered the "leader" of the Regulators.

May 6, 1878, Dudley is submitting his report to the Adjutant about the events of the past few days.

May 7, 1878, Sheriff Copeland petitions Dudley for the release of Doc into his custody.

There was also an article written in the Santa Fe Weekly on May 18, 1878, that James Townsend wrote an article about!

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