Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1851-04-24
'ERMONT, THURSDAY, APRIL "a, 1851.

thlckets, and that will notify them of approach
ing danger, and at the same time OCCUPY the
name and standing of honest men and quiet cit
lzens' Young as am, have seen them on
their knees at preaching; have heard them
pray; have seen them partake of the Lords
supper, and that same night entertain men that
they knew were thieves.
learned the location of two mnts for coun-
terfeitlng gold coin, one fifteen miles above
Brownsville, on the Rio Grande, where coin can
DC had at fifty cents on the dollar to change off
and trade to the Mexicans. The other mint is
fifteen miles from Crockett, in a cane brake on
a thicket bottom, and Moss More general agent,
he furnishes the coin at fifty cents on the dollar.
The present coin are eagles, and half eagles
well executed, the engraving is elegant, equal
to any Of the geGeine American coin; one ac-
quainted, may tell it from the color being shade
brighter than pure gold the weight corresponds,
or nearly so, there is only from one to two grains
difference in the half eagle, the eagles are the
precise weight and will have deceived many !;
and good many have gone into the banks at
New Orleans; they resist the test of acids, be
ing plate Of pure gold but in order to apply
the plate correctly, the color is partially changed
The quickest way to detect them is to examine
the edge, where line or division may be DIS
covered in the centre of the edge Arrange
ments were made for the implements for coming
silver in Fayette county; and two young men,
whose characters for honesty and industry stood
above suspicion, and still stands so, were to
manufacture the articles to the order of Bostick
and others. Mr.. Agery was to keep supply
at Galveston, and Jones at New Orleans, and
lect, were to keep supply on hand to buy ne
groes, horses and other property. The old agents
informed me of the extent Of the party, their
wealth, power, and number, which was repre-
scented to be about four hundred. One of the
necessary qualifications to become good mem
Der, was q willingness to swear lie to save
another members life. Any member refusing
to do so, was dismissed penalty, silence or
death. About the 1st of May last, called at
McLaughn's on my way to Galveston. ask
ed Mclaughlin for horse to ride the trip !; he
told me he would loan me horse until could
find one, and that was poor rogue if could
not find horse. started from McLaughin's
early in the morning, and soon found large
bay horse. turned McLaughlin's horse loose,
and started on the other horse.
rode the horse to Houston, and sold him for
Sl5 | then went to Galveston where l met
Agery and Ford. went to inform them that
Johnson and Smith, alias Boren and Sap, were
to be there shortly with two negroes. remain
ed there eight days, when Boren and Sap came,
and ght MERCER IEVrs hoy J-1ah. TIsess.a,
day Agery wrote me bill of sale purporting to
be from William H. Rice, of the town of Gen
naros, county of Gonzales, to VIM. Smith.
objected to taking the bill of sale under the
name of Smith, but the negro did not know my
true name when left home.
When arrived at New Orleans, I stopped a
Robinson's boarding house. The next day Age
ry arrived, and stopped at another place. He
then sent me to sell the negro, but the police
kept such a watch, Agery thought best to send
me up to Natchoz; encouraged me by informing
me that he had sold many, and that the people
of Natchez were so eager to buy young negro
men, that they would scarcely ask my name
Encouraged by so smart man as Agery, with a
tongue we'll fitted for boy of Is years, con-
sented to go, but when learned the amount oil
cash he could start was near backing out.
and would not be seen except in certain por-
ton of the city. | arrived at Natchez in the
night, and went to Whites tavern, under the
hill. The next day offered the boy for $3.50,
TO Wilson he said if he liked the boy when he
had talked with him, he would give me my
price.
Just as had dreaded and expected, | was be-
trayed in few moments. | was waited on by
officers, my bill of sale asked for, my name, my
residence, and a thousand other questions and a
polite invitation to walk to the. Court house, my
face, my actions, all em0arrassed, soon told the
tale for me. was informed had stolen a me-
gro.
The next day called for paper and wrote to
Texas: my letter was intercepted, though did
not know it. looked for assistance heard
strange voices without-the door opened--l re-
cognzed the face of DR.. Wier, and with it | re-
ceved the information that the whole party was
disclosed-one Grigg arrested, Boren and Sap
were pursued. And could take my choice to
stay at Natchez for trial, or go to Brennan.
readily consented, provided could have trial
at law. DR.. Wier and Mr.. Ferrill pledged their
honors that such would be my case and now,
reader, l am here in irons in Brennan jail, gull
ty, and depending on the sympathes of the
community from whom deserve none.
THOMAS SHORT.