Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-08-15
5f(iisteIIaneous,
The Kentucky Forger in Texas.

|
1t is related Of an unfortunate man
Martin Brown--who was once promi-
nent member Of the Kentucky Legislature,
but was confined in the Penitentiary for
forgery-that when he first settled in Tex
as, the inhabitants were determined to
drive him out Of Austin's settlement of
San Felipe, because he had been con-
Wet. Austin himself had forbidden such
persons to settle on his ground, and the
colonial law, passed by him, was most
strict, prohibiting an asylum to refugees,
and all persons rendered infamous by fell
onies, Of whatever description they might
be-a law which the father Of Texas al
ways enforced with the utmost rigor.-
Hence, as soon as the settlers informed
the General Of this new case, he immedi
ately sent an order warning Brown to de-
camp within three days. on pain of sum-
mary punishment. The messenger was
William S., Austin's Private Secre-
tary, and young man Of cultivated intel
lect, noble heart, and generous to fault.
He arrived at the Green Heart Grove,
the residence Of Brown and his family
one summers noon, and found the family
circle formed around their frugal table,
1t was their dinner hour.
= s. forthwith delivered Austin's
written order, which Brown glanced over,
and then said mournfully:
"Tell General Austin that I shall never
move from this spot till [ move into my
grave. 1t is true, [ committed a great
crime in my native State-but also suf-
fered the severe penalty of the offended
law; and then, with my dear wife and
children, who still love me, | stole away
from the eyes of society, which no longer
wish to serve or injure, to live in quiet
and die in peace. | am ready and will
| ling to die; but on my family's account, l
cannot and will not leave this spot"
His wife and daughter implored him to
change his resolution. They avowed their
willingness again to undergo the tolls and
privation of emigration, and if necessary
to prepare new home in the wilderness.
But prayers, and tears, and entreaties
were alike in vain. To every argument
Martin Brown gave the same answer in
calm, sad voice.
II chose my place of burial the first day
| set my eyes on my little grove, and |
shall not change my mind now"
s. returned, deeply touched with
the scene he had witnessed, related to
General Austin the singular state of facts,
and interceded urgently for relaxation
of the law, which rested in the discretion
of the colonial chief.
"You have suffered yourself to be smit-
ten by the charms of the beautiful Emma"
SAID General Austin, with smile.
s. tried to look indignant, which eff
fort merely resulted in burning blush.
Il will 60 and see Martin myself"
added the General; but he will have to
make out a strong case to alter my deter
mination."
When Austin arrived in the evening at
his destination, the family Of the grove
were almost distracted with grief
Browns countenance alone wore its old
mask Of marble tranquility. His story
told to General Austin was simple as it'll
was brief.
cit is true" said he, was in the Pen
itentiary of Kentucky; but I was in the
Legislature before | was in the states
prison, and while member Of the Senate, |
opposed with all my might the manufac-
ture Of so many banks. Those banks
soon after beggared thousands, and among
the rest me and my children. I was then
tempted, in order to save my family, to
perpetrate forgery, or to do that on a
small scale which the State and its banks
had so long been doing on a large one.
| paid the forfeit Of my crime. While the
grand swindlers rolled in splendid af1u-
ence. pinned alone in felon's dungeon.
Having served out my time, | resolved
never again to commit wrong. / have
kept my VOW, and now have but one sole
desire-to be let alone, or die"
Gen. Austin did let the old man alone, |
concealed the order for his Punishment, |
and was ever after his steadfast friend
s., the Private Secretary, made 9TH
er visits to the Green Heart Grove, and
the beautiful Emma is now the wife of an
eminent lawyer, and a bright particular
star" of fashions sphere at Galveston.
Martin died at last in peace, and was
buried in his beloved grove, at his special
request in most fantastic manner stand
ing erect, in full hunters costume, with
his right hand raised towards Heaven,
and his loaded rife on his left shoulder.
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