Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-11-14

JOHN BROWN As A fARMER.
A correspondent Of the New York Observer
gives the following "reminiscences Of John Brown
as farmer: -.
1t was about ten years ago that Brown made
his appearance rs q farmer or cattle breeder in
North Elba, one Of the interior and most Sc
cluded towns Of Essex county, and verging
upon the vast wilderness Of Northern New
York. The humble farm of Brown Il situated
ON an elevated and broad plateau, embosomed
In the giant arms Of the Adirondscs. No dis
trict Of the State Ii more impressive by the
grandeur Of its physical features, or exquisite
natural beauties The town is separated from
the outer world by barrier Of dark and lofty
mountains. Although embracing Q territory
equal to that Of some counties, Its population
does not exceed four hundred souls. So
North Elba was the scene of Gerrit Smith q
abortive attempts at negro colonization.
At the Agricultural Fair Of Essex county for
1850, great sensation was created by the un-
looked.for appearance on the grounds Of q
beautiful herd Of Devon cattle. They were
the frst that had been exhibited at the county
festival, and every one was surprised and de-
lighted By the incident The inquiry was uni
yersal, whose are these cattle, and from whence
do they come? The surprise and excitement I
was not diminished, whom it was understood
that certain John Brown was the owner, and
thst he resided in the town of North Elbs. The
report Of the Society for that year contains the
following reference to this event:
"The appearance upon the ground Of num-
Der Of very choice and beautiful Devons, from
the herd of Mr.. John Brown, residing in one of
our most remote and secluded towns, attracted
great attention, and added much to the interest
OF the fair. The interest and admiration they
excited have attracted public attention to the
subject, and has already resulted in the intro
duction Of several choice animals into this re-
gion. We have no doubt but that this influence
L. AAA - 49, n -
viii be permanent and decisive" (Trans. 1850,
The writer of this article soon after opened a
correspondence with Brown in relation 10 these
cattle. His reply is now before me. The letter
is written in strong and vigorous hand, and
by its orthography, accurate punctuation, and
careful arrangement Of paragraphs, evinces far
consider Il remarkable, not only for the force
and precision of the language, for Q business
letter, and for the distinctness Of its statement,
but equally for its sound sense and honesty OF
representation. ] think am not wrong in the
Impression that IN extract win interest your
readers, - illustrating the former habits and
pursuits Of man who has impressed IN Ill
Your favor Of the 30th Of Septsmber came
on season:biy; but L was during my absence in
Ohio, % that could not reply sooner In the
frst place, none of my cattle are pure Devons,
but are mixture Of that and q particular
fayerite stock from Connecticut cross Of
which much prefer TO any pure English
cattle, sfter many year Q experience Of different
breeds Of imported stock = n . T
Was several months In England last season, and
saw no one stock on any farm that would
sversgs better than my own, and would like to
have you 80 them ali togsther.n II.
Brown was at North Elba during largo part
Of the last summer. The small remnant Of his
family still remain on the farm ct that place,
clustering srvQnd the hearth that has become
50 fearfuiiy bereaved and desolatsd