The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-11-06
JOHN BROWN AS A FARMER.

The late strange and thrilling events at Harpers Ferry
which have startled the public mind and revealed such
hidden dangers TO the country, excite natural curiosity
in respect TO the prominent in the scene have no
knowledge Of the origin early career Of Brown. It
was about ten ago that he made his appearance
farmer or cattle breeder In Nerth Eba, OF the
ror and most secluded towns of Essex county and verg
ing upon the vast wilderness Of northern New York.
The humble farm Of Brown situated on an elevated and
broad pateau embOsomed in the giant Of the Adj
rondacs No district Of tho State impressive by
the grandeur of its physical features its natural beau
ties. The town rs separated from the outer world by
barrier Of dark and lofty mountains Although embrac-
ing territory equal that Of some countess s popula
ton do0 not exceed four hundred souls.
North Eba the of Gerrit Smiths abortiye at
tempts at negro colonization. The scheme may have
been suggested by honest and sincere philanthropy but
its an utter failure, entsng upon the author
disappointment, and and suffering the recpi
ens OF his bounty. Scarcely vestge now remains of
this colony, although at one time SO numerous tha. it
seemed probable the anomalous political aspect would be
exhibited Of town in New York controlled by negro suf
ages and represented in the county board BY coored
They have either abandoned their FARMS or the lands
have been sold for taxes Nothing remains Of this vaunt
ed city of refuge.
Brown made his appearance in North Eba near the ad
vent OF the negro immigration. do not know, however,
that he had any connection with the movement any
agency in promoting the eccentric vagares Of Mr. Smith
Recent occurrences seem to warrant the conclusion
that at this period association Of sentiment
and action existed between these infatuated enthusiasts
In political speech In Essex county last autumn, Smith
referred to Brown with high eulogium and while he de-
nounced all parties for their in Kansas he asserted
other men combined
At the Agricultural Fair Of Essex county for 1850,
great , was Dy ne % * appear
They the first that had been exhibited at the county
festival and every was surprised and delighted by
the incident The inquiry was universal, Whose these
CATTLE and from whence do they conner The surprise and
excitement not diminished, when ii understood
that certain John Brown the owner, and that he
resided in the town of North Eba The report of the
society for that year contains the following reference
this event:-"The appearance upon tbe grounds Of
q number OF very choice and beautiful Devons,
from the herd Of Mr. John Brown, residing in
Of most remote and secluded towns, attracted
great attention, and added much to the interest of the
fair The interest and admiration they excited have
traced public attention to the subject and has already
resulted in the introduction Of several choice animals into
this region. We have doubt but that this influence
upon the character Of the stock Of our county will be
permanent and decisive" (Trans. 1850, page 229)
The writer of this article soon after opened correspon-
dence with Brown In relation to these CATTLE His reply is
now before The letter Is written in a strong and
vigorous hand and by its photography accurate puncua
on ana caGea sm M
remarkable not only for the force and precision Of the
language, for business letter. and for the dsnctness Of
its statements but equally for its sound and honesty
of representation. think not wrong the impress
sion that extract will interest your readers ustrat
ing the former habits and pursuits Of man VINO has i'm
pressed llomed episode upon national history:
NYour favor of tho Both Of September
bly,; but during my absence in Ohio, that could
not reply sooner In the first place. of my cattle
pure Devons, but mixture of that and particular
favorite stock from Connecticut, Of which much
prefer to any pure English cattle, after many years
experience Of different breeds Of imported stock.
Q was several months in England last season. and
stock any farm that would average better
than my own, and would like 10 have you them all
together"
Such were the habits and tastes Of the while en-.
gagged in the pursuits Of husbandry What is
presented by the intelligence and zeal here displayed in
worthy and useful occupation, which was leading him
along the pleasant paths Of pease contentment and
prosperity, TO the career Of violence he has since
been impeled, less perhaps by his own insane
fanatcism than by stimulations applied by the
progate signs Of others to his ardent and fearless
temperament The natural impulses Of Brown those who
knew him well affirm, honorable and just and his
education and abilities Of superior order but his mind
has been distorted and his passions inHaned by mad
delusion The evil influence Of others who shrunk from
the peris which they precpiated him. has betrayed
him into deeds Of blood and treason, and consigned
band Of gallant 70 bloody shrsuds and himself
ignominous death. Whilst every well constituted mind
must denouncc his COURSE the bold and heroic bearing
Of the his nnexibe zeal and devotion and the ap-
paling end Of his schemes assera caithat scarcely
resist to pity and c0mnAseraion
Brown WINS at North Elba during q large part OF the
last summer engaged everywhere in disseminating his
fanatca opinions. The small Of his family which
have escaped his fatal schemes still remain the farm
at that place. clustering around the hearth that has
come so fearfuly bereaved and desoated.