The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1853-10-13


by way of remuneration for the laun-
dry service Besides, they all raise
chickens, pigs, and such like, which
they dispose of 10 the master or neigh
bors.
Here is an example of the manner
in which the commercial transactions
of negroes are managed on q we'll re-
gulated plantation. Each negro works
and gathers his cotton patch, and re-
ceiyes the weight from the overseer
when it is " ginned - This memoran-
dunn is carried TO the mistress, who has
Sambo credited with it. He then spe-
cifies what "extras" he wishes brought
10 return for his crop; and these are
purchased when the family supplies
are laid in; or if he prefer, he is paid
in money at market price. Thus each
one has an account with "Missus" or
"Massa" Then, by way of regulating
the police of the "negro quarter" and
placing mercantile operations upon a
secure basis, a court is organized, of
which the owner or his wife is Judge;
a sheriff is elected by the constituency;
and in all cases of dispute jury of six
OF the litigants' peers is empannelled-
right of challenge being of course al
lowed-and the parties appear person
ally or by counsel. Queer pleading,
you may be sure, then ensues. By the
way, one of the funniest books of the
age might be written from notes OBJ
tained at the meetings of negroes in
an "official capacity"
The decision Of the jury is irrevoca-
bic, and the sheriff proceeds to enforce
the penalty. Frequently they have
goods and chattels brought 10 the ham
meL There is not little practice in
these courts, for the slaves, like their
beuers, have decided taste for law
suits
You would be surprised and amused
to overlook some of the orders made
ont for Cuffey. Artificial flowers, white
silk slippers,-nearly large enough for
Goliath,-while gloves, etc, may often
be seen in requisition for bridal trous-
seau.
Money is rarely scarce commodity
with negroes. They have "a great pro-
cIivity for traffic, and some of them
signalize themselves born merchants.
By labor, trade, and economy, there are
but few that could not buy themselves
in few years. But, as a general
thing, frugality is a word, the meaning
Of which is unknown and uncared for
by the race.
Family servants have much the feel
ing of old Scotch clans; identity with
the interest of the owner, and family
pride. They have due contempt for
upstart neighbors, the recent rich and
poor white folks are objects of supreme
derision. Their airs, in presence of
such, are lordly to haughtiness, and,
when conciliatory at all, it is after the
most approved type of condescension.
But, to all the members of the family,
their love is a blending of friendship
and worship. They make far more of
the children than of their own. have
seen nothing more beautiful than the
sleepless care, and reverent devotion,
of an old negro nurse, in tending her
masters children and these are amply
by the affection and conf
deuce which these scions of nobler
mould maintained for Mamma "-the
nurses title-through life. was pre-
sent the other day at a conversation,
in which planter offered TO sell out
10 a neighbor. ~ will take" said he,
-" five hundred thousand dollars for " my
negroes and five plantations.
" Will sell all | have, save the old wo-
man that nursed me; and "she you
couldn't buy, with all your money"
Mamma is generally preferred by the
children TO the mother, and the cook is
the next Gavorite. Under the auspices
of these worthless the youngsters dip
their ash cake into the pot liquor, re-
fishing the greasy meal more than all
the dainties Of the table. The truest
picture in Mrs. Stoves book is that of
Aunt Chloe, with Massa George in her
cabin. 1t is diverting in the extreme
to hear the old women in charge of the
lecture them; "'vise wild 'em"
and talk to "'em for dem own good"
They seem, at times, furious, but al
ways wind up by letting the darling
have their own way.
A strong attachment likewise grows
up between the boys and girls at the
house and their young negro playmates. |
Many "tnssel," and sometimes regu-
lar fight have they of the masculine
gender; in which often as otherwise
the master comes off second best. But
he would scorn to seek redress at his
father's hand. If he can't whip Pete
himself, he allows that gentleman to
"cock of the walk"
Each child of the family has his
body servant or her maid; and they /
grow up together in habits of intimacy,
unknown elsewhere, between persons
n the same relative conditions.
A soa has been off a year or two at
school, and is now daily looked for
1t length, the boat whistle announces
lis approach. All hands leave work,
ind hasten to the landing. What
and yelling as he quits the
blank, what shaking hands, hugging
md kissing. He cries, and shouts and
iances, so do they. All "tear round