Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-02-14
How Jerry Bonght bis Freedom.

title and all, to Virginia paper. ltmay well
be called "a nut for the Abolitionists,' rs
going to show that whether as respects the
sentiments of honor, or the capacity to take
care of themselves, the colored population of
| the South are quite as well prepared for lib
erty as the white citizens of those States, 1t
would rejoice the hearts of many of our New
! York merchants if some of their runaway and
| missing Southern customers would show
little of that regard for the honor Of the family
exhibited by Jerry I'd. Tri6l
An incident recently happened in a neigh
boring State between master and slave, which
ought to 60 far to check the mschievous in.
termeddling of abolitionists with our slave
population, the details of which we here give.
without any attempt at extra display or fic-
ton. The story, simply as we relates it, will
prove quite amusing, we fancy
A gentleman ofample fortune, and exten.
sively known as one of the most humane mas.
tiers, kind neighbor, high minded, honora-
bic, and influential, owned a favorite servant
man named Jerry. Jerry had been ''raised''
in the family from infancy, and was beloved
By his t'Massa George for his sobriety. hon
esty, and industry. He was Trustworthy and
quite intelligent. Jerry prided himself on his
honor much more than many "white folks
do, as our story will show. He was petted by
the family and generally permitted to d. pref
| y 4uuSll as i6 pi6aSSu, Ills master allowed
| him to work at home, or not, as suited HIM,
and for the most part Jerry .'hired his time
and was always strictly punctual in his pay
ments. He had a permanent "pass," and
went when and where be pleased.
| The other day Jerry called on the family,
after an absence of few weeks, and when he
| had eaten plentlfully Of a good dinner, he
| stepped into his masters library to ''settle
| up, and talk of matters generally, but of one
thing particularly.
"Well, Massa George, said Jerry, after
! few prelminaries II wants to be free"
"What, jerry" answered the master, in
astonishment.>
II wants to be free, Massa; how much YOU
AK for mei'
Free! why, you are crazy, boy What
do you want to be free for Don't you do
just as you please, already ?"
Eyes, Massa George; but Lust got no
| ton that I'd like TO be free. How much do
you think I'm worth: How much you ak
for me?"
ooh, don't know. If you want to be free,
! why don't you run away p
''Me run away, Massa George y answered
Jerry, rather Indignantly; and, putting his
hand upon his breast, exclaimed Too mach
honor of The family! Jerry never will run
away But say bow much | got to pay-how
L
"Well Jerry, don't know-neyer thought
! of how much you are worth, Isuppose about
| $1,000"
"Wby, Massa George, can't give you that
money J Amt got it. Can't you take nothing
less fer me ;" said Jerry.
The earnest manner of the slave and his
out er propositions, coming so unexpectedly
to the master, rather amused him, and he de.
terlnined to let Jerry have his own way in
this matter, as he had generally done in 9TH
ers. So oe said
! VERY well, Jerry: you are very foolish in
wanting to be any more free than you are. But
| ifitsuits you to buy yourself, and if you can't
pay me S 800, what do you say to S 600
81 think thot sand little too big, too;
Massa George. Can't you say eight hundred
| l b'lieye | can raise about that much. Ill 90
see if you says you take it"
ooh, well, give me your own price-eisht
hundred. Bat Jerry, where did you get this
money!"
"Where did get it, you ak, Massa George?
Why, made some of on the river; some of
| it by knocking about and doing little Jobs, and
| one gentleman hired me wait on him in
Canada. Two or three como that before
Canada Have you been to Canada YOU
are fool. Why didn't you stay there il YOU
are so anxious 20 be free? Don't you know
| you were free when there -
Eyes, Massa George and they told me so.--
But the honor Of the .tamiiy Massa George; 1
couldn't stand it. | never forget was born
and raised in old Kentucky. Too much de
family pride, Massa George"
After some further conversation, in which
the honest and faithful slave expressed his
dislike of Canadian niggers and abolitionists.
he went off to see about his $500.
Next morning Jerry again visited his master.
There was change in his countenance quite
perceptible. He seemed to be dissatisfied and
his MASTER noticing it, said:
"Wen, Jerry, what's the matter Do YOU
begin to fell unhappy at the idea of being frees'
"No, Massa George. l wants to be free
Dat amt the matter. But finds I'm a little
short OF the $780, What you goin' to do
bout that :"
"How much money have you got Jerry?"
"Only $500, Masse George" Won't YOU
take that and trust me for the baance:"
"Ah, but will you pay if 1 trust you" I
asked the indulgent master.
''Tbe honor Of the fanaily! Massa Georoe
"Ihaps all very well, Jerry, but can't Won
give me security? Can't You find some res
ponsible person who will give lne his note for
yous'
why, don't know who will go nv Sc
cutity, Massa George, aoithoW you do ii gour-
self. You knows me better than ANYBODY
else. Won't you be securitys You are sure
to get the money. Tie honor Of the family :"
This was new way ofdoing business but
'Massa George thought be was good enough
security, especially when backed BY the ,.bon-
or of the family and so he took the five nun
dred cash and Jerry's note for three hundred !
more, and gave him regular bill of sale.
jerry is now doing thrifty business. main. |
tains his family, and loves 'Massa Georgap
Tor whom he would shed his last drop of blood |
Go it, Jerry
Political JUDGE.-Judge Nash of the |
Boston Superior Court, paid for his appoint.
ment, by writing some poetry for the Boston
Bee, after the last fall election, of which wa
give specimen brick
Nov glory to the Lord Of Hosts from whom all gorio.
are 80 e'Vi''S