Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-05-05

llSnJ anu Duoyant hearts, A delightful |
ride OF few miles brought Us to the ele-
giant mansion of Mr.. Stanley, who recciv-
ed us with warm welcome, and soon dis
patched servant for the young Masters
Stanley, who, In age and size, were appa-
rently our very counterparts. A little
sklltul maneuvering on the part of our pa
rents, soon dissipated our natural shyness
and reserve, and in short time our inter-
course was as free and unreserved as though I
our acquaintance had been of years instead /
OF an hours duration. The first object of
interest which, attracted our attention was |
their toy-house, an "institution" of which |
Uncle Jack had been the chief protector
and architect-filled to repletion with min
lature ships, garden utensils, wagon, &C.,
&c, and presenting to our unsophisticated
eyes a perfect museum of curiosities. We
soon learned that the major part of the
collection owed their origin to the skill or
generosity Of Uncle Jack: Uncle Jack
gave this-Uncle Jack bought that-Un-
tlo Jack made the other Having exam
ined the establishment to our satisfaction,
the proprietors in the meantime generous
ly urging us to accept of anything we
might chance to fancy, and our magnani-
mously selecting toy of trivial value; | |
proposed what had all the time been up
permost in my thoughts, visit to Uncle
Jack.
We found the old patriarch in the
pleasant little yard which surrounded his
humble though comfortable cabin; seated
with his aged companion, old Aunt Chloe,
beneath the spreading branches of a huge
maple, with his old bible, the first and on
ly one which he had ever owned, and
which his young master had taught
him to read in boyhood's halcyon DAYS,
lying open upon his knees while he was
benignantly watching the sportive gambols
OF heterogeneous group of negro chill
dren of all ages, sizes and sexes; who has
been consigned to his fatherly guardian
ship 10y their mothers while they were at
work in the field. The good old man re-
celved lis with open arms, and | fancicG
as we sat, one on either knee, with our
little arms affectionatey twined around
his neck, that we saw tear-drops trembling
in his eyes. We could but observe, too,
how our young friends regarded with jeal
Gus eye, this usurpation of their wonted
prcrogative, though they were too polite
not TO disguise the exercises of their mind
with forbearauce which attested their
good training. And scarcely had he pre-
sented us to the notice of his" old woman"
(who must needs put on her spectacles to
see if We bore any resemblance to our old
grandma, who she said was one of her ear
hest playmates, and who was dear pre-
cious old souI'') before oLr father a'so join
ed us with the view of conversing with
Uncle jack upon the subject to which |
have already incidentally referred-the
colored church which he so much desired
to see organized, ere he should be called
from the stage of action. Their confer
ence was soon interrupted by summons
to dinner, upon the conclusion of which
after retiring to the balcony to enjoy a
pleasant siesta, our kind host, at my faith
ers request, entertained us with brief
sketch of the leading episodes in the life
of his yer cradle servant whose name and
character had been the most prominent
feature in their mornings conversation.
"Uncle Jack" said Mr.. Stanley, is the
lineal descendant, as are the most of the
slaves upon my estate, of Anthony and
Norah, who, an old record in my posses
sion informs us, were purchased by my
great grandfather from cargo Of negroes
which were imported from Africa abou
the commencement of the eighteenth cen
tury. He is now on the verge of four score
years, having from my earliest recollection
been called Uncle jack" though from
habitual abstcmiousness he has the appear
ance of being much younger. From hi
very youth, as have frequently heard m,
father say, he has been the perfect mode
: of devoted and faithful servant; AM
: though he made no profession of religion
: till considerably advanced in years, he ha
S always been distinguished for his strictl
: moral habits and incorruptble honesty
y Besides this, his superior sagacity and goo
: sense gave him an enviable reputation &
e mong his companions, and all their littl
t contentious and chickering's were submitte
A. to him for arbitration. And after his col
| version his unusual ability and devote
lie piety attracted the attention of many,
il peculiarly fitting him for the exercises
in the sanctuary; and by their encourag
lie ment he commenced those public ministr
h. ticns which have since made him so famol
rs in all the adjacent country.
IN Upon his death bed my father submi
as ted to him his long contemplated purpo
id of Incorporating in his will a clause makil
he provisions for his liberation and comfort
e. bic support. This the old servant. thou.
'e- seemingly deeply affected at the mantle
re, tation of his owners good will, firmly decli
us ed accepting saying thatin my service
at should be supplied with an abundance
by the necessaries Of life, with none of tho
at corroding cares which would distract
we mind from more congenial exercises, a
Dr. if that tie which now made him the eql
M of his felow-bondsmen were sundert
err they would regard him with jealousy a
IN distrust, and he would be deprived of t
ac- great lever of his success. Besides, if
IN were free he feared he should relapse il
nd those habits of Incidence and improvider
re- which were the notorious characteristic:
ie- his race when once relieved from subor
zen nation.
,ed Some years after this was waited uE
ur- by several gentlemen who had made
we rangements to secure his manumissi
SO Judging that the powerful influence VIII
4 II -