Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1860-04-12
From the Petersburg (Va.) Express.
BLACK MATT:

Black Matt. on account of the dark
ness of hit complexion) was well
know among the inhabitants ofthe sea-
board Of Virginia. some years ago. as
a slave dealer, and sn accomplished
'breaker-in' Of bad flesh. lie once
purchased bright mulatto by the
name of Sam. at a very low price, on
account Of his numerous bad qualities,
such as thieving. lying and drunken
ness. Sam was intelligent, with all
his faults--could read and write, and
ape the airs of most polished gentle
man. He was so far removed, too.
from the pure African, that he could
scarcely be distinguished from white
man. On his becoming the property
of the slave dealer, he received several
severe adn,onitions, in order that he
might have foretaste of the temper of
his master. Secretly he vowed ven
geance for the striking proofs of Mats
affection, and in q short time an op-
portnnity offered to crafty that ven
geance.
Matt made up his gang. and ship
ped them at Norfolk. The barque ar
rived safely at New Orleans, and was
brought to the wharf, In order that
Sam might bring a good price. he was
logged off in fine clothes-calf-skin
boots, silk hat, and kid gloves
Matt thought by this external show to
realize at least 5000 for the mulatto,
as the body servant Of some rich plan
ter. Sam was consequently allowed
to GO on shore, in order to show him
self OF. He proceeded to the Alham-
bra, and there strutted along among
the best of them. Hearing a portly
gentleman remark that he wished tc
purchase a good body servant, he went
up to him, and, with al Independent
swagger, said:
My dear sir. have got just the boy
that will suit you
'Ha" rejoined the planter, i an
glad to hear you say so. for l have
been looking for one for several days
What do you ask for him?'
Nine hundred dollars. replied Sam
and cheap as dirt at that. He ha
every quality-can shave, dress hair
brush boots, and is besides polished il
his manners. could have got iftee,
? hundred dollars for him, but for on
fault
Hal calculated the planter. 'an'
pray what kind of fault is thatc'
why. sir. ridiculous one. II
imagines himself a white man.
a white mani exclaimed the plan
ter, laughing, that is funny conceit
indeed; but can soon cure him of tina
I've had considerable experience i
training and managing gentlemen {
: color
p 'Oh! SIR continued Sam, there
but little doubt that he can be cure
though you may find some troubl
at first
g We'll, sir, you appear to be a gel
tlcman,' said the planter, who wa
rather too anxious and confiding
will take him on your recommends
b ton. Where is he now?'
'On board of the barque-yonder I
the wharf; you can see him at any M
ment, repileu Saii.
v 'Good! exclaimed the planter
am much pleased with your honest
and candor. and in order to save tin
" here are nine hundred dollars
.e please give me bill of sale.'
Sam got the clerk to draw mp bi
of sale, signed the name OF Samu
. Hopkins, pocketed the money. ar
10 told the planter to ask the captain f
Black Matt; nc would himself be {
board as soon as he closed barga
with another gentleman who was d
a sirous Of purchasing one Of his fe
hands.
The pusy planter made his way
- the barque, and demanded of the ca
at tain to see the boy, Black Matt. II
officer pointed to Matthew Hobso
who sat on the quarter deck. smokir
his cigar and experimenting the d
il, barkation of his slaves.
Are you Black Matt. my fine Il
lowT asked the planter. addressing {
y slave merchant.
st Folks call me so at hum was {
reply. but here my name is Matthe
Hobson. Who do you WANT
" Pll tell you. Matt, what l want,
st want you. You're a likely lookil
fellow, and will just suit me-
'Look'ye here, stranger said Ma
On firing up, maybe you don't know W
o, you are speaking to?'
Yes l do. though-you're my pro
erty; l bought you of your msster,