St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1860-05-10
From the Petersburg IVA Express.
BLACK MATT,
OR
HOW A SLAVE SOLD HIS OWN MASTER.

Matthew Hobson generally called
"Black Matt" on account of the darkness
of his complcxion) was we'll known among
the inhabitants Of the seaboard of Virginia
some years ago, as slave dealer, and an
accomplished "breaker-in" of bal fesh.-
lie once purchased bright mulatto boy
by the name of SAM, at very low price,
on account Of his numerous bad qualities,
such as thieving, lying and drunkenness,
Sam was intelligent, with all his faults
could read and write, and ape the airs of a
most polished gentleman. He was so fa1
removed, too, from the pure African, that
he could scarcely be distinguished from a
white man. On his becoming the proper.
ty Of the slave dealer, he received several
severe adnaonitions, in order that he might
have 1oretaste Of the temper of his mas:
ter. Secretely he vowed vengeance for
these striking proofs of MATHS affection.
and in short time an opportunity offered
to crafty that vengeance.
Matt made up his gang, and shipped
them at Norfolk. The barque arrived safe
ly at New Orleans, and was brought to the
wharf, In order that Sam mig hit bring a
good price, he was logged offin fine clothes,
calf skin boots, silk hat, and kid gloves.
Matt thought by this external show to re-
alize at leas 5000 for the mulatto, as the
body servant OF some rich planter. Sam
was consequently allowed to 60 on shore,
in order to show himself off: lie proceed
ed to the Alhambra and there strutted
along among the best Of them. Hearing a
portly gentleman remark that he wished
to purchase good body servant, he went
up to him, and, with an independent swag-
ger, said: -:.
MY dear sir, l have got just the boy
that will suit you"
"Ha!" rejoined the planter, ~ am glad
to hear you say SO, for I have been looking
for one f)r several days. What do you ask
for him?" .... -
"Nine hundred dollars" rcrlied Sam,
"and cheap as dirt at that. He has every
quality, can shave, dress hair, brush boots,
and besides polished in his manners. 1
could have got fifteen hundred dollars for
him, but for one fault" ...~
"Ha!'' calculated the planter, "and pray
what kind Of fault is that?
"Why, sir, ridiculous one. He imag-
ines himself white man.
'A white man - exclaimed the planter,
laughing, ''that is funny conceit, indeed;
but can cure him Of that-l've had con-
siderable experience in training and man
aging gentlemen Of color" -" -:-
ooh! sir" continued Sam, "therc is but
little doubt that he can be cured-though
you may find some trouble at first"
"Wel], sir, you appear to be a gentle
man." said the planter, who was rather
too anxious and coufding: Il will take
him on your recommendation. Where is
he now? p"
"On board the barque-yonder at the
wharf: you can see him at any moment"
replied Sam. ~*. 49,
"Goodv' exclaimed the planter, {; II am
much pleased with your honesty and can
dor, and in order to save time-here are
nine hundred dollars-please to give me a
bill Of sale." -.,.... ~. -
Sam got the clerk to draw up a bill of
sale, signed the name of Samuel Hopkins,
pocketed the money, and, told the planter
to ask the captain for Black Mat; he
would himself be on board as soon as he
had closed bargain with another gentle