The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1860-05-10
Black Matt.

Matthew IIobson generally called Black
Mat on account Of the dark ness of his
complexiCn,) was well known by the in
habitants Of the seaboard Of Virginia some
years ago as "a slave-dealer and an accom-
plished 'breaker in" of bad flesh He
once purchased a bright mulatto by the
name of Sam, at a very low price, on ac-
count of his numerous bad qualities, such
as thicying, lying and drunkenness. Sam
was intelligent with all his faults-could
read and write, and ape the airs Of most
polished gentleman. He was so far re-
moved too, from the pure African, that
he could scarcely be distinguished from a
white man. On his becoming the proper
ty of the STAKEHOLDER, he received several Sc
we're adnonitiOns, in order that he might
have foretaste OF the temper of his mas
ter. Secretly he vowed vengancc for
these striking proofs Of Matt's 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
safely at New Orleans, and was brought
! to the wharf. In order that Sam might
bring good price, he was logged off in
| fine clothes--cait-skin boots. silk hat,
and k d loves. Matt thought by this
external show, to realize at least $500
for the mulatto, as the body servant Of
some rich planter. Sam Was consequent
| ly allowed to 90 ashore in order to show
| Himself of. lie proceeded to the Alham-
/ bra and there strutted along among the
best Of them. Hearing portly gentleman
remark that he wished to purchase good
body servant, he went up to him and with
an Independent swagger said:
My dear sir, l have got just the boy
that will suit YOU
ALA :" rejoincd the planter, II am glad
to hear you say so, for | have been look
ing for one for several days. What do
you ask for him -
'.Nine hundred dollars" replied Sam,
''and cheap as dirt at that. He has every
| GuaIity-can shave, dress hair, brush boots
and is besides polished in his manners
could have got fifteen hundred dollars
for him, but for one fault"
"Ha" calculated the planter ''and pray
what kind OF fault is that ~
NV by, sir, ridiculous one. He imag
ines himself white man"
~ white mani exclaimed the planter,
laughing, chat Is funny conceit, indeed !;
but L can soon cure him OF that-l've had
considerable experience in training and
managing gentlemen of color
Oh, sir continued Sam, ''there is
but little doubt that he can be cured
though you may find some trouble at
first"
"Well, sir, you appear TO be a gentle
man, said the planter, who was rather too
| anxious and cOmfding. Il will take him
on your rcco nmcndation. Where is he
now! !'
"On board the barque -, yonder at
the wharf; you can see him at any mo-
mcnt," replied Sam.
Good" exclaimed the planter; Il am
much pleased with your honesty and can
dor, and III order to save time-here are
your nlne hundred dollars-please to give
Inc a bill of sale
Sam got the clerk to draw up bill of
sale, signed the name of Samuel Hopkins,
pOcketed the money, and told the planter
to ask the captain for Black Matt; he
would himself be on board as soon as he
had closed a bargain with another gentle
man who was desirous OF purchasing one
of his field hands
The pursy planter made his way to the
barque, and demanded Of the captain to see
the boy Black Matt The officer pointed
| to Matthew Hobson, who sat ON the quar-
ter deck, smoking his cigar and superin-
tending the debarkation of his slaves.
Are you Black Matt, my fine fellow?'
asked the planter, addressing the slave
merchant.
''F"lks call me so to hum," was the re-
ply, "Dut here my names Matth ew Hob
son What do you want?"
''I'll tell you, Matt, what l want l
want you. You're likely looking fellow,
and viii just suit me"
"Look' We here stranger" said Matt fir
ing up, maybe you don't know who you
are speaking to-
~ es l do, hough-you're my property !;
l bought you of your master, Samuel Hop
kins, just now, and,
You bought me! !" exclaimed Matt,
standing up at full length before the plan
ter, hell aud the devil, sir-Im a white
man
s.Come, come, now," calmly said the
| fat man, at won't dol know you
you can hum5ug me with your conceits-
III whip it out Of you sir-Ill teach
you"
Here Matt drew back and aimed blow
at the rudy nose of the planter, who seiz-
IL Il I'LL, xrsaI4 4,~F-