Pomeroy weekly telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio) 1860-1866, 1860-04-10
From the Petersburg (va.) Express Z s
BLACK MATT OR, HOW A SLAVE
SOLD HIS OWN MASTER.

From the Petersburg (va.) Express. Z s
BLACK MATT OR, HOW A SLAVE
. SOLD HIS OWN MASTER.
Matthew Hobson, Generally called
" Black Matt" on the account of the
darkness of his complexion) was well
known among the inhabitants of the sea-
board of Virginia, some years ago, as a
slave dealer, and an accomplished "break-
erin" of bad flesh. He once purchased
q bright mulatto by the name of Sam,
at very low price, on account of his
numerous bad qualities, such as thieving,
lying and drunkenness. Sam was intel
ligent, with all his faults--could read
and write, and ape the airs of the most
accomplished gentleman. He was so
far removed, too, from the pure African
that he could scarcely be distinguished
from a white man. On his becoming
the property of the slave dealer, he re-
ceived several severe adnaonitions, in or
der that he might have foretaste of the
temper of his master. Secretly he vowed
vengeance for these striking proofs of
Matt's affection, and in a short time an
opportunity offered to crafty that ven
geance. '- - ''. @'
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-calf-skin boots, a 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 planter. Sam was consequently al
lowed to go on shore in order to show
himself off. He proceeded to the AL
hambra, 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
swagger, said:
Ny dear sir, have got just the boy
that will suit you"
4" Hal" rejoined the planter, II am
glad to hear you say so, for have been
looking for one for several days. What
do ask for him? ?"~..-..----
"Nine hundred dollars" replied Sam,
'sandz as cheap as dirt sat that He has
every quality-can shave, dress hair,
brush boots, and is besides polished in
his manners. Il could have got fifteen
hundred dollars for him, but for one
fault"
"Har" calculated the planter, "and
pray what kind of fault is that?"
"Why, sir, ridiculous one. He inn
agines himself white man"
GA white man p exclaimed the plan
ter, laughing. that is funny conceit,
indeed but can soon cure him of that
I've had considerable experience in
training and managing gentlemen of
color"
"Oh SIR" continued Sam, athere is
but little doubt that he can be cured
though you may have some trouble at
first" ss.g - r.gss
" Well, sir, you appear to be a gentle
man." said the planter, who was rather
too anxious and confding II will take
him on your recommendation. Where
is henow 2'' -
''On board the barque-yonder at the
wharf you can see him atany moment,
replied Sim.
aGood y exclaimed the planter am
much pleased with your candor and hon
esty, and in order to save time-here
are nine hundred dollars-please to give
me bill of sale"'
Sam got the clerk to draw up bill of
sale, signed the name of Samuel Hop
kins, poeketed 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
gentleman who was desirous Of pur-
chasing one of his field hands.
The pursy planter made his way to
the barque, and demanded of the cap
tain to see the boy Black Matt. The
officer pointed to Matthew Hobson, who
sat on the quarter deck, smoking his
cigar and experimenting the debarkation
of his slaves.
"Are you Black Matt, my fine fell
low?' asked the planter, addressing the
slave merchant.
"Folks call me so to hum," was the
reply, "but here my name is Matthew
Hobson. What do you want.?F ?F"
"I'll tell you, Matt, what I want. I
want you. You're likely looking fell
low, and will just suit me" 90 F.,
Look'ye here, stranger" said Matt,
firing up, " maybe you don't know who
you are speaking to?'
a' Yes / do, though-you're my prop
erty; I bought you Of your master,
Samuel Hopkins, just now, and'-
"You bought me p exclaimed Matt,
standing up at full length before the
planter. "Hell and the devil, sir-Im
white man p
Come, come, now," calmly said the
man, cit won't do know you-you
can't humbug me with your conceits-
" I'll whip it out of you, sir-I'll teach
Here Matt drew back and aimed a
blow at the ruddy nose Of the planter,
who seized him by the throat, and bel
lowed for the police. An officer hap
pened to be on the levee-he at the in
stance Of the planter seized the refrac-
tory slaue and bore him to the ealaboose,