Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1860-04-20
MISC f L L A \ Y.
BLACK MATT; ;OR, HOW A SLAVE
SOLD HIS NEW MASTER.

Matthew Hobson generally called "Black
Matt on account of the darkness OF his
oompleXion) was well known among the in
habltants Of the seaboard of Virginia, some
years ago, as a slave dealer, and an accom-
plished - 'breaker-in' of bad flesh. He once
purchased bright mulatto by the name of
Sam, at a very low price, on account of his
numerous bad qualities, such as thleYlng,
wing and drunkenness. Sam was lntelll-
gent. with all his faults-could read and
write, and ape the airs of a most polished
Gentleman. He was so far removed, too,
IRON the pure African, that he conld scarce
" be distinguished from white man. On
hls becoming the property of the slave deal
er, be received several severe ddrl0n'tionS, IN
order that he might have foretaste OF the
temper of his master. Secretly he vowed
vengeance for these striking proofs of Matt's
afections and in a short time an opportuni-
tv offered to crafty mis- 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-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 ser
want of some rich planter. Sam was conse-
quently allowed to go on shore in order to
show himself off He proceeded to the Al
hambria, and there he strutted along among
the best of them. Hearing portly gentle
man remark that he wished to purchase
good body servant he went up to him, and,
with an Independent swagger, said
My dear sir, have got just the boy that
viii suit you"
"Ha - reioined the planter, 81 am glad to
hear you say so, for 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 has every
quaitv-can shave, dress hair, brush boots,
and is besides polished IN his manners. |
could havegot fifteen hundred dollars for him,
but for one fault.
"Ho !" CALCULATED the planter, land pray
what kind of fault is that p
"Why, sir, ridiculous one. lie imag-
ines himself a white man.
"A white man - exclaimed the planter
laughing, that is funny conceit, indeed /;
but can soon cure him of that-I've had
considerable experience in training and man
aging gentlem en- of color
"Oh sir, continued sam, "there is but
little doubt THAI he can be cured though
you may find some trouble at first
We'll, sir, you appear to be gentle
man, = said the planter, who was rather too
anxious and confding. 81 will take him on
your recommended ton Where is he now ?''
"On loard the barque-yonder at the
wharf, you can see him at any moment, y
replied Sam
Good, exclaimed the planter +; II am
much pleased with your honesty and candor,
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 Samuel Hopkins,
Pocketed the money, and told the planter to
'sk the captain for Black Matt be would
"l;n>elt be on board as soon as he had closed
bargain with another gentleman who was
teslrous of purchasing one of his field
Inc pursy planter made his way to the
uarque, and demanded of the captain to see
' nov Blart Matt The officer pointed To