The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-08-03
Black Matt; or, how Slave sold his
own Master.

Matthew Hobson generally called Black
Matt, ON account Of the darkness of his COM
plexion) was well known among the inl'abi.
tants OF the aboard of Virginia, some years
ago, as slave dealer, and an accomplished
breaker in of bad flesh. lie once purchased
a bright mulatto by the name Of Sam, at u
very low price, on account Of his numerous
had qualities, such as thicving, lying and
drunkenness. Sam was intelligent, with all
his faults-could read and write, and apo the
airs Of most polished gentleman. lie 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
admonitions, in order that he might have
foretaste of the temper Of his master. Sc
cretly he vowed vengeance for these striking
proofs of Mats affection, and in short
time an opportunity offered to gnti'y his
vengeance.
Matt made up his gang, and shipped them
at Norfolk. The bark arrived safely at New
Orleans, and was brought to the wharf. In
order that Sun might bring good price, he
was logged of in fine clothes, calf-skin boots,
silk hat and kid gloves. Matt thought by
this external show to realize ut least 5000
for the mulatto as tho body servant OF some
rich planter. Sam was consequently allowed
TO 90 on shore, in order to show himself oil.
Io proceeded to the Alhambra and there
strutted along among the best OF them.
Hearing portly gentleman remark that nc
wished to purchase good body servant, hc
went up to him, and with an independent
swagger, said 80,
MY dear sir, have just tho boy that will
suit you.'
ia y rejoincd tho planter, Il am glad to
hear YOU say so, for have been looking for
one for several days. What do you ask for
him2 I,
mine hundred dollars replied Sam, .and
cheap as dirt at that. lie has every quality,
can shave, dress hair, brush boots, and IL be-
sides polished in his manners. could have
got fifteen hundred dollars for him but for
ono fault =.
.Hs = CALCULATED the planter, and pray
wha. kind Of fault Is that?'
why, sir, ridiculous one. He imagines
himself white man.
"A white man = exclaimed tho planter,
laughing, 'that is a funny conccit, indeed !;
but | can soon cure him of that-I've had
considerable experience in training and man
aging gentlemen Of color
.Oh, sir, continued Sam, 'thcro is but lit
tic doubt but that he can be curcd-thouSh
YOU may find Il some trouble at first :.
well, sir. you appear to be gentleman,
said the planter, who was rather too anxious
and confding; i will take him on your rec
ommcndation. Where IL he nov 2
,On board tho bark yonder ut the wharf |:
you can SO him ut any momcnt,' replied
Sam.
,Good,' exclaimed the planter sp much
pleased with your honesty and candor, and
In order to save time-here are the nine
hundred dollars.pleaso give me o bill OF
sale.' go,
Sam got tho clerk to draw up bill OF
sale, signed the name Of samuel Hopkins,
pocketed the money, and told tho planter 20
ask the captain for Black Matt-he would
himself be on board a. soon ~ no bad clcecd
q bargain with another gentleman, who
was desirous Of purchasing ono Of his held
hands.
Ths pussy planter made his way 70 the