Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-04-06
BLACK Matt; or, HOW a slave sold His
own Master.
From the Petersburg, va,

RAVu tHo ieVeIspurgJ Nfa) hAprees
Matthew Hobson generally called "Black
Matt on account Of the darkness of his
complexion) was well known among 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 bright mulatto by the name of
Sam, at very low price, on account of bis
numerous bad qualities, such as thieving,
lying and drunkenness. Sam was intelli-
gent with all his faults-could read and
write, and ape the airs of most polished
gentleman. He was so far removed too,
from the pure African, that he could scarce
ly be distinguished from white man. On
his becoming the property of the slave deal
er, he received several severe adnaonitions,
in order that he might have a foretaste of
the temper of his master. Secretly he
vowed vengeance for these striking proofs
Of Matts affection, and in a short time an
opportunity oferedt togratify that vengeance.
Matt made up his gang and shipped
them at Norfolk. The barque arrived
at New Orleans, and was brought to the
wharf In order that Sam might bring a
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 real
ize at least 5000 for the mulatto, as the
body servant of some rich planter. Sam
was consequently allowed to go on shore
to show himself of. He proceeded to the
Alhambra, and there strutted along among
the best of them. Hearing a portly geu.
tleman remark that he wished to purchase
q good body servant, he went up to him
and, with an independent swagger said:
"My dear sir, I have got just the boy thai
will suit you."
"Ha| rejoined the planter, ~ am glad
to hear you say so, for have been looking
for one for several days. What do you ask
for himr
"Nine hundred dollars" replied Sam
"and cheap as dirt at that. He has every
quality-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 p calculated the planter, "and pray
what kind of fault is that9"
"Why, sir, ridiculous one. He imag-
AAOo AANhSSAA a HHlJO
"a white man !" CALCULATED the planter
laughing, 'that is funny conceit, indeed
but can soon cure him of that-Pve had
considerable experience in training and man
aging gentlemen of color"
"Oh! sir" continued Sam "there is but lit
tie doubt that be can be ecured-though you
may find some trouble at first"
swell, sir, you appear to be a gentleman,
said the planter who was rather too anxiou;
and coufding. II will take him on YOU
recommendation. Where is he nowG 7"
On board the bark, yonder at the wharf
you can see him at any moment" replied
Sam.
AGood p exclaimed the planter; "I an
much pleased with your honesty and can
dor, and in order to save time-here arc
nine hundred dollars-please to give me 4
bill Of salo.n
Sam got the clerk to draw up bill o.
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 bargain with another gentle
man who was desirOus of purchasing ono 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 quarter
deck smoking his cigar and experimenting
the deharkation Of bis slaves.
"Afe you Black Matt, my fine fellow r.
asked the planter, addressing the slave mer-
chant.
"Folks call me 80 At hum" was the re-
ply, shut here my name is Matthew Hob.
son. Wha' do you wantF
"I'll tell you, Matt, what rwant. want
you. You're a likely looking fellow, and
viii just suit me"
4.ookye here, stranger" aaid Matt firing