Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-05-04
BLACK MATT / or, HOW A SLAVE SeID Wis
NEW MASTER.

ness of bis complexion was well known
among the inhabitants Of the seaboard
Of Virginia, some years ago, as slave
dealer, and an accomplished "hreaker-in" !"
of bad flesh. He once purchased a
bright mulatto by the name Of Sam, Mt a
very low price, on account Of his numer-
Gus bad qualities, such as thieying, lying
and drunkenness. Sam was intelligent,
with all his faults-eould read and write.
and ape the airs of most polished gen.
tleman. He 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 odmonitions, in order that he
might have foretaste Of the temper Of
his master. Secretly he vowed ven
geance for these Striking proofs of Mats
affections, and in short time an oppor-
tunity offered to crafty his 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 a good price, he was logged Oft in
fine cIothes-calf-skin boots, a silk hat,
and kid gloves. Matt thought by this
external show to realize AT least $4,000
for the mulatto, as the body servant oi
some rich planter. Sam was consequent
ly allowed TO go on shore in order TO show
himself off. He proceeded TO the Al
hambra, and there he strutted along
among the best of them. Hearing a
portly gentleman remark that he wished
to purchase body servant he went up ic
him, and, with an independent swagger
said:
"My dear sir, have got just the bo!
that will suit you"
cha 70 rejoined the planter, +" an
glad to hear you say so, for have beer
looking for one for several days. Wha
do you ask for him ?"
Nine hundred dollars" replied Sam
:" and cheap as dirt at that. He ha
every quality-can shave, dress hail
brush boots, and is besides polished in hi
manners. / could have got fifteen hun
dred dollars for him, but for one fault "
"Ho| calculated the planter, ian
pray what kind of fault is that?"
Why, sir, a ridiculous one. II
imagines himself white man."
"a white man! !" exclaimed the plante
9 laughing, "that is funny eonceit, indee'
bat can soon cure him of that-lv
had considerable experience in trainin
and managing gentlemen Of color
"Oh sir" continued Sam, there
but little doubt that he can be cured
d though you may find some trouble ;
first"
Well, sir, you appear to be a gentl,
man" said the planter, who was ratht
9 too anxious and confding. " ! will TAX
: him on your recommendation. Whel
+ is be now 2"
d "On board the barque-yonder at d
r. wharf, you can see him at any moment
h replied Sam.
IT Good" exclaimed the planter; s.
g am much pleased with your honest
d and candor, and in order 10 save time
II here are nine hundred dollars--plea
W to give me a bill Of SALE
r Sam got the clerk to draw up a bill
ID sale, signed the name Samuel Hopkir
( pockeied the money, and told the plant
; to ask the captain for Black Matt;
TO would himself be on board as soon as
OF closed bargain with another gentlemi
rs who was desirous OF purchasing one
& his field hands.
;" The pursy planter made his way
ie the barque, and demanded Of the eapta
:" to see the boy Black Matt. The ofiic
40 pointed 10 Matthew Ho5son, who sa,
a the quarter deck, smoking bis cigar, a
experimenting the debarkation Of
slaves.
b ''Are you Black Matt, my fine fellow
he asked the planter, addressing the sla
m merchant.
or Folks call me so at mum" was
he reply, ~but my name is Matthew Hobs
III What do you want r.
nt. "pIl tell you, Matt, what want.
lat want you. You're likely looking
X low. and viii just suit me.
m Look'ye here, stranger said NJ.
IA firing up, may be you don't know '
you are speaking 10 7"
Yes | do. ihosgh--you're my pr
ay. erty bought you Of your master, -
'ar uel Hopkins. just nos, and
tee @You bought me r CALCULATED NJ
are standing up At iull length bsfore