Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1860-04-12
Gbeite MlistsIIarng!.
Black Matt; or, How Slave Sold
his own Master.
From the Petersburg IVA, Express1

Matt" on account of the; darkness OF hi
complexion) was well known among the in
hubitants Of the sesboard Of Virginia. som,
years ago, asa slave dealer, and an accom-
Plished "breaker-inn VI bad fesh. He one,
purchased a bright mulatto by the name o
Sam, at a very low price, on account of hi,
numerous bad uslities. such as thievng
lying and drunkenness. Same was intelli
gent, with all his fau.ts--could read ant
write, and ape the airs of most polished
gentleman. He wps 80 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
dealer, be received several severe ad,noni
lions. in order that he might have forestatt
of the temper of his msster. Secretly he
vowed vengence for these striking proofs Of
Mats affection, and in short time an op.
por.unity offered to crafty that vengeance
Matt made up his gang, and shipped them
at Norfolk. The barque arrived safely a,
New Orleans, and was brought to the wharf
In order that Sam might bring good price
he was logged off in fine clotbes-calf skin
boots, silk hat, and kid gloves. Mat,
thought by this external show to rea lie a,
least $500 for the mulatto, as the body SER
want Of some rich planter. Sam was con-
sequently allowed to go on shore, in order
to show himself off. He proceeded to the
A lhsmbra, and there strutted along among
the best Of them. Hearing a portly gentle.
man remark that he wished to purchase a
good body servant, he went up to him, and,
with an independent swagger, said:
my Gear sir, | have got just the boy that
will suit YOU"
"Ha!" rejoined the planter, 81 am glad
to hear you say SO, for have been looking
for one for several days. What do you ask
for himt"
anime 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 I could
have got fifteen hundred dollars for him but
for one fault"
aha" calculated the planter. "und pray
what kind Of a fault is that!
"Why, sir, ridiculous one. He imugines
himself white man"
a white mani" exclaimed the planter,
laughing, "that is funny conceit, indeed
but can soon cure him Of that--I've :had
considerable experience ia training and
managing gentlemen af color"
"Oh! sir" continued Sam, "there is but
little doubt that he can he cured--though
you may find some trouble at first"
"Well, sir, you appear to be gentleman, -
said the PLANTER. who was rather too anxious
aud confding. ~ will take him on your re.
commendation. Where is he now!'
"On board the barque-yonder at the
wharf; yon can see him at any moment"
replied Sam.
"Good!" exclaimed the planter; al ain
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 of Samuel Hopkins, pock.
eted the money, ard told the planter to ask
the captain for Black Matt; he would him
self be on board as soon as he had closed a
bargain with another gentleman who wsl
desirous Of purchasing one OF his field hands.
The pursy planter made his way TO the
bsrque, and demanded of the captain to see
the boy Black Matt. The officer pointed to
Matthew Hobson, who sa. on the quarter
deck. smoking his cigar and superint ending
the debarkation of his slaves.
"Are you Black Matt, my fine fellow"
asked the planter, addressing the slave mer.
chant.
"Folks call me so at hum" was the reply
"but here my name is Matthew Hobson. -
Wha, 10 you want?"
"I'll tell you, Matt, what want. want
you. You're likely looking fellow, and
will jus, suit me-"
"Look'ye here. stranger" said Matt. firing
up. ''maybe YOU don't know who you are
speaking tol"
"Yes dc, though--you're my property;
bought you of your master. Samuel Hop.
kins. jus, now, and"--
"You bought mol" exclaimed Matt. stand.
ing up at full length before the planter
"Hell and the devil, sir-I'm a white mani
"Come. come, now,"" calmly said the man
ait won't dol know you--you can't hum
bug me with your conceits--''l'll whip.it ou
Of YOU, sir--..'ll teach you"---
Here Matt drew back and aimed blow
st the ruddy nose Of the planter. who seiz-
ed him by the throat. and beloved for the
police. An officer happened to be on the
levee-he at the instance Of the planter
seized the refractory slave and bore him t,
the calsboose, where he remained until evil
dsnce could be procured identifying him al
free born. white citizen OF the u States
Sam, in the mean time, got on board I
ship that was just weighing anchor for sr
European port. and never has been heard o
sinsa' Thus bss the rascal had his revenge
-Matt los: his slave, and the ."green" ia
gentleman his money.