Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1860-03-15
MISCELLANEOUS,
a Slave Sells his Easter.

MatneW JopSOn, generally called Black
Matt on account of the darkness of his
complexion was well known by the inhab-
itants of the seaboard Of Virginia some
years ago as slave-dealer, and an accom-
plished 'breaker-in' of bad flesh. He once
purchased bright mulattO by the name of
Sam, al a very low price, on account of his
numerous bad qualities, such as thieying,
lying and drunkenness. Sam was intelli-
gent with all his 4aults-cOuld read and
write, and ape the airs Of polished gen
tleman. lie was so far rcQoyed, too, from
the pure African, that he could scarcely
be distinguished from white nan. On his
becoming the property Of the slave dealer,
he received several severe admonitions, in
order that he might haye foretaste of the
temper Of his master. Secretly he vowed
yengence for these striking proofs of Mats
affection, and in short time an opportuni-
ty offered to crafty that vengeance.
Matt made up his gang and shipped
them at Norfolk. The barque arrived safe
ly at New Orleans, and was brought to the
wharf. In order that Sam might bring a
good price, he was legged off in fine clothes
-calf-skin boots, silk hat, and kid gloves
Matt thought by this external show to
realize at least 81 800 for the mulatto, as
the body servant Of some rich planter
Sam was consequently allowed to 90 on
shore in order to show himself off. He
proceeded to the Alhambra and there strut
ted about among the best of them Hear
ing portly gentleman remark that he wish
ed to purchase a good body servant, he
went up to him and with an independent
swagger, said:
My dear sir, | have got just the boy
that will suit you
Ha Hrejoined the planter, am glad
to hear you say so, for l have been looking
for one for seYaral days. What do you ask
for him?'
Nine hundred dollars replied Sam,
and cheap enough at that. He has every
quality-can shave, dress hair, brush boots,
and is, besides, polished in his manners
7 could have got fifteen hundred dollars
for him, but for one fault
'Hap calculated the planter; and pray
what kind Of fault is that?'
why, sir, ridiculous one. He mag
ines himself white man
a white man exclaimed the planter,
laughing; that is funny conceit.-I've
had considerable experience in training and
managing gentlemen Of color
'Oh sir continued Sam, there is but
little doubt that lie can be cured-tho' you
may find some trOnble at first
We'll, sir, you appear to be gentleman,
said the planter, who was rather too anxious
and conhding. i will take him at your
recommendation. Where is he now?'
'Qn board the barque - yonder at
the wharf; you can see him at any mo-
ment.'
Good ? exclaimed the planter am
much pleased with your honesty and can
dor, and in order to save time here are
your nine hundred dollars-please give me
a bill of sale
Sam got the clerk to draw up bill of
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 clos
ed bargain with another gentleman, who
was desirous of purchasing one OF his field
hands.
The pursey planter made his way to the
bar4ue, and demanded of the captain to see
the boy Black Matt The officer pointed
to Mathew Hobson, who sat on the quarter
deck, smoking his cigar, and superintend-
ing the debarkation of his slaves.
'Are you Black Matt, my fine fellow !!
asked the planter, addressing the slave
merchant
Folks call me so at hum,' was the re
ply, but here my names Mathew Hobson
What do you WANT?
'Tll tell you, Matt, what [ want.
want you. You're likely looking fellow
and will just suit me-
Look 'ye here, stranger, said Matt, hr
ing up, maybe you don't know who you 'rt
speaking to-
Yes I do, though-you're my property
I bought you of your master, Samuel Hop
kins, just now, and
You bought mep exclaimed Matt
standing up at full length before the plan
ter hell and the devil, sir-Pm white
man.
Come, come, now,' calmly said the ia
man, lit won't do know you-you can