The Portland daily press., 1864-11-14
Black Matt: or How Slave Sold his own
Master.

Matthew Hobson (generally called "Blaci
MATT, on account of the darkness of his com
piexionl was well known among the inhabi
tants OF the seaboard of Virginia, some years
i ago, as slave dealer, and an accomplished
breaker in" of bad flesh. He once purchased
q bright mullatto by the name of Sam, at 9
very low price, on account of his many bad
qualities, such as thieving, lying and drunk
enness. Sam was intelligent, 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 scarcely be distinguished from white
man. On his becoming the property of the
slave dealer, he received many ddmonStions,
in order that he might have a foretaste OF the
| temper OF his master.-Secretly he vowed
vengeance for these striking proofs OF Mats
affection, and in short time an opportunity
offered to crafty his vengeance. t0t
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 good price, he
was logged off in fine elothes-calf.skin boots. !.
silk hat and kid gloves. Matt thought by
| this external show to realize at least 5000 for
the mullatto, as the body servant of some rich
planter. sam was consequently allowed to go
to the Alhambra, and there he strutted along
among the best of them. Hearing portly
gentleman remark that he wished to purchase
good body servant he went up TO him, and
with an independent swagger, said :sa s (.
will suit you" ~I'i
"Ha!" rejoined the planter, ssI am glad to
hear you say so, for have been looking for
one for several days. What do you ask for
"Nine hundred dollars,o replied Sam. sand
ChlQn dirt al haf Is TJah hoe
can shave. dress hair, brush boots and is be-
sides polished In his manneIs. i could have
got fifteen hundred dollars for him but for one
fault" giga 1I -01rT7-T -
"Ho~ calculated the planter, sand pray
what kind OF fault is that 2' .g - -.
why sir, ridiculous one. He imagines
himself white man."
"a white mani" exclaimed the planter,
laughing. that is funny conceit, indeed but
can soon cure him of that-Pve had oonsid-
cradle experience in training and managing
gentlemen of color" n
"Oh! sir" continued Sam, "there is but lit
tie doubt that he can be cured-though you
may find some trouble at first" as66ul
We'll, sir, you appear to be gentleman"
said the planter, who was rather too anxious
and condding. II will take him on your re-
commendstion. Where is he now?" b .s
On board the barque- e-yonder at the 1
piled Sam. gAl Is aoi4ao - ssi e5 4p6c
Coed" exclaimed the planter; II am much
pleased with your honesty and candor, and in
order to save time-here are nine hundred dol i
lars-please give me a bill of sale.n ag5s ll
Sam got the clerk to draw up bill of sale,
signed The name of Samuel Hopkins, pocket
ed the money, and told the planter to ask the
captain for Black Matt; he would himself be |
on board as soon as he closed a bargain with
another gentleman who was desirous of pur-
chasing one of his field hands.
The pursy planter made his way to the bar
que, and demanded of the captain to see the /
boy Black Matt. The officer pointed TO Mat
thew Hobson, who sat on the quarter deck. |
smoking his cigar, and experimenting the de- !
barkation Of his slaves. alA a4a4.t Il
Are you Black Matt, my fine fellow P" 1
asked the planter, addressing the slave mer-
chant. e9 6s1 a4rs1 Sc ~ stI
"Folks call me so at hum, was the reply,
"but here my name is Matthew Hobson. What
do you want?" 1saI s.a 5i9 ,zas1 s6s
"Pll tell you, Matt, what want. want
you. You're likely looking fellow, and wilt
just suit me-"
''Look ye here, stranger" said Matt, firing
up, maybe you don't know who you are
"Yes do, though--you're my property; \
bought you Of your master, Samuel Hopkins,
JUST uOW, anu .s-..ssf 4..- ....'.
sYou bought me = exclaimed Matt, standing
up at full length before the plantsr. am
white man, a91iifia f sses9
Come, come, now," calmly said the man,
"it won't dol know you-you can't humbug
me with your conceits-I1l whip 1t out of you,
sir-Ill teach youn- lIe seszal q n
Here Matt drew back and aimed blow at
the ruddy nose of the planter, who seized 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
stGUe and bore him to the calaboose, where he
remained until evidence could be procured
identifying him as free born white citizen of
the United States. 7aa
Sam, in the meantime, got on board ship
that was weighing anchor for an European
port, and never has been heard of since. Thus
has the rascal had bis revenge Matt lost his
slave, and the "green" fat gentleman his mo-
ney.-[ Petersburg tVa.) Express.