Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-01-22

and, With an Independent SWagger Salu
MY dear sir, have got just the boy tha
| will suit you. :"
"Ha!' rejoiced the planter" I am glad t.
hear you say so for 1 have been looking fo
one for several days. What do you ask fo
him?"
''Nine hundred dollars replied Sam, s'anc
cheap as dirt at that. He has every quality
can shave, dress hair, brush boots-and is. be
sides, polished in his manners. I could have
obtained fifteen hundred dollars for him, bu
for one fault"
"Hal' calculated the planter" and pray
what kind Of fault is that?'
''Why, sir, q ridiculous one. He imagines
himself white mani"
IA white man! T. exclaimed the planter
laughing, that a funny conceit, indeed but
| can soon cure him of that-I've had consd
cradle experience in training and managing gen
tlemen of color
"Oh, sir" continued Sam, there is but lit
tie doubt that he can be cured-though you
may find some trouble at first y
well, sir, you appear to be gentleman, y
said the planter, who was rather too anxious
and coniding, L will take him on your recon-
mendation. Where is he now?"
''On board the barque Wing, yonder at the
levee; you can see him at any moment.
Good !" exclaimed the planter; II am
much pleased with your honesty and candor
and, in order to save time-here are your nine
hundred dollars-pease give me bill of sale. y
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 Cap
tain for Black Matt; he would himself be on
board as soon as he had closed bargain with
another gentleman, who was desirous of pur-
chasing one of his field hands.
The pussy 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 debarkation OF
his slaves.
Are you Black Matt, my fine fellow ?" asked
the planter addressing the slave merchant
Folks call me SO to hum was the reply,
''but my names Mathew Hobson. What do
you want?"
IN tell you, Matt, what l want. I want
you. You re likely looking fellow, and will
just suit me- /"
Look ye here, stranger, said Matt, firing
up, may, be yer don't know who you're speak
ing to p
"Yes do, though. Your my property
| bought you OF your master, Samuel Hopkins,
| just now and -
"You bought me' exclaimed Matt, stand
ing up at full length before the planter Hell
and the devil sir-I m a white man."
Come, come, now, )" said the fat man calm
ly, 1T won't do know you-you can't hum
bug me with your conceits-I Il whip it out of
you sir-Tl teach you
Here Matt drew back and aimed blow at
the ruddy nose of the planter, who siezed him
by the throat and beloved for the police An
officer happened to be on the levee he, at the
instance OF the planter siezed the refractory
stdre and bore him to the calaboose, where he
remained until evidence could be procured
identifying him as free born citizen
Sam, in the mean time got on board ship
that was just weighing anchor for a European
port, and has never been heard of since The
rascal had found his revenge Matt had lost
his slave, and the green fat gentleman his
money
That story OF niger selling his own mas
ter remarked Muckton, brings to my mind
a circumstance which took place down in ou1
diggins'
The thread of the Georgian's discourse was
cut short by a blast ON the bugle, and distant
reports Of fire arms. In few moments pick
ct dashed down the road and reported the ad
vance of a strong force of the enemys cavalry.
Quick orders were Immediately given, and by the
pale light OF the crescent moon, we saddled and
caparlsoned our horses, and in few moments
We're drawn up in line. Every heart beat
with animation-not word was spoken but the
quick orders of the commanding officer and the
responding echo Of the subaIterns. For
ward!' was the word, and soon the grayelly
road gave up the hollow sound of our horses
hoofs. Scout after scout came In, and took his
place in the ranks-each one corroborated the
report OF the flrst-the enemy, in strong force
were advancing. We ewere anxious to give then
battle, never counting their numbers
[ rode by the side Of Mildew-by the light Of
the moon | could see that he was pale and hag
gard his lips were tightly compressed and he
jerked his reins as if he were in an i'll humol
with the noble animal he bestrode.
We're going to have nice scrimmage, .
said Muckton, riding up. ''Whoop, fellers lei
her rip wake snakes, the day a breaking r
and he passed on to the front of the column
Il wish | had that fellows temperament, :
said MElldew, he looks on fighting as pastime
and would split mans head in two with a.
little compunctl0n as he would wiring the neck
of a chicken. Would to heaven [ were like
him."
is your old feeling of timidity coming ove
you again." | asked
Il fear it is, = said he. II do not think
am coward-but,. cannot bear the sight o
blood.
''Viola!'' rung into his ears.
Viola yes, Viola-let that dear name bt
my battle Cry. thank you. my friend tina
name has charm in it will avenge her,
But. added he, my mother, and my poo
infrm fther-should you ever meet them, tel
them l died calling blessings upon them-tel
them their only son, did not die the death of /;
coward. .
You are not dead yet, replied I II hope
you are good for many struggles yet. -
'Ah,-its of no use-the thought still haunt
me-this will be my last fight.
These were the last words L ever heard hin
utter. Thefoe came downupo US; the shock wa
tremendous, but our men stood it firmly. A
simultaneous discharge of fire arms was followed
by hot contest with sabres-even the un
horsed grappled and threw the issue upon bod
lily strength | saw the tall form of Ben com
ing above the rest he urged his men forward
with loud yell, and dealt many sturdy blow
upon sconces Of the clumsy adversary. Hi
men followed him cheerily, and they were sool
lost in the mist Of night, having cut their wa,
through the enemy's lines. In the thicknes
of the fight, was separated from Mdew, 70
my horse had received bullet wound and be
came exceedingly restive, bearing me far in ad
vance of our men.
The contest was long and stubborn, and man.
of our boys we're unsaddled and left hors d7
combat on the field. Inch by inch the enem,
gave ground, and at length, made off at full
speed. We pursued for nearly mile, and thel
returned to the plain where we had made
stand. The melancholy moon still looked dowl
upon the field Of blood.our victorious part.
dsmounted to look after the dead and wound
ed-one by one we gathered up our brave com
rades who had fallen in the fight, and, by th
Il L