The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-10-14
miscellaneous.
From the New Orleans Tines
A. FEW HOURS
IN A NEGRO C0NVENTICLE.

Not hundred miles from tho Bayou
Courtsblenll. in this State, stands . queer
barn-like building. which. In its time, has
served for variety Of purposes Store.
granary, cotton-house, and now, in its
last DAYS, II has risen to the dignity Of .
church for the nowly emancipated.
A few weeks ago y small party Of Us
found ourselves within its walls drawn
thither by the reputation of "Brudder
Lishe Potter" The thunder OF colored
missionary and his souLsplitting efforts
had been trumpetcd with such success
throughout the parish that we were
strangely curious 10 hear the African Bo-
ancrSes. We had known him rs an ig-
norant slave on neigboring plantation.
and had great desire TO see and hear in
what form the gin of tongues had descen-
ded upon his enfranchised head.
The day was clear and cool. From
seven in the morning until eleven-the
hour Of service-horses, buggies, carts
aud carryalls discharged their freight at
the church door. Tho freedman would
loose caste In his circle II he should under
take to walk mile. when there Is q mis-
cradle. halEstarvcd pony on his premises.
Such loads. too. as he makes that unhap-
py pony draw? Humanity TO animals Is
sadly hacking in the African character.
and his dogs. horses and cattle all show
the marks of neglect or actual cruelty.
Every shade Of black and yellow met
that day Mt the church door. There was
n constant hustle Of dismounting. shaking
of dresses. brushing Of coats and shoes,
and loud greetings Of friends and ae-
q,iaintances.
One fat negress made herself particu-
larry busy rs self-constitutSd mistress OF
ceremonies. In virtue OF having been
the first arrival. she did the honors Of the
church with exuberant zeal.
Light of. light off," she would cry nj
each fresh arrival. You're bound for
Zion dis time. shurs. De great vessel.
Brudder Potter. Is gwine to paddle you
right through tho stormy waves to dc
golden city. Come In and squeeze up
tight ia your places To git room! We Is
gwine to count souls dis day. by do tou-
sand. Oh, glory. glory
ny d. se.s.nd y. VIII oOun, eu.
HAllclooyAhi
Dough Dc dse6ii hold do coat tails.
Hallelcejshi
Satan lco.e ny ersddsr Eddy,
IIAllslooyAh:
sAiAa lso.s ny hsisr Nellie.
nallcocjAh,
And so on. through the whole circle ol
her friends who were supposed to lack
godliness. They seemed to bear u good
naturedly enough. or giggled hysterically.
Some few murmured among themselves,
but the old woman Was evidently q power
i'm the church. and not to be insultcd. AZ
last q fine looking mulatto woman rode
up. The old negress waddled out and
lined up her hands In amaxement?
Is that you. sister Hennie Is you
turned TO grace what has bin convertin.
and a ,lancin' and scoffin' at us! Has
YOU come to dc hypocricks. as you call US!
Is de black drop out Of your heart dat YOU
90 for to sit down wild de Lords anointcd. =
You jest dry up answered the other
flriously. Perhaps grace has coined TO
me widout crying. and scoldin'. and q
scanealizin' for IL Ike you. Here l Is and
here Is goin' to stay akin no odds oi
YOU Ii your master and mistress here.
ma'ami hyou going TO preach to souls !
Case II you Is, take my foot In my hand
and 20. What you done wild Bills hog
YOU stole Where's de money for dem
mer y
Go Il, Hennie.' Go Il Aunt Why.
sounded on every side. Aunt Why buck
led herself up Tor furious retort, but a
glimpse of ''Brudder Lishe Potter" dis
mounting quieted her instantly. She
turned from her antagonist with soorn-
ft,l sniif. boxed the ears Of an Intrusive
urchin. and with aloud '.git out, you vAg-
abone-git out oh do way Of 10 Lords
minister" followed meckly In the wake
Of the great man.
.Brudder Potter . tall. raw-boned.
grixzled headed negro. entered tho tenn.
porary pulpit. blew his nose. and seemed
employed In counting his flock.
'Wh1 Is Jem Davis he asked. sharply.