The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1881-04-15
A NARRATIVE OF SLAVE LIFE.

About thirty-fye years ago il became ne
cesSary for the owner Of a large estate in
western North Carolina to part with some
Of his best servants. Among the number
was Richard, n young, liglt-colored married
man. As was common in snch cases. he was
allowed 70 choose his future owner. He ap-
piled to Mr.. 4, prominent lawyer, who at
once purchased Richard and his wife, and
settled them on lis home place, in a cottage
near his own house.
The duties Of Richard were those Of over
seer, and manager Of out-of-door work.
This was thrown entirely on his hands by
the professional claims on AIr. As time
And to record the honorable, devoted faith
fulness to trust, observed by this true man,
from that day 10 this, Is the subject Of this
paper
When the gold-fever ragged Richard went
to California, brought home gold for Mr..A
and himself, with presents for ''our chill
dren," as he and his wife call those Of the
family. They have none Of their own. The
dark DAYS Of war came. True to every in
terest Of those dearest TO him, nothing could
turn him from his post. Mr.. A was brought
home mortally wounded. After other last
interviews he sent for his friend and slave,
Richard To him and to his wife Mr.. A,
presented their freedom. This, for himself
and his wife, Richard firmly refused to ac-
cept. Then, to his care Mr.. A. committed
his famlly-his wife, three daughters, and
two sons Of very tender age. This trust
Richard solemnly assumed And to-day this
relation exists unbroken, without change or
mar of any kind. His first act was TO have
L.. a.. =.
residence, that he might better protect its in
mates. Through the remaining days Of the
war none could do better to take care Of the
family and property When it ended, he had
full scope for his fine financial talent, energy,
thrift, and executive ability. Success has at
tended him ever since. No one interferes
with his plans nor thwarts him, though all is
under the oversight Of Mrs A
The legal guardians Of the property a nd
its heirs offered him salary. He did not
want any, and would not have it, he said
He had all he wanted. Mrs. A. would give
him what money Ee required and should he
accumulate money he would leave il to "our
children ANYHOW.
The eldest daughter was his especial pride.
On the occasion Of her marriage, the house
was filed with guests, and a large party Of
other friends were present. When arrayed
for the bridal. Miss a. sent for Richard,
and told him he must come in TO see her mar
ried. He demurled he did not want to "gO
+ before so many folks But the young lady
would take 10 refusal and when the open
( doors gave the fair bridal taDleau to the
view Of the guests, there stood directly be-
hind the bridegroom and bride the tall, dark
forms Of Richard and his wife, Many hearts
were touched, for almost on that very spot
where that solemn promise had been made
to the dying father, was given this beautiful
recognition Of its faithful performance.
The two elder daughters are settled in
homes Of their own his 1.-TWO BOYS" 70
whom he gave a thorough business training,
are away at college; and only the youngest
daughter remains with her mother. To
proposed European trip, planned for this
young lady by her friends last year, Richard
objected, on the ground that 'Missie" could
not bear the sea-sickDcss. Experience had
taught him the perils and discomforts Of the
ocean, and his detection and anxiety were
evident 20 his wife till he heard missile"
had safely landed in New York again. And
when he went himself to tie train to take
4 her home, great was the surprise and won
I der Of some strangers present to see the
meeting and the greeting between the young
. lady and l:er Papa Richard.
Many details of interest might be added,
' but it is sufficient now TO say that other
I trusts are daily executed, with equal fidelity,
+ by the subject Of this sketch.-N !. O5ser-
I yeT.