Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1884-08-14
Sold His Own Master.
LrDICRoUs EPISODE or ANTE .BEILUM
DAYS.

There was slave dealer in Norfolk in
ante -belum times named Matthew Hobson,
but usually called Black Matt on account of
The darkness of his complexion, and he was
we'll known to the inhabitants of the sea-
board of Virginia as slave speculator as
well as an expert "breaker-in of bad flesh"
He was induced by the prospect of profit 10
purchase bright mulatio boy who went by
the name of Sam, who was set up at rath-
er low value on account of his very numer-
Gus bad qualities, such as thieyinS, lying and
drunkenness. Sam was shrewd and intelli
gent, with all his faults he could read and
write and ape the dignity Of polished gem
tlcman. He was so far removed from the
pure African that he could scarcely he dis
tinguished from white man. On his be-
coming the property Of the slave dealer he
received several severe admonitions, in OF
der that he might have forelaste of the
temper of his master. Secretly he vowed
vengeance for these striking proofs of Matl's
affection, and in short tine an opportunity
was offered to fulfill his threat. Matt made
up his gang, umong them being sam, and
shipped them for New Orleans, at which
place they arrived safely Al the wharf In
order that Sam might bring good price. he
was logged off in fine clothes -cnltskin
boots. silk hat and kid gloves. Matt
thought by this external decoration to real
ize a, least $1,000 for the mulalto. as tie
body servant of some wealth, planter. Sam
was consequently allowed to go on shore in
order to show himself off lie proceeded
TO the Alhambra, and there slrutted about
among the elite Of ieyee society. Hearing
portly gentleman remark that he wished
to purchase a good body servant, he went
up to him, and with an independent swag-
ger, said
MY dear sir have just got the boy that
will suit you
"Ha!" exclaimed the planter, "Tm glad
to hear you say so, for have been looking
for likely fellow for some days. What's
your price ~
Mine hundred dollars, replied Sam. and
cheap as dirt at that. He Is pert at many
things can shave, dress hair, brush boots.
and IS good fellow in every way. could
have got $500 for him, but for one fault"
Upon being asked what fault that was.
Sam replied "He thinks himself a white
man."
That makes no difference" saia the
planter. IN soon cure him Of that"
Sam pressed this point anxJouslv, but the
planter assured him that Il made no differ
ence, as he could easily remedy the fault.
When asked where his slave was, sam an
swered that he was on the bark Sea Gull. \
bill of sale was at once drawn up and the
money was paid. sam directed HIM to tine
boat, saying that he would himself be on
board soon as he had closed bargain
with another gentleman. The planter made
his way To the bark, and demanded Of the
captain TO see the boy Black Matt The Oil
Ger pointed 10 Matthew HobSon, wh0 sat ou
the quarter deck. smoking eigar and su-
perintendlng the debArk.tion of his slaves.
Are YOU Black Matt asked the plant
er. addressing the Save merchant
Folks call me so to home. was the re-
ply, but here my names Matthew lIob>ou.
What do YOU want p
'1'li tell YOU what want. want You.
You're likely looking fellow, and Will Just
suit me-
Look ye har, stranger" SAID Matt, firing
up, "maybe YOU don't know who You're
speaking to-"
"ies do, though. You are my proper
ty. bought you Of your master, Samuel
Hopkins, just now. and
You bought me :" exclaimed Matt. stand
ing up at full length before the excited
planter. Il am a white man, sir
Come, come, now" coANnglv said the
fat man. at won't Do. NDu cant humbug
me. I'LL whip il out OF yo4. II. teach
You-'
Here Matt drew back and aimed a blow
at the rudty nose Of the planter who seized
him by the throat and beloved for the po-
lce. y patrol officer happened to be On the
Ievee. He at the lnStau OF the planter