Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 26.djvu/273

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representation, has done* more, it is believed, to dispel evil fancies and idle phantasies born in misguided philanthropy, than have all the cascades of inflated oratory and the mountains of tractate slu-d and strewn.

He has a "little story" in his mirthsome repertoire, which he had from a member of the household of Dr. Hoge. It is somewhat illustrative of what has been just stated, and is, furthermore, not without humor in the realization of some exemplifications of the ante-bellum slave:

Among the slaves owned by Dr. Hoge was one who had faithfully served him as "carriage driver" Ambrose.

Upon the promulgation of the proclamation of President Lincoln, freeing the slaves, Dr. Hoge informed Ambrose that he had no longer any right to his service.

" What for? " earnestly asked Ambrose.

Dr. Hpge fully explained, stating that, in law, Ambrose was as a white man, and invested with all the prerogatives held by his late master.

Ambrose appeared to be stunned by the announcement of his be- loved master; gloom overspread his face, for a moment he was dumbfounded, then he stammered forth in demurrer of his cruel fate:

" I'se bin free all my life; I'm gwine to stick to my white people," and remain he did for eighteen years. Finally, demands of blood relationship called him to the locality of his birth, in a distant county.

But, when opportunity permitted, Ambrose would come "home" to see his old master and his household, and, as has been the expe- rience with faithful "domestics" of old, always returned with some gratuity bestowed.

On one occasion Ambrose came with a piteous category of calam- ity: " I's bin havin' a hard time dis year anyway. Las' Jenewary, or Febewary, I disremember which, some 'possum hunters come thu my place an' sot de woods afire, an' de fire crope upon my house an' sot dat a fire, an' when I come out from dar, I never save nothin, but a counterpin'. Den I got me a house on Briery River an' de freshet wash me out from dar. Den I had some as nice Pigs an' Chick "ns as ever you wish to see, an' de Kolry got in amongst de Pigs an' kilt 'em all, and de Chick' ns all died wid de gyarps. And if t'warnt for de comfort I gits out'n de Bible, I couldn't stan' it."

Dr. Hoge listened patiently to the recital, and then, with a twinkle