When a couple wish to live together as man and
wife, the male nigger mentions it to the overseer, and if there are no
impediments, they have a cabin assigned to them." He described a scene
of this kind, which I will endeavour to give verbatim. He said it
occurred on his father's estate, some years before, and that he was
standing by at the time, "although," he continued, "'tis done the same
now in most instances." A negro approached where the overseer was
standing, apparently, by his sidling manner, about to ask some favour,
when the following colloquy ensued.
_Overseer_.--Well, you black rascal, what do you stand grinning there
for?
_Negro_.--Please, mas'r, want Lucy for wife.
_Overseer_.--Wife, you scoundrel, what do you want a wife for; be off
with you, and mind your horses. (He was employed as a teamster on the
estate.)
_Negro_.--Oh, mas'r, I loves Lucy.
_Overseer_.--And she loves you, I suppose. A fine taste she must have,
indeed. Where are you going to live?
_Negro_--Got room in No. 2 cabin, if mas'r please let 'um.
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