3 NELLIE BROWN OR THE JEALOUS WIFE, WITH OTHEK SKETCHES, WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY I>ETTJER, 9 OF ELKO, NEVADA. This work is perfectly chaste and moral in every particular. SAX FKAXCISCO: CUDDY & HUGHES, PRJNTERS, 511 SANSOME STREET. 1871. s- 7. NELLIE BROWN OR THE JEALOUS WIFE, -WITH OTHER SKETCHES, WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY THOMAS BETTER, (Colored,) .// OF ELKO, NEVADA. This work is perfectly chaste and moral in every particular. SAN FEANCISCO: CUDDY & HUGHES, PRINTERS, 511 SANSOME STREET. 1871. 13 , i Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1871, by THOMAS DETTEE, in the office of Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Bancrof ? Librarx 12.4-1 3. & I N T R O D U CT I O N. READERS The design of this work is to show the unhappy results of jealousy and misplaced con fidence, arid the wicked designs of corrupt parties. Man and woman were created for a noble purpose by their Creator; but how often do we see families that have lived long happily together rent in twain by such malignant characters as Mrs. H., Aunt Polly and Martha Lovejoy more fully explained in the following work. Such characters are to be found in all communities, like hungry wolves hunt ing down their prey; they often paralyze the hopes of the good and just, cause doubts, gloom and de spair to overhang their pathway, where the radiant sunlight of happiness had long beamed. Malicious persons, like Sampson's foxes, are ever scattering the firebrands of hate, mischief and discord, and should be shunned by all lovers of good society. I ought to apologize for attempting to put this work before the public. I am entirely responsi ble for it. They are my own ideas, however crude they may be. Knowing that the works of the ablest writers are subject to the severest criticism, I put this book before the public to live or die upon its own merits. I was raised in the District of Columbia, where the education of colored persons was very limited. This work is perfect ly chaste and moral in every particular. Hoping that it will receive a fair and impartial perusal, I remain, dear readers, Your obedient servant, THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. I. NELLIE BROWN, OR THE JEALOUS WIFE. PAOE. CHAPTER I Nellie Brown, the jealous wife (be longing to one of the first families of Virginia) , and her conspirators, Aunt Polly, Mrs. H., Martha Lovejoy and an outside lover, defeated in a great divorce case. Sue's devotion to her mistress. Peter's fidelity to Ms master 5 CHAPTER II 43 CHAPTEE III 62 CHAPTER IV The terrible dream of Nellie Brown a few nights before the trial 80 CHAPTER V : 84 CHAPTER VI The opening argument of Lawyer Higgins for plaintiff, Nellie Brown 95 CHAPTER VII The eloquent closing address of Lawyer Montgomery for the defence of Mr. Brown. Mrs. Brown's letter to Mr. Oldharn intercepted by her husband and produced in Court 102 CHAPTER VIII The impressive charge of the Judga to the Jurors 114 II. THE OCTOKOON SLAVE OF CUBA. Redeemed by her sister from New Orleans, who made her the recipient of wealth and affluence at her Master's expense, by stratagem 119 III. MY TRIP TO BALTIMORE 143 IV. CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD 149 V. IDAHO CITY Its Customs and Future Prospects 151 VI. PROGRESS OF AMERICA 153 VII. BOISE CITY 155 VIII. GIVE THE NEGRO A CHANCE 157 IX. UNCLE JOE.. . 159 NELLIE BROWN, OH THE JEALOUS WIFE. CHAPTER I. In the town of N resided H. Montgomery, a graduate of the Columbia College, Washington, D. C. He was prepossessing in appearance, easy man ners, a social companion. By ardent study he became one of the first lawyers of Virginia; he seldom in dulged in ornamentations at the bar; he was prac tical, logical, and stern; when aroused with the lash of sarcasm by his opponents, it was then re solves fired his breast, and the gleen of battle lit up his countenance. He never was known to retreat in the struggles for right, ever advancing with the shield of truth, and with the sword of justice cut his way through the ranks of his enemies, and in variably disarranged their plans, defeated their aims, and won laurels of victory. If oratory means the power to present thoughts, to hold*an audience, to win favorable decisions for clients, he was indeed an orator. His ripe scholarship, concise and pointed arguments, caused his fame to spread' far and wide. He kindled the fire of enthusiasm wherever he touched the public mind; he selected the purest ores of truth and the brightest gems of thought; he never engaged the enemy without being thoroughly equipped for the fight; he knew no fears; nothing swerved him from duty; honest and frank with his clients on all matters pertaining to business, 6 NELLIE BROWN His associates in law, though jealous of his suc cess, acknowledged his talents and abilities as a counsellor. One of his happiest efforts was a divorce case, in which he was engaged as a counsellor in behalf ot the defendant, Mr. B . He was accused of infidelity by his wife, to whom he had been married twelve long years. The fruit of that marriage was a girl and a boy, Maggie and Willie. They were just old enough to know a mother's love and a father's care. Peace and happiness had long dwelt in the cottage situated at the base of the mountain in old Virginia, surrounded with shrubbery and vines. Mr. B. was a large cattle-dealer; his business required his absence from home for weeks; his wife, though amiable and loving, was not free from the sting of jealousy, and not slow in temper when aroused. Living at a mile distant from Mrs. B.'s farm, resided a prime Widow, who had not passed thirty summers, full of life, glee, and apparent hap piness; with, perhaps, an exception, she felt the loss of her companion, who had shared her joys and woes during his life. Mr. B. and his wife felt deeply interested in her behalf; she was left upon the cold charities of a heartless world. During Mr. B. 7 s absence from home the Widow visited Mrs. B. for weeks; they became the confi dents of each other. So strong was their attach ment, one would suppose them to be sisters. Mrs. H., a woman who became jealous of the association of the widow and Mrs. B., was a person who did not hesitate to avenge herself upon her neighbors to gratify her personal prejudices. Mr. B., on returning home, frequently stopped at OR THE JEALOUS WIPE. 7 the Widow's; her house was situated on the main road, which he had to pass. It was in the month of July, ami the meridian of day shone in its beauty and strength. The heat was intense; the feathered songsters, that had sang so sweetly as the orb of day rose o'er the Eastern slopes, had ceased their warblings and had taken shelter among the leaves of the trees. It was now about noon; the Widow was seated at the parlor window, embroidering a handkerchief. She heard the clattering of a horse's hoofs coming from the village Greenbriar. Her heart leaped with joy; she said: 4< Can it be Mr. B. and Queen ?" which was the name of the proud filly he rode. The Widow arose from her seat and hastened to the door; much to her joy and delight it was Queen and her master. They seemed equally de lighted to look upon the young Widow again; they seldom passed without halting. As Mr. B. rode up, the Widow said : " I am delighted to see you ; do alight and walk in." After conversing a few moments, Mr. B. asked : " When did you last hear from Nellie and the babies?" " Dear me, I have just returned from your house yesterday; your wife and children are enjoying ex cellent health, and are over-anxious to see you." " Yes," replied Mr. B. with a smile, " if I continue to roam around, as I have this last three weeks, those little toads will noc know who their daddy is." " They are continually prattling about Pa. It is just three weeks to-day, is it not, since you left home ?" asked the Widow. 8 NELLIE BROWN " It is," replied Mr. B., and much longer than I intended to have stayed." " Come in and test yourself. Poor Queen looks as though she was tryed." " We Lave come thirty-five miles from the village since seven o'clock. What time of day is it ?" " Go, Nan, in the dining-room and see what time it is." Nan, (a little Negro girl) obeyed the order and returned with a grin; she said: "Missus, de big hand ob de clock is up, and the little one am cross ways." " Plague take you, you little blackskin. I have a great mind to pull your ears. For the life of me I can not learn that little Negress anything." "Curse them; I have found them to be more trouble than profit. To gratify you I will come in a few moments. I have something rich to tell you." The Widow laughed, and at the same time she stroked back her jet-black hair, showing a set of teeth white as pearls. "Nan!" " Yes, Missus." " Go and tell Bill to put Queen in the barn, and feed her well." Nan shot away like an arrow and returned in a few minutes. "Missus; can't find him." " Where did you look for him ?" " In de orchard, Missus." "I do not know what to think of that little wretch; she knows as well as I do that Bill is chopping wood in the bottom. Go, this moment, down to the bottom, and tell Bill to come here im mediately, you little simpleton." OR THE JEALOUS WIPE. 9 Nan went off at a snail's gait. "You, Nan?" " Marm ?" " If you don't hasten, I'll skin you when you re turn." " Yes, Missus." In a few moments Bill, the servant man, came up and said : "I declar; here am Massa Ben," and gave vent to one of those hearty laughs the African is so noted for. One would have supposed that his whole frame would have fallen to pieces before he closed his mouth. " Take Queen, Bill, to the barn, and feed her well," said the Widow. "Do walk out on the piazza, Mr. B. It is much pleasanter; be seated; will you take a glass of wine, cider or "ice- water?" " Thank you, I'll take a glass of water." " Go, Nan, and get a tumbler of ice- water." Nan returned, holding the glass in her hand. " How dare you bring water in your little black hand to a gentleman ?" " 'Deed, Missus, I could not find a tray." " Where did you look for it?" " In the wardrobe, Missus." " Do hear that little imp !" Mr. B. at the same time shaking his sides, laughing at Nan and her mistress. " Be off you little idiot." The Widow and Mr. B. then drew their chairs up side by side. " Do tell me, Mr. B., the news of the village. Is Sally Jenkins married ?' 7 "I think not." " No ! I am rather inclined to think she is too 10 NELLIE BROWN fickle-minded. You know Josh Barnes is dead in lore with her, and, indeed, he is a clever fellow. I am inclined to think he is too good for her." " You know women are strange beings, and few can account for their choice, taste and notions." " You are quite complimentary; thank you kindly. (Mr. B. laughed). If I did not know you so well, I would take you to task," said the Widow with a happy smile on her countenance. " You have rather a strange idea of women." " Not by any means; I am their friend. I have received but little gratitude in return. I advocated your cause to-day." " Pray explain to me in what way, Mr. B.?" " Frank Clifton, at the village, is desperately in love with you." " Ha, Ha !" ejaculated the Widow, her face flushed as she gave vent to her feelings. " I told him that you were worthy of any gentle man's esteem, and hoped that he would succeed. Like most men, I suppose he feels a delicacy in urging claims of matrimony." While they were conversing, a neighboring woman, Mrs. H., living near by, thinking that Mr. B. remained longer than usual, made an excuse, went to the house, and asked for the loan of a book. The Widow entered the sitting room, returned and presented Mrs. H. with the desired book. " I am always pleased to accommodate my neigh bors, but Mrs. H. invariably makes it a business to come to my house when I have company. She is, in deed, an inquisitive and a talkative woman. I have not been in her house since the death of my husband. If she was capable of taking a hint, she would not OR THE JEALOUS WIFE. 11 come here. Excuse me for interrupting your conversation; do give me the history of this gentleman who has become smitten with me. Is he handsome, accomplished, and of good origin ? You know I wish no other as a suitor, nor would I wed with a man that did not possess these qualities.' 7 " You are hard to please." " That is just my sentiments; I am ready whenever I meet a gentleman whom I know possesses those qualifications, and believe that he will fulfill the duties of a companion. 77 " Perhaps you will not meet with so good an opportunity soon,' 7 said Mr. B. "As to qualifica tions, he is an excellent business man, and has an education suitable for his position. He is strictly honest and reliable. I am satisfied in my own mind that he is worthy to accept the heart and hand of any accomplished lady. 77 The Widow shrugged her plump, round shoulders, and remarked with a smile: " That will do, as far as it goes. You know my dear husband was a gentleman by birth and educa tion. How much do you suppose him to be worth ? 77 " It is said that he is worth thirty or forty thou sand dollars.' 7 " That would be a handsome little fortune for one who is not extravagant or wasteful?" " I should think it would. 7 ' " Do bring him down; I have a curiosity to see him. 77 The remark caused Mr. B. to smile. " I promised him an introduction to you; I thought it advisable to ascertain whether it would be agree able to you. 77 "If he is good-looking, perhaps chance may 12 NELLIE BROWN fayor him. You know that I am a woman possess ing a noble and genorous heart. I have been raised tenderly and kindly, and to marry a man that was not truly my equal would render me unhappy for life." " I am aware, madam, that you are deserving a worthy companion, I have no desire to select a choice for you. I merely delivered my message and expressed my opinion. Mr. Jacobs is the gentle man." " Thank you, I have heard of the gentleman, and from reports I would suppose that the fair sex have no charm for him, and that he was a stranger to the sensation of love, having neither taste nor desire for the association of ladies." "There is a time in the history of men's lives that radical changes occur, old ideas decay and new ones take their place. I. once read of a nobleman who never entered the society of ladies. He shunned them on all occasions; the door of his affections seemed to have been forever closed against them. While strolling out for a morning's walk, he acci dentally met a peasant girl returning from market. She had sold her little produce and was homeward bound. He inquired her name and re-idence, and in three weeks from th.at date she was his happy bride. What do you think of that ?" she is a mammoth for her age. In science and literature she is not excelled. Her commerce whitens every sea. Her forts look out from every available point. Her sentinel?, with glitter ing bayonets, guard well her interests. Her terri tories are boundless in extent. Her fertile valleys invite the industrious husbandman to become her companion. Her minerals are inexhaustible and illitimatc. The iron horse darts through every pro ductive valley, breathing fire at every revolution. Fler wildernesses, which were the abode of wild beasts and the Indian's wigwam, have now become large and populous cities. Civilization is spread ing her benign influence far and wide. The heathen worship at her altars, and exclaim : " Wonderful are thy beauties." Our steamboats and crafts float upon every navigable stream. The finny tribe sport in countless thousands in our river.-, lakes and seas. Our statesmen are learned and sagacious. Qur iron-clads are almost as im pregnable as the Rocks of Gibraltar: our navy is not equaled for improved weapons of war. This government is advancing, step by step, to the grandeur and glory of greatness. The spirit of the heroes of 1776 is still kept alive. The words of the immortal Patrick Henry 15:1 PROGRESS OP AMERICA. will live until this great nation is extinct. When preparing a crusade against British tyranny, he said : " Give me liberty or give me death." May this Republic forever be "the land of the free and the home of the brave." The immortal Washington wrote his fame upon the great ledger of time with his sword in that memorable struggle The hero of the battle of New Orleans still lives in the hearts of his countrymen. He was a statesman, a soldier and a patriot, and died in the arms of the nation. Crispus Attucks,* the first who offered his life a sacrifice to American liberty, ig numbered among the heroes of 1776. The teachings of that great and good man, Daniel O'Connell a British subject upon the altar of whose heart the fires of liberty burned, advocated the freedom of all men, regardless of nationality,, creed or color. * Crispus Attucks, a colored man, was the first that fell upon the plains of Boston, in the battle of April 5th, 1770, BOISE CITY. We shall not attempt to give a graphic descrip tion of the place. It is a neat little burg, situated in a beautiful and fertile valley, and is the capital of Idaho Territory. It contains many permanent buildings, including neat and handsome cot tages. It being a central point, it has many advan tages over its sister towns. It contains a population ranging from nine to twelve hundred inhabitants. Many of its citizens are afflicted with the terrible disease of Negrophobia. The very air seems to be pregnated with this disease, A respectable col ored man- can scarcely get accommodations at any of the hotels or restaurants. I was compelled, on my way from Idaho City to Silver City, to lay over from five P.M. until two A.M. the following morning. A few moments before the stage started for Silver City, I was invited by a swarthy, but generous-look ing Spaniard, to take a cigar. We started down the street. The most of the saloons at this unseasonable hour being closed, my companion saw a light in a saloon kept by Mr. J. Old. We entered and called for what we wanted. The polite and accommodating Mr. Old bent over the counter and said, in a low tone of voice: " Better, I cannot accommodate you." I regarded it as a polite insult, and walked out. He was the last man I expected that would treat me thus. Had I approached him with my 156 BOISE CITY. hat in my hand, trembling like a quarry slave, I have no doubt this proud Saxon would have accom modated me. I have seen many like Mr. Old come to naught, and who would gladly accept a favor, though extended by a Negro. I have lived in moun tain towns where the lowest and basest females, white and colored, could be served with meals. If a respectable colored man desired a meal, the land lord would politely invite him to be seated in the kitchen. I ever have an 1 ever will take issue against any such treatment. In my travels wherever I have met gentlemen, they have always treated me as a man, and not as a thing. The rough usages and insults that colored men receive, invariably come from that class of whites who have little to recommend them outside of a white skin. Were I to say that there are no good feeling men in Boise City, I would be doing an injustice, to many. I appreciate my friends. I never can con descend to lick the hand that smites me, nor respect the man that insults me. GIVE THE NEGRO A CHANCE The white man still clings to his prejudices against the colored race. It is difficult for a Negro to hire a pew in a church where the white Christian wor ships, however respectable he may be. They never crowd you in cars if they notice your skin is dark. None are considered ladies or gentlemen through whose veins flow African blood. Such are the preju dices and education of many Americans. I remem ber, when traveling between this city and Sacra mento, colored people however genteel, were compelled to share the deck with the horned cattle. A colored man travelling by stage, was compelled to wait until every passenger was aboard. If there was no room inside, he was ordered to the top or in the boot, as live baggage. How often the Negro has been hunted down in the broad sun light of day, assassinated and murdered, and the assassin permitted to go unpunished, because his victim was as powerless as he was innocent. Having ing no rights, a white was compelled to respect, even in the free State of California, strong was the prevailing element. We have lived to see a higher state of civilization, and rejoice in its progress. We love the land that gave us birth, and all we ask of the white man is to give us an even chance in the great race of life. If you 158 GIVE THE NEGRO A CHANCE. need a man to perform labor, and the Negro is competent and trustworthy, give him work. Don't deny him his bread, because he has a dark skin. Give him the same wages you give the white man We are natives of the soil. We were with you when the corner-stone of this Republic was laid. We claim your consideration and aid. Close not against us the door of industry. Help us to rise from the pit of degradation. Help us to go for ward in the pathway that leads to grandeur and greatness. Our race have given their life-blood in every struggle this country has had, and have fallen side by side with the Saxon : White men 1 conquer your prejudices. UNCLE JOE. In the County of Anne Arundel resided an old Negro who had laid down the shovel and the hoe. He belonged to Samuel Bell, a large planter. His name was Joe. He said his legs refused to discharge their duty; consequently, he could not walk. He was left in charge of the Negro quarters. His com rades became suspicious of his sincerity with refer ence to his lameness. They concluded to see if there was any virtue in his legs. The Negroes on the adjoining plantation gave a party, as was customary among plantation Negroes, every Saturday evening. Joe was among the invited guests. He said: "You know I'd like to go dar, childens, but I can't walk." Two of his associates agreed to pack him by turns. He readily accepted their generous proposition. They went out and held a consultation. After a while they finally agreed upon a plan, that an individual should be placed at the graveyard on their return to act the ghost. They went to the entertainment and packed Uncle Joe. When the exercises of the evening closed, they shouldered Uncle Joe, and started for home. Joe seemed highly delighted with the even* ing's pleasure. Pete, just before coming to the grave-yard, offered to relieve Jack of his burden. He was an athletic Negro. Joe readily agreed to be transferred to Pete's care. As they came up 160 tTNCLE JOE. to the corner of the graveyard, the would-be ghost raised up. Pete, as though frightened out of his wits, threw Uncle Joe on the ground hard enough to kill an ordinary Negro, and ran at trie top of his speed, leaving poor Joe at the mercy of the ghost. But Joe soon sprang to his feet and made the best time on record. He passed his companions* When they arrived home he was comfortably seated at the fire. They asked him how it was that he made such good time. " Ah, childens, couldn't lay down dar wid dat ghost looking nie in de eyes".