Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 84, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 June 1902 — An Ingenious Excuse. [ARTICLE]

An Ingenious Excuse.

General William T. Sherman was fond of relating the following story: “When I was with the army in Georgia, a slaveowner about Christmastime missed a fine fat turkey. He suspected a good-looking mulatto, and ordered the man to be brought before him. ‘You have stolen my turkey and eaten It!’ sab! the irate planter. 'I’se not gwine to say I didn't when you says I did, massa.’ ’Iought to have you flogged. What have you to say why I should not punish you?’ ’Well, massa. you hain’t lost anything particular. You see, you has a little less turkey and a good deal more nigger!’ And the master was compelled to acknowledge the philosophy of the slave and let him go unwhipped.”