IN LATE SEPTEMBER A CAGED wagon carrying Teeny and five other slaves rumbled into the Memphis auction house. Teeny was quickly ushered to a holding pen along with three other female slaves. The next day a burly patroller walked her to a small platform. It was almost noon. Everyone was surprised to see a fair skinned octoroon being bid on at auction. The auctioneer began his sales pitch.
“Look what we have here gentlemen! Is she a fancy girl, or a slave? This beautiful woman is a first-rate house servant who has cooking and sewing skills. She worked on the finest Plantation in Mississippi, Mary Dale, and as you can see she is ready for breeding.” Teeny was humiliated. Her blouse had been opened so that her breasts were exposed. The auctioneer lifted her skirt with his cane, and ordered her to turn. The men gawked and whistled.
From the back of the crowd a bid-runner made his way to the platform. He handed a note to the auctioneer. Angry shouts rang out when the auctioneer ordered Teeny to step down. A cotton sheet was thrown over her shoulders, and a burly patroller escorted her to a waiting carriage.
A well-dressed man wearing round spectacles stepped down to greet her. His straw-colored hair, white shirt, and clean-shaven face, presented a stark contrast to the patroller’s full beard, rumpled plaid shirt, and wide brimmed hat. Richard Walther held out a clean, manicured hand to assist his new slave mistress. He dismissed the patroller and said, “Do you remember me? My name is Richard Walther.”
“Yes, sah, I knows who ya be. Ya vis’ted Mary Dale.”
“We will be traveling to St. Louis by riverboat and are leaving in a few hours. Get in the carriage.” Teeny stepped into the carriage and sat on the bench opposite Walther. She did not look up when he spoke; she was wary of making eye contact.
“Have you ever been to a large city?”
“Yes, sah, I been to Na Orlans wid Mastah an Missus Douglas.”
“Did you enjoy your time in the city?”
“Doan know much ‘bout en’joyin life in da city, we wuz only dere a few….”
