The Suppression of the African Slave Trade to the United States of America Part 40

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~1789, Sept. 19. Congress (House): Bill to Tax Slaves Imported.~

A committee under Parker of Virginia reports, "a bill concerning the importation of certain persons prior to the year 1808." Read once and postponed until next session. _House Journal_ (repr. 1826), 1 Cong. 1 sess. I. 37, 114; _Annals of Cong._, 1 Cong. 1 sess., pp. 366, 903.

~1790, March 22. Congress (House): Declaration of Powers.~

See above, pages 82-83.

~1790, March 22. New York: Amendment of Act of 1788.~

"An Act to amend the act ent.i.tled 'An act concerning slaves.'"

"Whereas many inconveniences have arisen from the prohibiting the exporting of slaves from this State. Therefore

"_Be it enacted_ ..., That where any slave shall hereafter be convicted of a crime under the degree of a capital offence, in the supreme court, or the court of oyer and terminer, and general gaol delivery, or a court of general sessions of the peace within this State, it shall and may be lawful to and for the master or mistress to cause such slave to be transported out of this State," etc. _Laws of New York, 1789-96_ (ed.

1886), p. 151.

~1792, May. Connecticut: Act of 1788 Strengthened.~

"An Act in addition to an Act, ent.i.tled 'An Act to prevent the Slave Trade.'"

This provided that persons directly or indirectly aiding or a.s.sisting in slave-trading should be fined 100. All notes, bonds, mortgages, etc., of any kind, made or executed in payment for any slave imported contrary to this act, are declared null and void. Persons removing from the State might carry away their slaves. _Acts and Laws of Connecticut_ (ed.

1784), pp. 412-3.

~1792, Dec. 17. Virginia: Revision of Acts.~

"An Act to reduce into one, the several acts concerning slaves, free negroes, and mulattoes."

-- 1. "_Be it enacted_ ..., That no persons shall henceforth be slaves within this commonwealth, except such as were so on the seventeenth day of October," 1785, "and the descendants of the females of them."

-- 2. "Slaves which shall hereafter be brought into this commonwealth, and kept therein one whole year together, or so long at different times as shall amount to one year, shall be free."

-- 4. "_Provided_, That nothing in this act contained, shall be construed to extend to those who may incline to remove from any of the United States and become citizens of this, if within sixty days after such removal, he or she shall take the following oath before some justice of the peace of this commonwealth: '_I, A.B., do swear, that my removal into the state of Virginia, was with no intent of evading the laws for preventing the further importation of slaves, nor have I brought with me any slaves, with an intention of selling them, nor have any of the slaves which I have brought with me, been imported from Africa, or any of the West India islands, since the first day of November_,'" 1778, etc.

-- 53. This act to be in force immediately. _Statutes at Large of Virginia, New Series_, I. 122.

~1792, Dec. 21. South Carolina: Importation Prohibited until 1795.~

"An Act to prohibit the importation of Slaves from Africa, or other places beyond sea, into this State, for two years; and also to prohibit the importation or bringing in Slaves, or Negroes, Mulattoes, Indians, Moors or Mestizoes, bound for a term of years, from any of the United States, by land or by water."

"Whereas, it is deemed inexpedient to increase the number of slaves within this State, in our present circ.u.mstances and situation;

-- 1. "_Be it therefore enacted_ ..., That no slave shall be imported into this State from Africa, the West India Islands, or other place beyond sea, for and during the term of two years, commencing from the first day of January next, which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three."

-- 2. No slaves, Negroes, Indians, etc., bound for a term of years, to be brought in from any of the United States or bordering countries.

Settlers may bring their slaves. Cooper, _Statutes_, VII. 431.

~1793, Dec. 19. Georgia: Importation Prohibited.~

"An act to prevent the importation of negroes into this state from the places herein mentioned." t.i.tle only. Re-enacted (?) by the Const.i.tution of 1798. Marbury and Crawford, _Digest_, p. 442; Prince, _Digest_, p.

786.

~1794, North Carolina: Importation Prohibited.~

"An act to prevent the further importation and bringing of slaves and indented servants of colour into this state."

-- 1. "_Be it enacted_ ..., That from and after the first day of May next, no slave or indented servant of colour shall be imported or brought into this state by land or water; nor shall any slave or indented servant of colour, who may be imported or brought contrary to the intent and meaning of this act, be bought, sold or hired by any person whatever."

-- 2. Penalty for importing, 100 per slave; for buying or selling, the same.

-- 4. Persons removing, travelling, etc., are excepted. The act was amended slightly in 1796. Martin, _Iredell's Acts of a.s.sembly_, II. 53, 94.

~1794, March 22. United States Statute: Export Slave-Trade Forbidden.~

"An Act to prohibit the carrying on the Slave Trade from the United States to any foreign place or country." _Statutes at Large_, I. 347.

For proceedings in Congress, see _Senate Journal_ (repr. 1820), 3 Cong.

1 sess. II. 51; _House Journal_ (repr. 1826), 3 Cong. 1 sess. II. 76, 84, 85, 96, 98, 99, 100; _Annals of Cong._, 3 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 64, 70, 72.

~1794, Dec. 20. South Carolina: Act of 1792 Extended.~

"An Act to revive and extend an Act ent.i.tled 'An Act to prohibit the importation of Slaves from Africa, or other places beyond Sea, into this State, for two years; and also, to prohibit the importation or bringing in of Negro Slaves, Mulattoes, Indians, Moors or Mestizoes, bound for a term of years, from any of the United States, by Land or Water.'"

-- 1. Act of 1792 extended until Jan. 1, 1797.

-- 2. It shall not be lawful hereafter to import slaves, free Negroes, etc., from the West Indies, any part of America outside the United States, "or from other parts beyond sea." Such slaves are to be forfeited and sold; the importer to be fined 50; free Negroes to be re-transported. Cooper, _Statutes_, VII. 433.

~1795. North Carolina: Act against West Indian Slaves.~

"An act to prevent any person who may emigrate from any of the West India or Bahama islands, or the French, Dutch or Spanish settlements on the southern coast of America, from bringing slaves into this state, and also for imposing certain restrictions on free persons of colour who may hereafter come into this state." Penalty, 100 for each slave over 15 years of age. _Laws of North Carolina_ (revision of 1819), I. 786.

~1796. Maryland: Importation Prohibited.~

"An Act relating to Negroes, and to repeal the acts of a.s.sembly therein mentioned."

"_Be it enacted_ ..., That it shall not be lawful, from and after the pa.s.sing of this act, to import or bring into this state, by land or water, any negro, mulatto or other slave, for sale, or to reside within this state; and any person brought into this state as a slave contrary to this act, if a slave before, shall thereupon immediately cease to be the property of the person or persons so importing or bringing such slave within this state, and shall be free."

-- 2. Any citizen of the United States, coming into the State to take up _bona fide_ residence, may bring with him, or within one year import, any slave which was his property at the time of removal, "which slaves, or the mother of which slaves, shall have been a resident of the United States, or some one of them, three whole years next preceding such removal."

The Suppression of the African Slave Trade to the United States of America Part 39

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~1787, March 28. South Carolina: Importation Prohibited.~

"An Ordinance to impose a Penalty on any person who shall import into this State any Negroes, contrary to the Instalment Act."

1. "_Be it ordained_, by the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives, met in General a.s.sembly, and by the authority of the same, That any person importing or bringing into this State a negro slave, contrary to the Act to regulate the recovery of debts and prohibiting the importation of negroes, shall, besides the forfeiture of such negro or slave, be liable to a penalty of one hundred pounds, to the use of the State, for every such negro or slave so imported and brought in, in addition to the forfeiture in and by the said Act prescribed." Cooper, _Statutes_, VII. 430.

~1787, October. Rhode Island: Importation Prohibited.~

"An act to prevent the slave trade and to encourage the abolition of slavery." This act prohibited and censured trade under penalty of 100 for each person and 1,000 for each vessel. Bartlett, _Index to the Printed Acts and Resolves_, p. 333; _Narragansett Historical Register_, II. 298-9.

APPENDIX B.

A CHRONOLOGICAL CONSPECTUS OF STATE, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION.

1788-1871.

As the State statutes and Congressional reports and bills are difficult to find, the significant parts of such doc.u.ments are printed in full. In the case of national statutes and treaties, the texts may easily be found through the references.

~1788, Feb. 22. New York: Slave-Trade Prohibited.~

"An Act concerning slaves."

"Whereas in consequence of the act directing a revision of the laws of this State, it is expedient that the several existing laws relative to slaves, should be revised, and comprized in one. Therefore, _Be it enacted_," etc.

"And to prevent the further importation of slaves into this State, _Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid_, That if any person shall sell as a slave within this State any negro, or other person, who has been imported or brought into this State, after" June 1, 1785, "such seller, or his or her factor or agent, making such sale, shall be deemed guilty of a public offence, and shall for every such offence, forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds.... _And further_, That every person so imported ... shall be free." The purchase of slaves for removal to another State is prohibited under penalty of 100. _Laws of New York, 1785-88_ (ed. 1886), pp. 675-6.

~1788, March 25. Ma.s.sachusetts: Slave-Trade Prohibited.~

"An Act to prevent the Slave-Trade, and for granting Relief to the Families of such unhappy Persons as may be kidnapped or decoyed away from this Commonwealth."

"Whereas by the African trade for slaves, the lives and liberties of many innocent persons have been from time to time sacrificed to the l.u.s.t of gain: And whereas some persons residing in this Commonwealth may be so regardless of the rights of human kind, as to be concerned in that unrighteous commerce:

-- 1. "Be it therefore enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court a.s.sembled, and by the authority of the same, That no citizen of this Commonwealth, or other person residing within the same, shall for himself, or any other person whatsoever, either as master, factor, supercargo, owner or hirer, in whole or in part, of any vessel, directly or indirectly, import or transport, or buy or sell, or receive on board, his or their vessel, with intent to cause to be imported or transported, any of the inhabitants of any State or Kingdom, in that part of the world called _Africa_, as slaves, or as servants for term of years." Any person convicted of doing this shall forfeit and pay the sum of 50 for every person received on board, and the sum of 200 for every vessel fitted out for the trade, "to be recovered by action of debt, in any Court within this Commonwealth, proper to try the same; the one moiety thereof to the use of this Commonwealth, and the other moiety to the person who shall prosecute for and recover the same."

-- 2. All insurance on said vessels and cargo shall be null and void; "and this act may be given in evidence under the general issue, in any suit or action commenced for the recovery of insurance so made," etc.

-- 4. "_Provided_ ... That this act do not extend to vessels which have already sailed, their owners, factors, or commanders, for and during their present voyage, or to any insurance that shall have been made, previous to the pa.s.sing of the same." _Perpetual Laws of Ma.s.sachusetts, 1780-89_ (ed. 1789), p. 235.

~1788, March 29. Pennsylvania: Slave-Trade Prohibited.~

"An Act to explain and amend an act, ent.i.tuled, 'An Act for the gradual abolition of slavery.'"

-- 2. Slaves brought in by persons intending to settle shall be free.

-- 3. " ... no negro or mulatto slave, or servant for term of years,"

except servants of congressmen, consuls, etc., "shall be removed out of this state, with the design and intention that the place of abode or residence of such slave or servant shall be thereby altered or changed, or with the design and intention that such slave or servant, if a female, and pregnant, shall be detained and kept out of this state till her delivery of the child of which she is or shall be pregnant, or with the design and intention that such slave or servant shall be brought again into this state, after the expiration of six months from the time of such slave or servant having been first brought into this state, without his or her consent, if of full age, testified upon a private examination, before two Justices of the peace of the city or county in which he or she shall reside, or, being under the age of twenty-one years, without his or her consent, testified in manner aforesaid, and also without the consent of his or her parents," etc. Penalty for every such offence, 75.

-- 5. " ... if any person or persons shall build, fit, equip, man, or otherwise prepare any ship or vessel, within any port of this state, or shall cause any ship or other vessel to sail from any port of this state, for the purpose of carrying on a trade or traffic in slaves, to, from, or between Europe, Asia, Africa or America, or any places or countries whatever, or of transporting slaves to or from one port or place to another, in any part or parts of the world, such ship or vessel, her tackle, furniture, apparel, and other appurtenances, shall be forfeited to the commonwealth.... And, moreover, all and every person and persons so building, fitting out," etc., shall forfeit 1000.

Dallas, _Laws_, II. 586.

~1788, October. Connecticut: Slave-Trade Prohibited.~

"An Act to prevent the Slave-Trade."

_"Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Representatives in General Court a.s.sembled, and by the Authority of the same_, That no Citizen or Inhabitant of this State, shall for himself, or any other Person, either as Master, Factor, Supercargo, Owner or Hirer, in Whole, or in Part, of any Vessel, directly or indirectly, import or transport, or buy or sell, or receive on board his or her Vessel, with Intent to cause to be imported or transported, any of the Inhabitants of any Country in Africa, as Slaves or Servants, for Term of Years; upon Penalty of _Fifty Pounds_, for every Person so received on board, as aforesaid; and of _Five Hundred Pounds_ for every such Vessel employed in the Importation or Transportation aforesaid; to be recovered by Action, Bill, Plaint or Information; the one Half to the Plaintiff, and the other Half to the Use of this State." And all insurance on vessels and slaves shall be void. This act to be given as evidence under general issue, in any suit commenced for recovery of such insurance.

" ... if any Person shall kidnap ... any free Negro," etc., inhabitant of this State, he shall forfeit 100. Every vessel clearing for the coast of Africa or any other part of the world, and suspected to be in the slave-trade, must give bond in 1000. Slightly amended in 1789.

_Acts and Laws of Connecticut_ (ed. 1784), pp. 368-9, 388.

~1788, Nov. 4. South Carolina: Temporary Prohibition.~

"An Act to regulate the Payment and Recovery of Debts, and to prohibit the Importation of Negroes, for the Time therein limited."

-- 16. "No negro or other slave shall be imported or brought into this State either by land or water on or before the first of January, 1793, under the penalty of forfeiting every such slave or slaves to any person who will sue or inform for the same; and under further penalty of paying 100 to the use of the State for every such negro or slave so imported or brought in: _Provided_, That nothing in this prohibition contained shall extend to such slaves as are now the property of citizens of the United States, and at the time of pa.s.sing this act shall be within the limits of the said United States.

-- 17. "All former instalment laws, and an ordinance imposing a penalty on persons importing negroes into this State, pa.s.sed the 28th day of March 1787, are hereby repealed." Grimke, _Public Laws_, p. 466.

~1789, Feb. 3. Delaware: Slave-Trade Prohibited.~

"_An additional Supplementary_ ACT _to an act, int.i.tuled_, An act to prevent the exportation of slaves, and for other purposes."

"Whereas it is inconsistent with that spirit of general liberty which pervades the const.i.tution of this state, that vessels should be fitted out, or equipped, in any of the ports thereof, for the purpose of receiving and transporting the natives of Africa to places where they are held in slavery; or that any acts should be deemed lawful, which tend to encourage or promote such iniquitous traffic among us:

-- 1. "_Be it therefore enacted by the General a.s.sembly of Delaware_, That if any owner or owners, master, agent, or factor, shall fit out, equip, man, or otherwise prepare, any ship or vessel within any port or place in this state, or shall cause any ship, or other vessel, to sail from any port or place in this state, for the purpose of carrying on a trade or traffic in slaves, to, from, or between, Europe, Asia, Africa, or America, or any places or countries whatever, or of transporting slaves to, or from, one port or place to another, in any part or parts of the world; such ship or vessel, her tackle, furniture, apparel, and other appurtenances, shall be forfeited to this state.... And moreover, all and every person and persons so fitting out ... any ship or vessel ... shall severally forfeit and pay the sum of Five Hundred Pounds;"

one-half to the state, and one-half to the informer.

-- 2. "_And whereas_ it has been found by experience, that the act, int.i.tuled, _An act to prevent the exportation of slaves, and for other purposes_, has not produced all the good effects expected therefrom,"

any one exporting a slave to Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, or the West Indies, without license, shall forfeit 100 for each slave exported and 20 for each attempt.

-- 3. Slaves to be tried by jury for capital offences. _Laws of Delaware_ (ed. 1797), p. 942, ch. 194 b.

~1789, May 13. Congress (House): Proposed Duty on Slaves Imported.~

A tax of $10 per head on slaves imported, moved by Parker of Virginia.

After debate, withdrawn. _Annals of Cong._, 1 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 336-42.

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"An Act for the gradual abolition of slavery."

-- 5. All slaves to be registered before Nov. 1.

-- 10. None but slaves "registered as aforesaid, shall, at any time hereafter, be deemed, adjudged, or holden, within the territories of this commonwealth, as slaves or servants for life, but as free men and free women; except the domestic slaves attending upon Delegates in Congress from the other American States," and those of travellers not remaining over six months, foreign ministers, etc., "provided such domestic slaves be not aliened or sold to any inhabitant," etc.

-- 11. Fugitive slaves from other states may be taken back.

-- 14. Former duty acts, etc., repealed. Dallas, _Laws_, I. 838. Cf.

_Penn. Archives_, VII. 79; VIII. 720.

~1783, April. Confederation: Slave-Trade in Treaty of 1783.~

"To the earnest wish of Jay that British ships should have no right under the convention to carry into the states any slaves from any part of the world, it being the intention of the United States entirely to prohibit their importation, Fox answered promptly: 'If that be their policy, it never can be competent to us to dispute with them their own regulations.'" Fox to Hartley, June 10, 1783, in Bancroft, _History of the Const.i.tution_, I. 61. Cf. Sparks, _Diplomatic Correspondence_, X.

154, June, 1783.

~1783. Maryland: Importation Prohibited.~

"An Act to prohibit the bringing slaves into this state."

" ... it shall not be lawful, after the pa.s.sing this act, to import or bring into this state, by land or water, any negro, mulatto, or other slave, for sale, or to reside within this state; and any person brought into this state as a slave contrary to this act, if a slave before, shall thereupon immediately cease to be a slave, and shall be free; provided that this act shall not prohibit any person, being a citizen of some one of the United States, coming into this state, with a _bona fide_ intention of settling therein, and who shall actually reside within this state for one year at least, ... to import or bring in any slave or slaves which before belonged to such person, and which slave or slaves had been an inhabitant of some one of the United States, for the s.p.a.ce of three whole years next preceding such importation," etc. _Laws of Maryland since 1763_: 1783, sess. April--June, ch. xxiii.

~1783, Aug. 13. South Carolina: 3 and 20 Duty Act.~

"An Act for levying and collecting certain duties and imposts therein mentioned, in aid of the public revenue." Cooper, _Statutes_, IV. 576.

~1784, February. Rhode Island: Manumission.~

"An Act authorizing the manumission of negroes, mulattoes, and others, and for the gradual abolition of slavery." Persons born after March, 1784, to be free. Bill framed pursuant to a pet.i.tion of Quakers.

_Colonial Records_, X. 7-8; Arnold, _History of Rhode Island_, II. 503.

~1784, March 26. South Carolina: 3 and 5 Duty Act.~

"An Act for levying and collecting certain Duties," etc. Cooper, _Statutes_, IV. 607.

~1785, April 12. New York: Partial Prohibition.~

"An Act granting a bounty on hemp to be raised within this State, and imposing an additional duty on sundry articles of merchandise, and for other purposes therein mentioned."

" ... _And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid_, That if any negro or other person to be imported or brought into this State from any of the United States or from any other place or country after the first day of June next, shall be sold as a slave or slaves within this State, the seller or his or her factor or agent, shall be deemed guilty of a public offence, and shall for every such offence forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds lawful money of New York, to be recovered by any person," etc.

"_And be it further enacted_ ... That every such person imported or brought into this State and sold contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act shall be freed." _Laws of New York, 1785-88_ (ed. 1886), pp.

120-21.

~1785. Rhode Island: Restrictive Measure (?).~

t.i.tle and text not found. Cf. _Public Laws of Rhode Island_ (revision of 1822), p. 441.

~1786, March 2. New Jersey: Importation Prohibited.~

"An Act to prevent the importation of Slaves into the State of New Jersey, and to authorize the Manumission of them under certain restrictions, and to prevent the Abuse of Slaves."

"Whereas the Principles of Justice and Humanity require that the barbarous Custom of bringing the unoffending African from his native Country and Connections into a State of Slavery ought to be discountenanced, and as soon as possible prevented; and sound Policy also requires, in order to afford ample Support to such of the Community as depend upon their Labour for their daily Subsistence, that the Importation of Slaves into this State from any other State or Country whatsoever, ought to be prohibited under certain Restrictions; and that such as are under Servitude in the State ought to be protected by Law from those Exercises of Wanton Cruelty too often practiced upon them; and that every unnecessary Obstruction in the Way of freeing Slaves should be removed; therefore,

-- 1. "_Be it Enacted by the Council and General a.s.sembly of this State, and it is hereby Enacted by the Authority of the same_, That from and after the Publication of this Act, it shall not be lawful for any Person or Persons whatsoever to bring into this State, either for Sale or for Servitude, any Negro Slave brought from Africa since the Year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy-six; and every Person offending by bringing into this State any such Negro Slave shall, for each Slave, forfeit and Pay the Sum of Fifty Pounds, to be sued for and recovered with Costs by the Collector of the Township into which such Slave shall be brought, to be applied when recovered to the Use of the State.

-- 2. "_And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid_, That if any Person shall either bring or procure to be brought into this State, any Negro or Mulatto Slave, who shall not have been born in or brought from Africa since the Year above mentioned, and either sell or buy, or cause such Negro or Mulatto Slave to be sold or remain in this State, for the s.p.a.ce of six Months, every such Person so bringing or procuring to be brought or selling or purchasing such Slave, not born in or brought from Africa since the Year aforesaid, shall for every such Slave, forfeit and pay the Sum of Twenty Pounds, to be sued for and recovered with Costs by the Collector of the Township into which such Slave shall be brought or remain after the Time limited for that Purpose, the Forfeiture to be applied to the Use of the State as aforesaid.

-- 3. "_Provided always, and be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid_, That Nothing in this Act contained shall be construed to prevent any Person who shall remove into the State, to take a settled Residence here, from bringing all his or her Slaves without incurring the Penalties aforesaid, excepting such Slaves as shall have been brought from Africa since the Year first above mentioned, or to prevent any Foreigners or others having only a temporary Residence in this State, for the Purpose of transacting any particular Business, or on their Travels, from bringing and employing such Slaves as Servants, during the Time of his or her Stay here, provided such Slaves shall not be sold or disposed of in this State." _Acts of the Tenth General a.s.sembly_ (Tower Collection of Laws).

~1786, Oct. 30. Vermont: External Trade Prohibited.~

"An act to prevent the sale and transportation of Negroes and Molattoes out of this State." 100 penalty. _Statutes of Vermont_ (ed. 1787), p.

105.

~1786. North Carolina: Prohibitive Duty.~

"An act to impose a duty on all slaves brought into this state by land or water."

"Whereas the importation of slaves into this state is productive of evil consequences, and highly impolitic," etc. A prohibitive duty is imposed.

The exact text was not found.

-- 6. Slaves introduced from States which have pa.s.sed emanc.i.p.ation acts are to be returned in three months; if not, a bond of 50 is to be forfeited, and a fine of 100 imposed.

-- 8. Act to take effect next Feb. 1; repealed by Act of 1790, ch. 18.

Martin, _Iredell's Acts of a.s.sembly_, I. 413, 492.

~1787, Feb. 3. Delaware: Exportation Prohibited.~

"An Act to prevent the exportation of slaves, and for other purposes."

_Laws of Delaware_ (ed. 1797), p. 884, ch. 145 b.

~1787, March 28. South Carolina: Total Prohibition.~

"An Act to regulate the recovery and payment of debts and for prohibiting the importation of negroes for the time therein mentioned."

t.i.tle only given. Grimke, _Public Laws_, p. lxviii, No. 1485.

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"Provided that the slaves of settlers and travellers be excepted.

"Provided, also, that nothing in this act shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to any negro or mulatto slave brought from the coast of Africa, into the West Indies, on board any vessel belonging to this colony, and which negro or mulatto slave could not be disposed of in the West Indies, but shall be brought into this colony.

"Provided, that the owner of such negro or mulatto slave give bond to the general treasurer of the said colony, within ten days after such arrival in the sum of 100, lawful money, for each and every such negro or mulatto slave so brought in, that such negro or mulatto slave shall be exported out of the colony, within one year from the date of such bond; if such negro or mulatto be alive, and in a condition to be removed."

"Provided, also, that nothing in this act shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to any negro or mulatto slave that may be on board any vessel belonging to this colony, now at sea, in her present voyage." Heavy penalties are laid for bringing in Negroes in order to free them.

_Colonial Records_, VII. 251-3.

[1784, February: "It is voted and resolved, that the whole of the clause contained in an act of this a.s.sembly, pa.s.sed at June session, A.D. 1774, permitting slaves brought from the coast of Africa into the West Indies, on board any vessel belonging to this (then colony, now) state, and who could not be disposed of in the West Indies, &c., be, and the same is, hereby repealed." _Colonial Records_, X. 8.]

~1774, October. Connecticut: Importation Prohibited.~

"An Act for prohibiting the Importation of Indian, Negro or Molatto Slaves."

" ... no indian, negro or molatto Slave shall at any time hereafter be brought or imported into this Colony, by sea or land, from any place or places whatsoever, to be disposed of, left or sold within this Colony."

This was re-enacted in the revision of 1784, and slaves born after 1784 were ordered to be emanc.i.p.ated at the age of twenty-five. _Colonial Records_, XIV. 329; _Acts and Laws of Connecticut_ (ed. 1784), pp.

233-4.

~1774. New Jersey: Proposed Prohibitive Duty.~

"A Bill for laying a Duty on Indian, Negroe and Molatto Slaves, imported into this Colony." Pa.s.sed the a.s.sembly, and was rejected by the Council as "plainly" intending "an intire Prohibition," etc. _N.J. Archives_, 1st Series, VI. 222.

~1775, March 27. Delaware: Bill to Prohibit Importation.~

Pa.s.sed the a.s.sembly and was vetoed by the governor. Force, _American Archives_, 4th Series, II. 128-9.

~1775, Nov. 23. Virginia: On Lord Dunmore's Proclamation.~

Williamsburg Convention to the public: "Our a.s.semblies have repeatedly pa.s.sed acts, laying heavy duties upon imported Negroes, by which they meant altogether to prevent the horrid traffick; but their humane intentions have been as often frustrated by the cruelty and covetousness of a set of _English_ merchants." ... The Americans would, if possible, "not only prevent any more Negroes from losing their freedom, but restore it to such as have already unhappily lost it." This is evidently addressed in part to Negroes, to keep them from joining the British.

_Ibid._, III. 1387.

~1776, June 29. Virginia: Preamble to Frame of Government.~

Blame for the slave-trade thrown on the king. See above, page 21.

Hening, _Statutes_, IX. 112-3.

~1776, Aug.-Sept. Delaware: Const.i.tution.~

"The Const.i.tution or system of Government agreed to and resolved upon by the Representatives in full Convention of the Delaware State," etc.

-- 26. "No person hereafter imported into this State from _Africa_ ought to be held in slavery on any pretence whatever; and no Negro, Indian, or Mulatto slave ought to be brought into this State, for sale, from any part of the world." Force, _American Archives_, 5th Series, I. 1174-9.

~1777, July 2. Vermont: Slavery Condemned.~

The first Const.i.tution declares slavery a violation of "natural, inherent and unalienable rights." _Vermont State Papers, 1779-86_, p.

244.

~1777. Maryland: Negro Duty Maintained.~

"An Act concerning duties."

" ... no duties imposed by act of a.s.sembly on any article or thing imported into or exported out of this state (except duties imposed on the importation of negroes), shall be taken or received within two years from the end of the present session of the general a.s.sembly." _Laws of Maryland since 1763_: 1777, sess. Feb.-Apr., ch. xviii.

~1778, Sept. 7. Pennsylvania: Act to Collect Back Duties.~

"An Act for the recovery of the duties on Negroes and Mulattoe slaves, which on the fourth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, were due to this state," etc. Dallas, _Laws_, I. 782.

~1778, October. Virginia: Importation Prohibited.~

"An act for preventing the farther importation of Slaves.

-- 1. "For preventing the farther importation of slaves into this commonwealth, _Be it enacted by the General a.s.sembly_, That from and after the pa.s.sing of this act no slave or slaves shall hereafter be imported into this commonwealth by sea or land, nor shall any slaves so imported be sold or bought by any person whatsoever.

-- 2. "Every person hereafter importing slaves into this commonwealth contrary to this act shall forfeit and pay the sum of one thousand pounds for every slave so imported, and every person selling or buying any such slaves shall in like manner forfeit and pay the sum of five hundred pounds for every slave so sold or bought," etc.

-- 3. "_And be it farther enacted_, That every slave imported into this commonwealth, contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act, shall, upon such importation become free."

-- 4. Exceptions are _bona fide_ settlers with slaves not imported later than Nov. 1, 1778, nor intended to be sold; and transient travellers.

Re-enacted in substance in the revision of October, 1785. For a temporary exception to this act, as concerns citizens of Georgia and South Carolina during the war, see Act of May, 1780. Hening, _Statutes_, IX. 471; X. 307; XII. 182.

~1779, October. Rhode Island: Slave-Trade Restricted.~

"An Act prohibiting slaves being sold out of the state, against their consent." t.i.tle only found. _Colonial Records_, VIII. 618; Arnold, _History of Rhode Island_, II. 449.

~1779. Vermont: Importation Prohibited.~

"An Act for securing the general privileges of the people," etc. The act abolished slavery. _Vermont State Papers, 1779-86_, p. 287.

~1780. Ma.s.sachusetts: Slavery Abolished.~

Pa.s.sage in the Const.i.tution which was held by the courts to abolish slavery: "Art. I. All men are born free and equal, and have certain, natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties," etc.

_Const.i.tution of Ma.s.sachusetts_, Part I., Art. 1; prefixed to _Perpetual Laws_ (1789).

~1780, March 1. Pennsylvania: Slavery Abolished.~

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~1761, April 22. Pennsylvania: Prohibitive Duty Act.~

"A Supplement to an act, ent.i.tuled An Act for laying a duty on Negroes and Mulattoe slaves, imported into this province." Continued in 1768.

Carey and Bioren, _Laws_, I. 371, 451; Bettle, _Notices of Negro Slavery_, in _Penn. Hist. Soc. Mem._ (1864), I. 388-9.

~1763, Nov. 26. Maryland: Additional 2 Duty Act.~

"An Act for imposing an additional Duty of Two Pounds per Poll on all Negroes Imported into this Province."

-- 1. All persons importing Negroes by land or water into this province, shall at the time of entry pay to the naval officer the sum of two pounds, current money, over and above the duties now payable by law, for every Negro so imported or brought in, on forfeiture of 10 current money for every Negro so brought in and not paid for. One half of the penalty is to go to the informer, the other half to the use of the county schools. The duty shall be collected, accounted for, and paid by the naval officers, in the same manner as former duties on Negroes.

-- 2. But persons removing from any other of his Majesty's dominions in order to settle and reside within this province, may import their slaves for carrying on their proper occupations at the time of removal, duty free.

-- 3. Importers of Negroes, exporting the same within two months of the time of their importation, on application to the naval officer shall be paid the aforesaid duty. Bacon, _Laws_, 1763, ch. xxviii.

~1763 (circa). New Jersey: Prohibitive Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying a duty on Negroes and Mulatto Slaves Imported into this Province." Disallowed (?) by Great Britain. _N.J. Archives_, IX.

345-6, 383, 447, 458.

~1764, Aug. 25. South Carolina: Additional 100 Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying an additional duty upon all Negroes hereafter to be imported into this Province, for the time therein mentioned, to be paid by the first purchasers of such Negroes." Cooper, _Statutes_, IV 187.

~1766, November. Virginia: Proposed Duty Act.~

"An act for laying an additional duty upon slaves imported into this colony."

-- 1. " ... from and after the pa.s.sing of this act there shall be levied and paid ... for all slaves imported or brought into this colony for sale, either by land or water from any port or place whatsoever, by the buyer or purchaser, after the rate of ten per centum on the amount of each respective purchase over and above the several duties already laid upon slaves imported or brought into this colony as aforesaid," etc. To be suspended until the king's consent is given, and then to continue seven years. The same act was pa.s.sed again in 1769. Hening, _Statutes_, VIII. 237, 337.

~1766. Rhode Island: Restrictive Measure (?).~

t.i.tle and text not found. Cf. _Digest_ of 1798, under "Slave Trade;"

_Public Laws of Rhode Island_ (revision of 1822), p. 441.

~1768, Feb. 20. Pennsylvania: Re-enactment of Acts of 1761.~

t.i.tles only found. Dallas, _Laws_, I. 490; _Colonial Records_ (1852), IX. 472, 637, 641.

~1769, Nov. 16. New Jersey: 15 Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying a Duty on the Purchasers of Slaves imported into this Colony."

"Whereas Duties on the Importation of Negroes in several of the neighbouring Colonies hath, on Experience, been found beneficial in the Introduction of sober, industrious Foreigners, to settle under His Majesty's Allegiance, and the promoting a Spirit of Industry among the Inhabitants in general: _In order therefore_ to promote the same good Designs in this Government, and that such as choose to purchase Slaves may contribute some equitable Proportion of the publick Burdens," etc.

A duty of "_Fifteen Pounds_, Proclamation Money, is laid." _Acts of a.s.sembly_ (Allinson, 1776), p. 315.

~1769 (circa). Connecticut: Importation Prohibited (?).~

t.i.tle and text not found. "Whereas, the increase of slaves is injurious to the poor, and inconvenient, therefore," etc. Fowler, _Historical Status of the Negro in Connecticut_, in _Local Law_, etc., p. 125.

~1770. Rhode Island: Bill to Prohibit Importation.~

Bill to prohibit importation of slaves fails. Arnold, _History of Rhode Island_ (1859), II. 304, 321, 337.

~1771, April 12. Ma.s.sachusetts: Bill to Prevent Importation.~

Bill pa.s.ses both houses and fails of Governor Hutchinson's a.s.sent.

_House Journal_, pp. 211, 215, 219, 228, 234, 236, 240, 242-3.

~1771. Maryland: Additional 5 Duty Act.~

"An Act for imposing a further additional duty of five pounds current money per poll on all negroes imported into this province." For seven years. _Laws of Maryland since 1763_: 1771, ch. vii.; cf. 1773, sess.

Nov.-Dec., ch. xiv.

~1772, April 1. Virginia: Address to the King.~

" ... The importation of slaves into the colonies from the coast of Africa hath long been considered as a trade of great inhumanity, and under its _present encouragement_, we have too much reason to fear _will endanger the very existence_ of your majesty's American dominions....

"Deeply impressed with these sentiments, we most humbly beseech your majesty to _remove all those restraints_ on your majesty's governors of this colony, _which inhibit their a.s.senting to such laws as might check so very pernicious a commerce_." _Journals of the House of Burgesses_, p. 131; quoted in Tucker, _Dissertation on Slavery_ (repr. 1861), p. 43.

~1773, Feb. 26. Pennsylvania: Additional 10 Duty Act.~

"An Act for making perpetual the act ... [of 1761] ... and laying an additional duty on the said slaves." Dallas, _Laws_, I. 671; _Acts of a.s.sembly_ (ed. 1782), p. 149.

~1774, March, June. Ma.s.sachusetts: Bills to Prohibit Importation.~

Two bills designed to prohibit the importation of slaves fail of the governor's a.s.sent. First bill: _General Court Records_, x.x.x. 248, 264; _Ma.s.s. Archives, Domestic Relations, 1643-1774_, IX. 457. Second bill: _General Court Records_, x.x.x. 308, 322.

~1774, June. Rhode Island: Importation Restricted.~

"An Act prohibiting the importation of Negroes into this Colony."

"Whereas, the inhabitants of America are generally engaged in the preservation of their own rights and liberties, among which, that of personal freedom must be considered as the greatest; as those who are desirous of enjoying all the advantages of liberty themselves, should be willing to extend personal liberty to others;--

"Therefore, be it enacted ... that for the future, no negro or mulatto slave shall be brought into this colony; and in case any slave shall hereafter be brought in, he or she shall be, and are hereby, rendered immediately free, so far as respects personal freedom, and the enjoyment of private property, in the same manner as the native Indians."

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"An act to lay a duty on Negroes & a tax on the Slaves therein mentioned during the time and for the uses within mentioned." The tax was 1_s._ yearly per slave. _Doc. rel. Col. Hist. New York_, VI. 38.

~1734, Nov. 28. New York: 2 and 4 (?) Duty Act.~

"An Act to lay a Duty on the Goods, and a Tax on the Slaves therein mentioned, during the Time, and for the Uses mentioned in the same."

Possibly there were two acts this year. _Laws of New York, 1691-1773_, p. 186; _Doc. rel. Col. Hist. New York_, VI. 27.

~1735. Georgia: Prohibitive Act.~

An "act for rendering the colony of Georgia more defensible by prohibiting the importation and use of black slaves or negroes into the same." W.B. Stevens, _History of Georgia_, I. 311; [B. Martyn], _Account of the Progress of Georgia_ (1741), pp. 9-10; Prince h.o.a.re, _Memoirs of Granville Sharp_ (London, 1820), p. 157.

~1740, April 5. South Carolina: 100 Prohibitive Duty Act.~

"An Act for the better strengthening of this Province, by granting to His Majesty certain taxes and impositions on the purchasers of Negroes imported," etc. The duty on slaves from America was 150. Continued to 1744. Cooper, _Statutes_, III. 556. Cf. _Abstract Evidence on Slave-Trade before Committee of House of Commons, 1790-91_ (London, 1791), p. 150.

~1740, May. Virginia: Additional Five per cent Duty Act.~

"An Act, for laying an additional Duty upon Slaves, to be paid by the Buyer, for encouraging persons to enlist in his Majesty's service: And for preventing desertion." To continue until July 1, 1744. Hening, _Statutes_, V. 92.

~1751, June 14. South Carolina: White Servants Encouraged.~

"An Act for the better strengthening of this Province, by granting to His Majesty certain Taxes and Impositions on the purchasers of Negroes and other slaves imported, and for appropriating the same to the uses therein mentioned, and for granting to His Majesty a duty on Liquors and other Goods and Merchandize, for the uses therein mentioned, and for exempting the purchasers of Negroes and other slaves imported from payment of the Tax, and the Liquors and other Goods and Merchandize from the duties imposed by any former Act or Acts of the General a.s.sembly of this Province."

"Whereas, the best way to prevent the mischiefs that may be attended by the great importation of negroes into this Province, will be to establish a method by which such importation should be made a necessary means of introducing a proportionable number of white inhabitants into the same; therefore for the effectual raising and appropriating a fund sufficient for the better settling of this Province with white inhabitants, we, his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the House of a.s.sembly now met in General a.s.sembly, do cheerfully give and grant unto the King's most excellent Majesty, his heirs and successors, the several taxes and impositions hereinafter mentioned, for the uses and to be raised, appropriated, paid and applied as is hereinafter directed and appointed, and not otherwise, and do humbly pray his most sacred Majesty that it may be enacted,

-- 1. "_And be it enacted_, by his Excellency James Glen, Esquire, Governor in chief and Captain General in and over the Province of South Carolina, by and with the advice and consent of his Majesty's honorable Council, and the House of a.s.sembly of the said Province, and by the authority of the same, That from and immediately after the pa.s.sing of this Act, there shall be imposed on and paid by all and every the inhabitants of this Province, and other person and persons whosoever, first purchasing any negro or other slave, hereafter to be imported, a certain tax or sum of ten pounds current money for every such negro and other slave of the height of four feet two inches and upwards; and for every one under that height, and above three feet two inches, the sum of five pounds like money; and for all under three feet two inches, (sucking children excepted) two pounds and ten shillings like money, which every such inhabitant of this Province, and other person and persons whosoever shall so purchase or buy as aforesaid, which said sums of ten pounds and five pounds and two pounds and ten shillings respectively, shall be paid by such purchaser for every such slave, at the time of his, her or their purchasing of the same, to the public treasurer of this Province for the time being, for the uses hereinafter mentioned, set down and appointed, under pain of forfeiting all and every such negroes and slaves, for which the said taxes or impositions shall not be paid, pursuant to the directions of this Act, to be sued for, recovered and applied in the manner hereinafter directed."

-- 6. "_And be it further enacted_ by the authority aforesaid, That the said tax hereby imposed on negroes and other slaves, paid or to be paid by or on the behalf of the purchasers as aforesaid, by virtue of this Act, shall be applied and appropriated as followeth, and to no other use, or in any other manner whatever, (that is to say) that three-fifth parts (the whole into five equal parts to be divided) of the net sum arising by the said tax, for and during the term of five years from the time of pa.s.sing this Act, be applied and the same is hereby applied for payment of the sum of six pounds proclamation money to every poor foreign protestant whatever from Europe, or other poor protestant (his Majesty's subject) who shall produce a certificate under the seal of any corporation, or a certificate under the hands of the minister and church-wardens of any parish, or the minister and elders of any church, meeting or congregation in Great Britain or Ireland, of the good character of such poor protestant, above the age of twelve and under the age of fifty years, and for payment of the sum of three pounds like money, to every such poor protestant under the age of twelve and above the age of two years; who shall come into this Province within the first three years of the said term of five years, and settle on any part of the southern frontier lying between Pon Pon and Savannah rivers, or in the central parts of this Province," etc. For the last two years the bounty is 4 and 2.

-- 7. After the expiration of this term of five years, the sum is appropriated to the protestants settling anywhere in the State, and the bounty is 2 13_s._ 4_d._, and 1 6_s._ 8_d._

-- 8. One other fifth of the tax is appropriated to survey lands, and the remaining fifth as a bounty for ship-building, and for encouraging the settlement of ship-builders.

-- 14. Rebate of three-fourths of the tax allowed in case of re-exportation of the slaves in six months.

-- 16. "_And be it further enacted_ by the authority aforesaid, That every person or persons who after the pa.s.sing this Act shall purchase any slave or slaves which shall be brought or imported into this Province, either by land or water, from any of his Majesty's plantations or colonies in America, that have been in any such colony or plantation for the s.p.a.ce of six months; and if such slave or slaves have not been so long in such colony or plantation, the importer shall be obliged to make oath or produce a proper certificate thereof, or otherwise every such importer shall pay a further tax or imposition of fifty pounds, over and besides the tax hereby imposed for every such slave which he or they shall purchase as aforesaid." Actual settlers bringing slaves are excepted.

-- 41. This act to continue in force ten years from its pa.s.sage, and thence to the end of the next session of the General a.s.sembly, and no longer. Cooper, _Statutes_, III. 739.

~1753, Dec. 12. New York: 5 oz. and 10 oz. plate Duty Act.~

"An Act for granting to His Majesty the several Duties and Impositions, on Goods, Wares and Merchandizes imported into this Colony, therein mentioned." Annually continued until 1767, or perhaps until 1774. _Laws of New York, 1752-62_, p. 21, ch. xxvii.; _Doc. rel. Col. Hist. New York_, VII. 907; VIII. 452.

~1754, February. Virginia: Additional Five per cent Duty Act.~

"An Act for the encouragement and protection of the settlers upon the waters of the Mississippi." For three years; continued in 1755 and 1763; revived in 1772, and continued until 1778. Hening, _Statutes_, VI. 417, 468; VII. 639; VIII. 530.

~1754, July 25. Maryland: Additional 10s. Duty Act.~

"An Act for his Majesty's Service." Bacon, _Laws_, 1754, ch. ix.

~1755, May. Virginia: Additional Ten per cent Duty Act.~

"An act to explain an act, int.i.tuled, An act for raising the sum of twenty thousand pounds, for the protection of his majesty's subjects, against the insults and encroachments of the French; and for other purposes therein mentioned."

-- 10. " ... from and after the pa.s.sing of this act, there shall be levied and paid to our sovereign lord the king, his heirs and successors, for all slaves imported, or brought into this colony and dominion for sale, either by land or water, from any part [port] or place whatsoever, by the buyer, or purchaser, after the rate of ten per centum, on the amount of each respective purchase, over and above the several duties already laid on slaves, imported as aforesaid, by an act or acts of a.s.sembly, now subsisting, and also over and above the duty laid by" the Act of 1754. Repealed by Act of May, 1760, -- 11, " ...

inasmuch as the same prevents the importation of slaves, and thereby lessens the fund arising from the duties upon slaves." Hening, _Statutes_, VI. 461; VII. 363. Cf. _Dinwiddie Papers_, II. 86.

~1756, March 22. Maryland: Additional 20s. Duty Act.~

"An Act for granting a Supply of Forty Thousand Pounds, for his Majesty's Service," etc. For five years. Bacon, _Laws_, 1756, ch. v.

~1757, April. Virginia: Additional Ten per cent Duty Act.~

"An Act for granting an aid to his majesty for the better protection of this colony, and for other purposes therein mentioned."

-- 22. " ... from and after the ninth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight, during the term of seven years, there shall be paid for all slaves imported into this colony, for sale, either by land or water, from any port or place whatsoever, by the buyer or purchaser thereof, after the rate of ten per centum on the amount of each respective purchase, over and above the several duties already laid upon slaves imported, as aforesaid, by any act or acts of a.s.sembly now subsisting in this colony," etc. Repealed by Act of March, 1761, -- 6, as being "found very inconvenient." Hening, _Statutes_, VII. 69, 383.

~1759, November. Virginia: Twenty per cent Duty Act.~

"An Act to oblige the persons bringing slaves into this colony from Maryland, Carolina, and the West-Indies, for their own use, to pay a duty."

-- 1. " ... from and after the pa.s.sing of this act, there shall be paid ... for all slaves imported or brought into this colony and dominion from Maryland, North-Carolina, or any other place in America, by the owner or importer thereof, after the rate of twenty per centum on the amount of each respective purchase," etc. This act to continue until April 20, 1767; continued in 1766 and 1769, until 1773; altered by Act of 1772, _q.v. Ibid._, VII. 338; VIII. 191, 336.

~1760. South Carolina: Total Prohibition.~

Text not found; act disallowed by Great Britain. Cf. Burge, _Commentaries_, I. 737, note; W.B. Stevens, _History of Georgia_, I.

286.

~1761, March 14. Pennsylvania: 10 Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying a duty on Negroes and Mulattoe slaves, imported into this province." Continued in 1768; repealed (or disallowed) in 1780.

Carey and Bioren, _Laws_, I. 371, 451; _Acts of a.s.sembly_ (ed. 1782), p.

149; _Colonial Records_ (1852), VIII. 576.

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~1718, Feb. 22. Pennsylvania: Duty Act.~

"An Act for continuing a duty on Negroes brought into this province."

Carey and Bioren, _Laws_, I. 118.

~1719, March 20. South Carolina: 10 Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying an Imposition on Negroes, Liquors, and other Goods and Merchandizes, imported, and exported out of this Province, for the raising of a Fund of Money towards the defraying the Publick Charges and Expences of this Government; as also to Repeal several Duty Acts, and Clauses and Paragraphs of Acts, as is herein mentioned." This repeals former duty acts (e.g. that of 1714), and lays a duty of 10 on African slaves, and 30 on American slaves. Cooper, _Statutes_, III. 56.

~1721, Sept. 21. South Carolina: 10 Duty Act.~

"An Act for granting to His Majesty a Duty and Imposition on Negroes, Liquors, and other Goods and Merchandize, imported into and exported out of this Province." This was a continuation of the Act of 1719. _Ibid._, III. 159.

~1722, Feb. 23. South Carolina: 10 Duty Act.~

"An Act for Granting to His Majesty a Duty and Imposition on Negroes, Liquors, and other Goods and Merchandizes, for the use of the Publick of this Province."

-- 1. " ... on all negro slaves imported from Africa directly, or any other place whatsoever, Spanish negroes excepted, if above ten years of age, ten pounds; on all negroes under ten years of age, (sucking children excepted) five pounds," etc.

-- 3. "And whereas, it has proved to the detriment of some of the inhabitants of this Province, who have purchased negroes imported here from the Colonies of America, that they were either transported thence by the Courts of justice, or sent off by private persons for their ill behaviour and misdemeanours, to prevent which for the future,

"_Be it enacted_ by the authority aforesaid, That all negroes imported in this Province from any part of America, after the ratification of this Act, above ten years of age, shall pay unto the Publick Receiver as a duty, the sum of fifty pounds, and all such negroes under the age of ten years, (sucking children excepted) the sum of five pounds of like current money, unless the owner or agent shall produce a testimonial under the hand and seal of any Notary Publick of the Colonies or plantations from whence such negroes came last, before whom it was proved upon oath, that the same are new negroes, and have not been six months on sh.o.a.r in any part of America," etc.

-- 4. "And whereas, the importation of Spanish Indians, mustees, negroes, and mulattoes, may be of dangerous consequence by inticing the slaves belonging to the inhabitants of this Province to desert with them to the Spanish settlements near us,

"_Be it therefore enacted_ That all such Spanish negroes, Indians, mustees, or mulattoes, so imported into this Province, shall pay unto the Publick Receiver, for the use of this Province, a duty of one hundred and fifty pounds, current money of this Province."

-- 19. Rebate of three-fourths of the duty allowed in case of re-exportation in six months.

-- 31. Act of 1721 repealed.

-- 36. This act to continue in force for three years, and thence to the end of the next session of the General a.s.sembly, and no longer. Cooper, _Statutes_, III. 193.

~1722, May 12. Pennsylvania: Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying a duty on Negroes imported into this province." Carey and Bioren, _Laws_, I. 165.

~1723, May. Virginia: Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying a Duty on Liquors and Slaves." t.i.tle only; repealed by proclamation Oct. 27, 1724. Hening, _Statutes_, IV. 118.

~1723, June 18. Rhode Island: Back Duties Collected.~

Resolve appointing the attorney-general to collect back duties on Negroes. _Colonial Records_, IV. 330.

~1726, March 5. Pennsylvania: 10 Duty Act.~

"An Act for the better regulating of Negroes in this province." Carey and Bioren, _Laws_, I. 214; Bettle, _Notices of Negro Slavery_, in _Penn. Hist. Soc. Mem._ (1864), I. 388.

~1726, March 5. Pennsylvania: Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying a duty on Negroes imported into this province." Carey and Bioren, _Laws_, I. 213.

~1727, February. Virginia: Prohibitive Duty Act (?).~

"An Act for laying a Duty on Slaves imported; and for appointing a Treasurer." t.i.tle only found; the duty was probably prohibitive; it was enacted with a suspending clause, and was not a.s.sented to by the king.

Hening, _Statutes_, IV. 182.

~1728, Aug. 31. New York: 2 and 4 Duty Act.~

"An Act to repeal some Parts and to continue and enforce other Parts of the Act therein mentioned, and for granting several Duties to His Majesty, for supporting His Government in the Colony of New York" from Sept. 1, 1728, to Sept. 1, 1733. Same duty continued by Act of 1732.

_Laws of New York, 1691-1773_, pp. 148, 171; _Doc. rel. Col. Hist. New York_, VI. 32, 33, 34, 37, 38.

~1728, Sept. 14. Ma.s.sachusetts: Act of 1705 Strengthened.~

"An Act more effectually to secure the Duty on the Importation of Negroes." For seven years; substantially the same law re-enacted Jan.

26, 1738, for ten years. _Ma.s.s. Province Laws, 1728-9_, ch. 16; _1738-9_, ch. 27.

~1729, May 10. Pennsylvania: 40s. Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying a Duty on Negroes imported into this Province." _Laws of Pennsylvania_ (ed. 1742), p. 354, ch. 287.

~1732, May. Rhode Island: Repeal of Act of 1712.~

"Whereas, there was an act made and pa.s.sed by the General a.s.sembly, at their session, held at Newport, the 27th day of February, 1711 [O.S., N.S. = 1712], ent.i.tled 'An Act for laying a duty on negro slaves that shall be imported into this colony,' and this a.s.sembly being directed by His Majesty's instructions to repeal the same;--

"Therefore, be it enacted by the General a.s.sembly ... that the said act ... be, and it is hereby repealed, made null and void, and of none effect for the future." If this is the act mentioned under Act of 1708, the t.i.tle is wrongly cited; if not, the act is lost. _Colonial Records_, IV. 471.

~1732, May. Virginia: Five per cent Duty Act.~

"An Act for laying a Duty upon Slaves, to be paid by the Buyers." For four years; continued and slightly amended by Acts of 1734, 1736, 1738, 1742, and 1745; revived February, 1752, and continued by Acts of November, 1753, February, 1759, November, 1766, and 1769; revived (or continued?) by Act of February, 1772, until 1778. Hening, _Statutes_, IV. 317, 394, 469; V. 28, 160, 318; VI. 217, 353; VII. 281; VIII. 190, 336, 530.

~1734, November. New York: Duty Act.~