[365] I use the English spelling,—Sommersett.
[366] Hildreth, vol. ii. p. 567.
[367] Bancroft, 12th ed. vol. iii. p. 412.
[368] Ancient Charters and Laws of Mass., pp. 745, 746.
[369] The following is from Felt's Salem, vol. ii. pp. 415, 416, and illustrates the manner in which the law was complied with: "1713. Ann, relict of Governor Bradstreet, frees Hannah, a negro servant. 1717, Dec. 21. William and Samuel Upton, of this town, liberate Thomas, who has faithfully served their father, John Upton, of Reading. They give security to the treasurer, that they will meet all charges, which may accrue against the said black man. 1721, May 27. Elizur Keyser does the same for his servant, Cato, after four years more, and then the latter was to receive two suits of clothes.... 1758, June 5. The heirs of John Turner, having freed two servants, Titus and Rebeckah, give bonds to the selectmen, that they shall be no public charge."
[370] John Adams's Works, vol. i. p. 51.
[371] Adams's Works, vol. i. p. 55.
[372] Drake, p. 525.
[373] The late Senator Sumner, in a speech delivered on the 28th of June, 1854, refers to this as "the earliest testimony from any official body against negro slavery." Even the weight of the senator's assertion cannot resist the facts of history. The "resolve" instructing the "representatives" was never carried; but, on the contrary, the next Act was the law of 1703 restricting manumission!
[374] Journal H. of R., 15, 16. General Court Records, x. 282.