"A Bill for laying a Duty on Indian, Negroe and Molatto Slaves, imported into this Colony." Passed the Assembly, 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.
Passed the Assembly 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 Assemblies have repeatedly passed 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: Constitution.
"The Constitution or system of Government agreed to and resolved upon by the Representatives in full Convention of the Delaware State," etc.