"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 Assembly, That from and after the passing 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." Title 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.