1783. Maryland: Importation Prohibited.
"An Act to prohibit the bringing slaves into this state."
" ... it shall not be lawful, after the passing 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 space 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 petition 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.