[95] De Bow: Compendium, 7th Census, p. 94.
[96] Ibid.: Industrial Resources, Vol. III., p. 275.
[97] Richmond Enquirer, July 29, 1859.
THE AMOUNT AND EXTENT OF THE TRADE.
We have already discussed the causes of the domestic slave trade. In this chapter it is our purpose, chiefly, to consider its amount and extent.
In this connection our first object will be to determine whether it was carried on as a business before 1808. It appears that there were exchanges of slaves going on among the States and territories before this time, but whether this was anything more than of an occasional or incidental nature is a question.
The statutes of some of the States give some light along this line. South Carolina in 1792 prohibited the introduction of slaves either by land or sea.[98] Delaware, however, as early as 1787, passed a law which recites that: "Sundry negroes and mulattoes, as well freeman as slaves, have been exported and sold into other States, contrary to the principles of humanity and justice, and derogatory to the honor of this State."