FOOTNOTES: 

[648] Asiatic Researches, vol. iii. pp. 4, 5.

[649] Twenty fifth Annual Report, United Brethren, 1881.

* * * * *

Part II

SLAVERY IN THE COLONIES.

CHAPTER XV.

CONDITION OF SLAVES IN MASSACHUSETTS.

The following memorandum in Judge Sewall’s letter book was called forth by Samuel Smith, murderer of his Negro slave at Sandwich.  It illustrates the deplorable condition of servants at that time in Massachusetts, and shows Judge Sewall to have been a man of great humanity.

“The poorest Boys and Girls in this Province, such as are of the lowest Condition; whether they be English, or Indians, or Ethiopians:  They have the same Right to Religion and Life, that the Richest Heirs have.

     “And they who go about to deprive them of this Right, they
     attempt the bombarding of HEAVEN, and the Shells they throw,
     will fall down upon their own heads.

“Mr. Justice Davenport, Sir, upon your desire, I have sent you these Quotations, and my own Sentiment.  I pray GOD, the Giver and Guardian of Life, to give his gracious Direction to you, and the other Justices, and take leave, who am your brother and most humble servant,

“SAMUEL SEWALL.

     “BOSTON, July 20, 1719.

     “I inclosed also the selling of Joseph, and my Extract out
     of the Athenian Oracle.

     “To Addington Davenport, Esq., etc., going to Judge Sam’l
     Smith of Sandwitch, for killing his Negro."[650]

Petition of Slaves in Boston.

On the 23d of June, 1773, the following petition was presented to the General Court of Massachusetts, which was read, and referred to the next session:—­

     PETITION OF SLAVES IN BOSTON.

     PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY.

     To His Excellency, Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., Governor—­

“To the Honorable, His Majesty’s Council, and to the Honorable House of Representatives, in general court assembled at Boston, the 6th day of January, 1773:—­The humble petition of many slaves living in the town of Boston, and other towns in the province, is this, namely:—­

     That Your Excellency and Honors, and the Honorable the
     Representatives, would be pleased to take their unhappy
     state and condition under your wise and just consideration.