Colonial Government in Rhode Island, May, 1647.—­An Act passed to abolish Slavery in 1652, but was never enforced.—­An Act specifying what Times Indian and Negro Slaves should not appear in the Streets.—­An Impost-Tax on Slaves (1708).—­Penalties imposed on Disobedient Slaves.—­Anti Slavery Sentiment in the Colonies receives Little Encouragement.—­Circular Letter from the Board of Trade to the Governor of the English Colonies, relative to Negro Slaves.—­Governor Cranston’s Reply.—­List of Militia-Men, including White and black Servants.—­Another Letter from the Board of Trade.—­An Act preventing Clandestine Importations and Exportations of Passengers, Negroes, or Indian Slaves.—­Masters of Vessels required to report the Names and Number of Passengers to the Governor.—­Violation of the Impost-Tax Law on Slaves punished by Severe Penalties.—­Appropriation by the General Assembly, July 5, 1715, from the Fund derived from the Impost Tax, for the paving of the Streets of Newport.—­An Act passed disposing of the Money raised by Impost-Tax.—­Impost-Law repealed, May, 1732.—­An Act relating to freeing Mulatto and Negro Slaves passed 1728—­An Act passed preventing Masters of Vessels from carrying Slaves out of the Colony, June 17, 1757.—­Eve of the Revolution.—­An Act prohibiting Importation of Negroes into the Colony in 1774.—­The Population of Rhode Island in 1730 and 1774. 262

CHAPTER XX.

The colony of new Jersey.

1664-1775.

New Jersey passes into the Hands of the English.—­Political Powers conveyed to Berkeley and Carteret.—­Legislation on the Subject of Slavery during the Eighteenth Century.—­The Colony divided into East and West Jersey.—­Separate Governments.—­An Act concerning Slavery by the Legislature of East Jersey.—­General Apprehension respecting the rising of Negro and Indian Slaves.—­East and West Jersey surrender their Rights of Government to the Queen.—­An Act for regulating the Conduct of Slaves.—­Impost-Tax of Ten Pounds levied upon each Negro imported into the Colony.—­The General Court passes a Law regulating the Trial of Slaves.—­Negroes ruled out of the Militia Establishment upon Condition.—­Population of the Jerseys in 1738 and 1745. 282

CHAPTER XXI.

The colony of south Carolina.

1665-1775.

The Carolinas receive two Different Charters from the Crown of Great Britain.—­Era of Slavery Legislation.—­Law establishing Slavery.—­The Slave Population of this Province regarded as Chattel Property.—­Trial of Slaves.—­Increase of Slave Population.—­The Increase in the Rice-Trade.—­Severe Laws regulating the Private and Public Conduct of Slaves.—­Punishment of Slaves for running away.—­The Life of